4-H EXTENSION CORNER
County Youth Councils Provide Leadership The County 4-H Youth Council serves as the youth voice and advisers to each county 4-H team. Each county’s team represents a cross section of active youth between the ages of 10-18, who have at least one year of 4-H experience. Each county’s 4-H Youth Council provides opportunities to develop enhanced citizenship and leadership skills, serve as local 4-H ambassadors, function as youth-client adviser and model 4-H programming with their peers. These students gain additional citizenship and leadership skills by attending and participating in the 4-H Youth Leadership Conference, 4-H Midwinter Retreat, State 4-H Ambassadors and other leadership and citizenship events. They also help to create the annual county 4-H plan-of-work. This article will spotlight 4-H County Youth Councils from six different counties, and one Area 4-H Council representing the Wiregrass region.
Marshall County Marshall County’s 4-H Youth Council has 25 members who complete numerous community service proj-
Front Row (L to R): Breanna Black (President), Alex Lee (Vice President), Carolein van der Wel (Secretary), Landon Hamilton (Treasurer), Kaden Randles (Recreation Leader) Middle Row (L to R): Mattie Wisener, Khloe Randles, Kolton Hardin, Grayson Hamilton, Brody Smith, Kaylee Hamilton, Joy Traynor Back Row (L to R): Danny Park, Conner Hamilton, Robert Scott Johnson, Erika Ledbetter, Annalise van der Wel (Not Pictured) Marcel van der Wel, Cole Garrett, Katie Randles, Sydnee Colquitt, Landon Black, Grayce Walker, Kathryn Garrett
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Cooperative Farming News
ects throughout the year. They participate in local parades, volunteer time at local nursing homes, animal shelters and children’s hospitals, all while building a sense of teamwork and accountability with each other. They instill hope in the future generation to all who get the opportunity to meet and/or work with them. Breanna Black, a Youth Council member, stated, “Not only has 4-H Youth Council helped me grow as a leader and as a person, but it has also helped me have more compassion toward others through the many community projects we do.”
Marengo County Since 2015, the Marengo County 4-H Youth Council has brought 10th-12th grade youth together from public, private and home-school settings to promote unity, community service, workforce development and life skill development. Leadership skills are enhanced through community service projects, such as Rooster Day and Pepper Jelly Festival. The highlight of each year is the Christmas outreach to the Marengo Nursing Home, where members deliver handmade gifts and sing Christmas carols to residents. The year ends with
Front Row (L to R): Asia Williams, Sha’Tyra Bell, Sierra Ratcliff, Isabel Pacheco, Ellie Holman, Taylor Kirkham, LaTorshia Harris , Myia Lewis, Kiyauna Alston, Tamia Kemp, Jakayla Rogers, Richell Bates, Cade Kirkham Middle Row (L to R): Daniel Thomas, Caitlyn Rutledge, Makayla Richardson, Twyla Harris, Mekhel Miller Back Row (L to R): Joseph Mitchell, Silas Wilson, Blair Gibbs, Mac McPherson, Joshua Williams, Timothy Thurman, Jawaun Jones, Chelsea Etheridge
