Burke County 4‑H students and staff present growth, competitions and community programs to the board

Burke County 4‑H leaders and student representatives used the board meeting to highlight program successes, statewide recognition and youth leadership initiatives.

Savannah Kennedy, the county 4‑H staff member, summarized recent honors (district and national recognition for promotional work and videos) and growth in participation. She and other extension staff described a record District Project Achievement hosted at Blakeney Elementary (March 31) that included more than 97 Burke County participants and over 120 district participants overall.

Student leaders described competitive teams and activities: district project achievement (public speaking and portfolio work), dairy judging, consumer and cotton‑bowl judging, wildlife judging, forestry teams, the food‑challenge team (which qualified for a national seafood cook‑off) and a county drama club that staged a recent community performance. Emery Williams, a tenth grader and junior board member, told the board how the program builds confidence, public‑speaking and leadership skills.

Multiple presenters thanked the board for creating and sustaining the full‑time 4‑H educator position in Burke County. Parents and extension staff credited that investment with expanding student opportunities and increasing state and national representation.

The board applauded the presentations and invited the community to upcoming 4‑H events and the county’s Clovers and Company show.

For follow‑up: the board and staff will continue to track 4‑H participation and district support for after‑school and competitive programs.