At the Jan. 5 meeting the board heard a Cooperative Extension 4-H presentation recognizing Craven County youth for achievements in poultry and egg competitions. Ashley Brooks introduced Lexi Gilkey and Elizabeth Peluso and detailed recent wins and national competition placements.

Brooks said the county's youth poultry program has produced national-level competitors and noted that Lexi was on a national team and placed among top finishers, while Peluso was reserve national champion in the Egg Chef Challenge, a culinary presentation competition emphasizing food safety and nutrition. The county presented certificates and commissioners praised the students' accomplishments, encouraged continued participation and invited them to stay for the meeting or leave as they preferred.

The presentation highlighted youth engagement and workforce pathways into agriculture and the poultry industry, with Brooks noting that students learn USDA standards that can translate to industry participation.