4-H Week proclaimed

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Saylor Rhoden (left) and her sister, Ryleigh, are pictured with their horses and their grand-champion and reserve grand-champion belt buckles they won at the 4-H Area North Horse Show. Saylor placed first in Verstality, while Ryleigh was second.

BY MARK J. CRAWFORD

Telegraph Editor

STARKE — Ryleigh Rhoden demonstrated the public speaking skills developed during her time in 4-H while singing the program’s praises to county commissioners Tuesday morning.

4-H members and UF/IFAS Extension staff members showed up to thank the commission for its ongoing support of the program and the youth of Bradford County.

Ryleigh, 17, said she’s been involved with 4-H for 10 years. 

“4-H has always been a huge part of my life and has taught me many valuable life skills, and it’s pushed me to strive to be the best version of myself,” she said, adding she has been blessed to compete at high-level horse shows, speak publicly and challenger herself to move beyond her comfort zones.

“My favorite thing about 4-H is how many diverse programs they offer and that you don’t have to have any experiences in any program that you choose to do. My favorite 4-H memory is horse camp when our club would get together and do fun and challenging games with our horses and club members,” she said.

Riley thanked the board for its financial support without which the ability to compete would be challenging. She said she hopes to continue representing the county and making the community proud.

Interim Extension Director Cindy Sanders said county commissioners and the county manager were recognized at the recent 4-H awards banquet and they did so again Tuesday morning. 

Commissioners took turns thanking the 4-H members and extension staff for their contributions. The commission also passed a proclamation for 4-H Week, an annual celebration of the organization’s and its members’ impact on the communities they serve.

 

National 4-H Week

For more than 100 years, 4-H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From Oct. 1-7, we will celebrate the impact of 4 H during National 4 H Week. The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is “I love 4-H.” 

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Over 230,000 members in the state of Florida help to make up the community of more than 6.5 million young people across America. 4-H is a nonformal, practical educational program for youth. Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida IFAS.

In Bradford County 4-H, young people “learn by doing” through programs such as 4-H community clubs, school enrichment, and special interest clubs. 4-H members participate in projects such as community service, science and technology, photography and creative arts, horticulture, entomology, public speaking, and animal science to develop leadership, citizenship and other life skills. 

4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, determined as of Sept. 1 of the current 4-H program year. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests.

For further information on Bradford County 4-H or to volunteer, contact the UF/IFAS Bradford County Extension office at 904-966-6224.

4-H members presented appreciation awards to Bradford County Commissioners Tuesday morning. Pictured are commissioners Kenny Thompson, Carolyn Spooner and Diane Andrews; 4-H’ers Joshua G., Caleb G., Bret P., Ryleigh R., Kaitlyn M. and Kierstyn M..; extension agent Lizzie Whitehead, commissioners Chris Dougherty and Danny Riddick, and interim Extension Director Cindy Sanders.
Day camp. Pictured left to right: Back row – Lizzie Whitehead (UF/IFAS Bradford County Livestock Agent), Zane T., Front row – Nick W., Shawn W., Isabella T., Evelyn Rose F., Cayden C., Callie S., Ansley S., Bret P., Luke Harlow (UF/IFAS Bradford County Horticulture and Small Farms Agent), and Dr. Cindy Sanders (UF/IFAS Bradford County Acting Extension Director).
2023 State Champions. Pictured (l-r) are volunteer coach Carson Willis, Shayna D., Tanner C., Bailey J., Bailey V. and Coach Lizzie Whithead, UF/IFAS Bradford County Extension Livestock Agent.
The GRITS girls and their ornaments at Christmas. L-R: Callie S., Cadence M., Sadie T., Ansley S., Shayle H., Katy H., Harley S., Emma G.
4-H Cloverbuds receiving an award at the recent 4-H banquet.
Callie S., Ansley S., and Caleb G.
Livestock Judging Team members showing off thier jackets. Pictured (l-r) are agent Lizzie Whitehead, Regan B., Tanner C., Shayna D., Bailey J., Ansley W., Bailey V., Cayman B., and Carson Willis.
Poultry Judging Team places second at the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair: Mason S., Reese S., Cayman B., and Hailey G.
Members of the Show Stoppers 4-H Club: William H., Payton M., Teagan B., Kaitlyn M., Kierstyn M., Ridge B., and Auston M.
Table setting ribbon holders at the Bradford County Fair: Teagan B., Natalie T., Cadence M., Mattilyn K., and Ansley S.

 

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