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While I may not have grown up in a “military” family, I have always been surrounded by family members who have dedicated a part of their life to serve our country in the U.S. Military. Growing up, I always heard the stories of both of my Granddads’ and my own Dad’s military adventures. Their stories of serving during wartime have always made me proud. However, it wasn’t until I visited a veterans’ hospital with my Dad, who was there for a medical appointment, that I fully began to realize the sacrifices our military men and women make to serve our country. It was there in the halls of the Dublin VA Medical Center that I began to ask myself, “What can I do to give back to them?”

What stood out the most to me in those hallways, were the lonely faces and the lack of smiles. My Mom will tell you that I am one of the most smiley people she knows. So it hurt my heart to see so many faces who had lost a sense of hope and didn’t have much to smile about. One of my favorite quotes by former 4‑H’er Dolly Parton states: “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!”

It was at that VA hospital I realized that we all love to get cards, and because of my love for art, I felt like this was the perfect way to bring smiles to those hurting men and women. Hearing the stories of my family members who have served our country helped me to understand that military service in and of itself is a sacrifice. However, seeing those men and women in wheelchairs, some with very serious injuries, and many with no family or friends to visit, made me realize that those of us that have benefited from the service of our Veterans can be the difference in bringing a little bit of joy back into their lives.

For the last five years, I have organized teams of volunteers to create handmade cards, pack and deliver care packages to the long-term patients of the VA Hospital in Dublin. Additionally, once a year, 4‑H’ers come to our delivery to provide Music therapy through singing and playing instruments. And because of this, joy is what Operation: Veteran Smiles has brought to more than 4,000 Veterans of the Carl Vinson VA Hospital in Dublin, Georgia since 2012.

Support Operation: Veteran Smiles

Donate a care package to a veteran in need by purchasing a Smile Kit. Each kit will be hand-delivered by a volunteer, providing much-needed positive social interaction and support to isolated veterans. Kits include essential toiletries, a get-well card and a deck of playing cards.

The date is set and the countdown is on for the 2017 4‑H Youth in Action Awards Program! These awards are the highest honors National 4‑H Council grants to outstanding 4‑H’ers who embody 4‑H youth empowerment and leadership.

So what does it mean to be a 4‑H Youth in Action recipient? Since being honored, our 2016 winners have received once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in their fields of interest to learn, mentor, inform and inspire others to be leaders in their communities through action and service.

Get reacquainted with the 2016 4‑H Youth in Action winners, Ru, Thad, Lexie and Jacob, and see what they’ve been up to since being honored.

Ruwanthi Ekanayake – National Winner

“Stepping forward into my future, I have an unlikely confidence in my future—a confidence that I have 4‑H to thank.”

Ruwanthi (Ru) Ekanayake, through University of California Cooperative Extension, is the 2016 winner in the Healthy Living pillar, sponsored by Molina Healthcare. As a member of the National 4‑H Healthy Living Ambassador team, Ru has been instrumental at bringing 4‑H’ers across the country together. She has also launched The Fourth H blog and created a Healthy Living Youth Summit for nine counties in Southern California.

Since her win as the Healthy Living and National winner, Ru has continued her work as an advocate for health and wellness. As the National Healthy Living youth spokesperson, she participated in a national 2017 4‑H Youth in Action webinar, sharing her experience and journey as a 4‑H Youth in Action Award recipient.

Thaddeus Hughes

“I am blessed, through 4‑H, with the ability to connect with other youth that share a passion and vision for a better world.”

Thaddeus (Thad) Hughes, through University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, is the recipient of the 2016 STEM pillar award, sponsored by HughesNet. Thad has been a mentor for FIRST Lego League and Illinois State Robotics Competition teams for four years. Over the course of his work in 4‑H, he has helped to introduce STEM and robotics to more than 6,000 youth across Illinois.

In the past few months, Thad has continued to share and strengthen his passion for STEM and robotics. He received hands-on experience as an intern at HughesNet, where he served as a mentor/facilitator of their exclusive 4‑H National Youth Science Day Preview Event. He also appeared in a segment for the 2016 American Graduate Day broadcast, where he was joined by NASA astronaut and 4‑H alumna Peggy Whitson.

Lexie Lerblance

“I can’t wait to encourage our youth to work to obtain whatever their dreams may be! All it takes is someone to ask us to step up and be a leader.” 

The winner of the 2016 Citizenship pillar is Lexie Lerblance, through Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension. As her 4‑H Project of Excellence, Lexie helped create TLC Wig Closet, a non-profit that provides wigs, head coverings, bras and prosthesis for women suffering from breast cancer. Through her 4‑H experience, she has spoken at the Pink Ribbon Luncheon and gave presentations to the Federal Board of Education.

Since being honored as the Citizenship pillar winner, Lexie has continued her work in serving her community. She attended the 4‑H Citizenship Washington Focus with the Oklahoma delegation, where she learned what it really means to be a good citizen. Additionally, she was inducted into the Oklahoma 4‑H Hall of Fame, ranked number one in her state.

Jacob Shuman

“I hope to motivate those with learning difficulties to join 4‑H, to reach for that brass ring and attain success.”

Jacob Shuman, through Ohio State University Cooperative Extension, is the 2016 Agriculture & Animal Science winner. He earned this award by creating TEACH B’s (Teens Educating Adults and Children about Honey Bees), a program that educates people about the importance of honeybees in pollinating crops and the need to help them survive in changing climates.

Jacob’s passion for bee care and awareness has since grown tremendously since his Youth in Action win. He had the opportunity to visit the Bayer CropScience facility and took in their bee exhibit and greenhouse.

Learn more about the 2017 4‑H Youth in Action Awards Program and how to apply: www.4‑H.org/YouthinAction

 

The Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip is almost a rite of passage for the older 4‑H members in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, or at least it felt that way to me. Many of my 4‑H role models and friends were older than me and therefore got to go on the CWF trip years before I could. This summer was (finally) my turn! For Oklahoma delegates, CWF is a ten-day bus trip—four days traveling and five days in Washington, D.C.

On the way to D.C., we stopped in Gettysburg, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We had the opportunity to learn about historical events that happened in each city that helped shape our country, and we also had the chance to see and experience things as they were two hundred years ago. Our time in Washington, D.C. was action packed. Personally, I’ve traveled to D.C. a few times before going on CWF, but I had never experienced anything like this. It’s more than just a tourist trip.

On the trip, we toured monuments and memorials, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the National Cathedral. At each of these places, we learned more than just facts and figures. We learned why each memorial and monument was created and who they honor. We toured George Washington’s home and walked around the grounds as he would have. We visited the graves of the Kennedy brothers and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We found a 4‑H clover and a piece of lunar rock in the stained glass windows of the National Cathedral.

My favorite parts of CWF were touring and learning about the monuments/memorials and seeing the other delegates’ reactions to all of the places we went to. Even though we had late nights and early mornings, I loved how excited the Oklahoma delegation was to learn something new each day.

When we weren’t touring, we were at the National 4‑H Conference Center learning about what it means to be a good citizen and a good leader. We learned about how our government works and how bills are passed in workshops, and then we got to experience United States government first hand during our time on Capitol Hill.

Being a delegate on this year’s CWF trip has given me a greater appreciation for history. I’m more aware of little things that had a helping hand in shaping this country. I also learned things like the properties of a good citizen: being respectful, up-to-date on current issues, obeying the law, being patriotic, etc. Being a good citizen is important, and going on this trip has taught me how to be one. While the trip was educational, it was also extremely fun! I met so many new people. 10/10 would recommend.

On April 19th, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) celebrated its 20th anniversary by launching its Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time initiative. The effort builds on the conservation work DCF has been doing over the last two decades, and brings focus to two specific impact areas: 1) reversing the decline of 10 animals including African elephants; butterflies; coral reefs; tamarin monkeys; great apes; sea turtles; sharks and rays; cranes; rhinos; and tigers and 2) increasing the time kids spend in nature to inspire them to care for the planet.

At 4‑H, we are proud to partner with DCF for the third year to empower urban youth in key market areas to explore nature and the outdoors through the 4‑H Connecting Youth to Nature program. Currently, we are working in California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. These urban youth explore how organisms interact with the environment and learn how to address environmental issues, such as air and water quality, and how to sustain the ecology.

This initiative gives youth who rarely get the opportunity to spend time outdoors access to local, hands-on, outdoor nature experiences and projects. Not only does it help kids feel a connection with natural world, but it gives them the skills and experience they need to help make an impact in their communities.

Last year, 4‑H Connecting Youth to Nature programs exposed more than 13,000 youth, families and volunteers to the joys of nature and the outdoors. Through camps, field trips, afterschool programs, in-school projects, and teen-led enrichment programs, urban youth experience nature first-hand in order to gain a greater appreciation for the ecosystems and nature surrounding their communities.

Some kids are quick to say they do not like the outdoors. Others struggle to give up their phone to explore nature. But nearly all the kids who experience nature through 4‑H discover a passion for being outdoors in nature, regardless of perceived interest. 4‑H Connecting Youth to Nature helps kids discover the outdoors in a number of ways—from community cleanup efforts to planting native plants, and from removing invasive species to assessing habitat quality. For example, in Anaheim 4‑H helped urban youth grow milkweed plants in green houses as well as maintain bug hotels and bird houses. In New York City, 4‑H introduced youth to city parks where they planted flower bulbs and cared for trees in their own neighborhoods. In Oahu, 4‑H’ers learned how recycling preserves the state’s natural resources and pristine environment.

And 4‑H Connecting Youth to Nature goes beyond just helping young people be aware of environmental issues. It also helps them understand that they can make a difference protecting nature not only in their communities, but in the world. In fact, as a result of the program, 90 percent of participating youth said they felt good when they are outdoors, 88 percent said they care more about the environment, and 78 percent said they feel it’s their responsibility to protect nature.

It is an exciting time for 4‑H and I am proud to be part of the Grow True Leaders Campaign. I am so blessed to have been a part of Grow True Leaders Week and am honored to have been chosen as the national 4‑H Youth in Action winner in Citizenship. Thank you, National 4‑H Council, for making me feel so empowered. The week was an amazing experience and one that I will treasure for a lifetime. I went into our Media Training weekend unsure and a little nervous, but left with confidence and three new friends with amazing families. The Media Training weekend gave me a lot of insight on interviewing for television and radio.


I have always been proud of how 4‑H involves such a diverse group of people. I was amazed at the other pillar winners’ stories and enjoyed learning about their project areas. I am fortunate to have met Ru, Thaddeus, and Jacob. From the beginning we all really hit it off. They are what 4‑H is all about- growing true leaders!


During Grow True Leaders Week, my favorite experience was the Youth Rally. I really enjoyed teaching the Urban Gardening workshop and getting to know 4‑H’ers from around the nation! I also loved getting to tell my 4‑H story during the Satellite Media Tour with Jennifer Nettles and Miss America, Betty Cantrell.


The Gala was a beautiful event full of wonderful people who were gathered to celebrate and support 4‑H. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous! I enjoyed being able to network at the event and watching the performances and presentations! It was very humbling when it came time to watch my video and receive my Youth in Action Award.

I am so excited to see what the future holds and can’t wait to encourage our youth to reach for the stars and work to obtain whatever their dreams may be! All it takes is someone to ask us to step up and be a leader.

California 4-H

Erika is a California 4-H volunteer and a mother of two children who both participate in 4-H. Here’s her story:

“4-H is very important to me, and gives me the opportunity to help my community. It is also an opportunity to support my two children in educational programs. I volunteer at many events in my community and I try to set a good example to my children. Sharing with others our time and talents is the best way to help! . . . We have two clubs and our vision is to open more! Ours is a small community with a large number of Hispanic and low-income students; 4-H will help many families!

THANKS 4-H!”

"El programa ayudara a muchas familias. ¡GRACIAS 4-H!" - Erika, California 4-H

Kyle is a Delaware 4-H alum who is currently majoring in agribusiness:

4-H has impacted Kyle’s life in many ways. It has given him the direction and guidance to work toward and achieve his goals. Kyle comes from what is considered to be an underserved community. His influence in that community and school has been felt throughout by achieving goals only hard work and determination can achieve. He has a powerful work ethic that has encouraged his fellow club members to reach for higher goals and accomplishments that is felt throughout his community. Kyle is well known in Sussex County for his many accomplishments and is an example to all young people that setting goals and working toward them can be done.

Georgia 4-H
Georgia 4-H’ers participated in great programming like Mentor Up, Citizenship Washington Focus, and Health Rocks!:Ka’Shawn attended Citizenship Washington Focus in 2014, and from that experience felt he would like to pursue a career in politics. Since his trip, he has been growing his leadership through taking on roles in 4-H by getting involved with his STEM Robotics club, becoming a junior Camp counselor at 4-H Healthy Living & STEM summer camps and at his local high school.
Royce, an Idaho 4-H’er, has served the Coeur d’Alene community for two years as a 4-H Food Smart Families teen advocate.
“Kids watch a lot of TV these days, so I like being able to teach them about how nutrition and healthy living can be fun too. I volunteer for Coeur d’Alene for Kids, and because of 4-H I have become a better mentor to them, and they look up to me more. I’ve had a hard time with public speaking—I’ve been shy. Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now.”
"Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now." - Royce, Idaho 4-H
Iowa 4-H and college student, Allison, stays involved in 4-H by serving as a 4-H club leader:
 
“4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love, and when I was younger it was finally somewhere I could fit in and be myself, which is still true today. The most important thing that 4-H ever gave me was the confidence to believe in myself. This may not seem like much, but to me it was everything as it helped me through many difficult situations that I have struggled with in my life, including my life long fight with obesity. I have also had the great fortune to be one of five individuals from across the U.S. to serve on the National 4-H Healthy Living Team as a youth ambassador, specializing in nutrition, healthy eating, and weight management . . . Being chosen to join this team and represent 4-H, healthy living, the United States, and Iowa is the most humbling opportunity I have ever been given.”

"4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love." - Allison, Iowa 4-H

Here is the story of Alexis, a Louisiana 4-H'er:
 
“This past year was the first year I became a member of the Louisiana State 4-H Food and Fitness Board. Being on this board has allowed me to further my knowledge and experience of living a healthy lifestyle. Coping with an injury throughout the past year, I could no long be as physically active as I used to, so I had to find ways to stay healthy. The Food and Fitness Board helped me discover new ways to do just that . . . The Food and Fitness Board has used the grant to plan events as well as go to different events to meet new people and go to new places. This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today.”

"This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today." - Alexis, Louisiana 4-H

Baltimore, Maryland 4-H
 
4-H’ers in Baltimore participated in Health Rocks!:
 
Baltimore has been regrouping and recovering from the recent April uprisings. Our youth have been put in some unsettling environments. As a result, the Health Rocks! curriculum has been such a precious gift per several of the parents and grandparents. We had the opportunity and privilege to spend quality time with those youth who normally would just hang out in the community. However, with rec centers closed they were eager to attend 4-H. The structured program provided has ignited youth old and young to come together and work the plan as they plan to work hard to be constructive and not destructive. Healthy lifestyle and healthy life choices has been included in their summer days, afternoons, and after school hours.
 
Michigan 4-H’er and active teen leader Ryan shares his story of 4-H leadership:
 
“4-H is important to me for several reasons. First of all, it is an opportunity for me to build skills in leadership, public speaking, showmanship, and many other categories. From singing my heart out as a camp counselor, to presenting projects and information to large groups, to properly showing a chicken to the head of the American Poultry Association, I’ve gained a lot of experience in real world situations and can now use that experience in the future.”
We continue our celebration of 4‑H youth impact across the nation, here are just a few of the many ways 4‑H empowered youth and built true leaders in 2015.

Jerry, a Mississippi 4‑H’er, serves as a Youth Health Ambassador with Alcorn State Eat4‑Health Program:

“I have been in 4‑H for 3-1/2 years. During that time, 4‑H has helped me learn a lot about leadership, teamwork and communication (public speaking). Being in 4‑H has also helped me develop better decision-making skills, it has helped me be more responsible and take charge of my life.

Participating in the Citizenship Washington Focus program has changed my life. Traveling to Washington, D.C. has given me a new look on life. Before this trip I was not sure where I was going but today I know I am going to college and I would like to be an educator. This experience helped me to learn more about 4‑H and my government, things that will help me be a better 4‑H’er and citizen. I have always been a little shy, but CWF gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different backgrounds and communities. This gave me confidence in myself and my abilities.”

"Being in 4‑H helped me develop better decision-making skills, be more responsible, and take charge of my life." – Jerry, Mississippi 4‑H

Nebraska 4‑H
Nebraska 4‑H’er Emily’s story is one of 4 H skill and responsibility:

“4‑H has helped me amplify my love for agriculture, and build my skills in other areas that are important to me, such as: Citizenship, Sewing, Cooking, and Photography. 4‑H has also helped me to become a confident individual. I have helped improve my community by volunteering my abilities to do different community service projects with my club and with my friends. I love when I get the chance to participate in community service projects that younger generations are involved in because I feel like I am leading them to do good in their lives also.”

"4‑H has also helped me to become a confident individual." – Emily, Nebraska 4‑H

Jessica is a North Carolina 4‑H’er who has been showing goats since the age of 10. Now in college and an active 4‑H volunteer, she wrote a beautiful poem about her time as a 4‑H’er:

Showing days are over, It’s time for college
From a 4-leaf clover, I leave with my knowledge
From a girl who was once shy, and had no clue what to do in the ring
Saying goodbye with a cry, Especially in the spring
Showing taught me a lot, Most importantly responsibility
I gave it all I got, With much acceptability
Win or lose, Different judge every time, Can put you in the blues
But worth every dime . . .
I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for this
Made a lot of friends along the way, Ones I’ll definitely miss
My goal in life is to help others, So that’s what I’m going to do
Make a difference in my life and another’s—Maybe yours too