During the Jan. 5 meeting the board recognized two Craven County 4‑H students for national competition results. Ashley Burkes of Cooperative Extension introduced Lexi Gilkey and Elizabeth Peluso and described their national placements: Lexi competed on a team that placed among the top teams nationally in poultry judging and Elizabeth was reserve national champion in the Egg Chef Challenge presentation.

Burkes said the competitions develop practical judging, cooking and communication skills and that the students were invited by the National Poultry Federation to attend an international production and processing expo in Georgia. Commissioners presented certificates and praised the students' accomplishments, saying the county is proud to see local youth representing Craven County at national events.