4-H activities impact Tuscaloosa student in a positive way

BY CAROLYN DRINKARD

At nine years old, Lily Kathryn Crutchfield discovered something that would change her life. She joined 4-H and came upon a whole new world of opportunities and excitement that she could not have found elsewhere.

Lily Kathryn lives in Tuscaloosa. When she started 4-H in the fourth grade, she joined the archery club and participated in the rabbit project. She soon assumed leadership roles in the Youth Council and the rabbit club.

Josie Beth Sentell (L), Laura Miller, 4-H Agent (C), and Lily Kathryn Crutchfield cuddle their rabbits at the West Alabama Rabbit Show.

Each year, Lily Kathryn tried more new things that interested her. “She’s amazing,” said Laura Miller, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator from Tuscaloosa County. “Basically, anything in 4-H, which she hasn’t tried yet, she plans to.”

Now, in seventh grade, Lily Kathryn is still expanding her horizons. She serves on the Youth Council and attends both 4-H and STEM camps during the summer. She is still a member of the rabbit club, working with her two pets, Henry and Sprinkles.

“I like to see my rabbits jump around,” she said. “I give them treat sticks, and I show them.”

Lily Kathryn does community service with her rabbits, too. She takes them to the local armory and thanks veterans for their service. She also uses them for pet therapy.

Lily Kathryn Crutchfield puts the rabbit manure on the hydrangeas and then grows these flowers, cuts and sells the bouquets to assist with funding her rabbit project. Her sister, Lizzy Ann (L), helps her.

She has now transitioned into entrepreneurship. To pay for her 4-H projects, she started her own small businesses. One was a wreath venture, where she grew boxwood shrubs and clipped the branches to make beautiful, fresh wreaths to sell. Lily Kathryn makes these by using a wreath ring and attaching the sprigs with wire. She carefully weaves the greenery to make lush, live beauties that she sells for $35, or two for $60. No two wreaths are ever the same.

In the summer, she works with her other flower business. She raises hydrangeas and then cuts and arranges them into stunning bouquets. She sells these arrangements to acquire additional revenue for her 4-H projects.

Lily Kathryn’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped her earn enough money to support the upkeep of her rabbits. After one of her pets recently got sick, she paid the vet bill from her earnings. She donates some of her earnings to her church and saves the rest. Her wreath and flower businesses have given her firsthand experience in the costs and maintenance of an agricultural business.

Lily Kathryn Crutchfield creates boxwood wreath designs in the winter as part of her 4-H project. She documents and uses the funding from her small business to pay for her 4-H Rabbit Project.

Lily Kathryn's “never-say-die” attitude means that she does not give up. When she first started her egg cookery project, she admits that she was not very good; however, she practiced and worked hard to get better. Later, she placed on both the regional and state levels.

She believes that her 4-H experiences have already boosted her self-confidence. “4-H has helped me with leadership,” she explained. “I can now give a speech in front of a large group of people. Three years ago, I could not do this."

Through 4-H, Lily Kathryn has also found opportunities to explore different careers, network with others and meet more people. "4-H has helped me volunteer in the community and meet new people at camps and club meetings,” she added.

She has gained a new appreciation for service to others. Her 4-H involvement through the years has helped her develop a sense of generosity toward others and use her skills to make her community a better place.

“It has been my pleasure to watch Lily Kathryn grow into a leader through 4-H,” Laura Miller added. “She’s comfortable meeting new people, has a way to make people feel welcome and looks for leadership positions in her community clubs. She is also a joy to work with!”

4-H VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to the 2023 4-H Volunteers of the Year who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to 4-H locally, regionally and statewide.

2023 Honorees:

Northwest Alabama – Nancy Jean, Walker County

Northeast Alabama – John Lovelady, Jackson County

West Central Alabama – Amy Rice, Tuscaloosa County

Central Alabama – Pat Farmer, Chilton County

East Central Alabama – Willey McCollum, Clay County

Southeast Alabama – Stan Windham, Coffee County

Southwest Alabama – Kelly Boykin, Clarke County