Covington County hears 4‑H presentation and funding request from extension office

Chair opened the meeting and introduced a presentation from the Extension Office, which said the county’s 4‑H program is active across multiple curricula and asked the commission to continue funding its operations.

Chuck Simon, representing the Extension Office, told commissioners: "Every year, we like to come up and show you how we spent your money" and noted the office is "number 1 in the state" for its 4‑H work. Katie Lee, the extension agent who led the staff presentation, described a mix of natural‑resources, STEM, leadership and animal‑science activities and asked commissioners to review an annual booklet that documents outcomes and expenditures. "We work really hard with our program to offer a variety of things from natural resources to STEM, to leadership, to animal science, to give all of the youth from 9 to 18 an opportunity," Lee said.

Students who participated spoke about recent competitions and travel. Bryson Browder said he "placed 3rd in the state" in archery and has the opportunity to compete further; Ellie Odom, identified as a former Alabama 4‑H state ambassador, described trips to national competitions and said the program helped her access learning and leadership opportunities. Lee told the commission the program provides free after‑school activities and that "we take about 30 we took 37 students to summer camp, provided the transportation," noting scholarships supported students who otherwise could not afford trips.

The presentation included participation figures given by staff: about 2,300 students reached through classroom programs, and "about 2 or 300" participating in after‑school activities across the year. Staff asked the commission to consider continued funding in the county budget cycle; commissioners thanked the group for the report and accepted the materials for review.