Crenshaw County 4-H holds banquet, looks back on year
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
A 4-H Banquet was held May 26 at Luverne Church of Christ to recognize Crenshaw County 4-H members that participated in community clubs and animal events. Also recognized were 4-H members that competed at the Southeast Alabama 4-H Regionals in Andalusia.
Emma Foster, recent graduate of Highland Home High School, was recognized for her nine-year membership and extensive involvement in Crenshaw County 4-H, beginning in fourth grade. Initially Foster participated in every 4-H project she could, but when the Crenshaw County Trailblazers Horse Club was formed, it became her main focus.
Over the years, Foster and her fellow horse club team members have brought home multiple local and state ribbons, competing in various events like general knowledge quiz bowl, hippology, which tests knowledge of equine science, as well as the application of this knowledge in a competitive setting, creative writing, photography, horse judging, riding events, and more. Foster was also and for being the recipient of the first ever Alabama 4-H Foundation Scholarship.
“4-H has provided me with so many opportunities and lifelong friendships and has helped me prepare for the future,” Foster said. “Through 4-H I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried a lot of new things, something important to have experience in when moving on to a new chapter in life. If I could say anything to younger students, I would tell them that it’s okay to get out of your comfort zone and that it’s okay to make mistakes because that is a part of learning new things. Highschool goes by fast so make the best of it, make new friends, try new things, and don’t be afraid to join 4-H because it truly is an experience you’ll hold on to for a lifetime”
According to Heather Sanders, 4-H Foundation regional Extension agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Foster is a hard working, dedicated, and very deserving student who will succeed in any endeavors.
“It is such an honor to present you with this scholarship and acknowledge your nine year involvement with 4-H,” Sanders said. “Your hard work in school, in the community, and in the 4-H program is what made you stand out among the 100s of other 4-H Foundation Scholarship applicants and I know your dedication is going to take you far.”
Sanders went on to say that although the school year saw lots of smile and ribbons, what could not be seen was the bravery it took for students to speak in front of judges for the first time, adding that all of the students are winners in the fact they chose to participate and gain experience.
Crenshaw County 4-H leaders hope to grow the program in the coming year. For more information about the program, visit the Crenshaw County 4-H Facebook page or call the Extension office at (334) 335-6312I.