Monticello Live

Drew County 4-H members participated in 4-H Day at the Capitol, where they met legislators, learned about the legislative process, and shared how they are making a difference in their communities through 4-H. They were among the 500 4-H members from 54 of Arkansas’ 75 counties who participated in the event held every other year when the Arkansas Legislature is in session. The statewide gathering is also a chance for 4-H to showcase its impact on a large scale. The Drew County delegation included thirteen 4-H members Ethan L., Brayden S., Jack W., Bryce B., Gavin P., Jesi Henson., Maylin C., Allison M., Kinzley J., Aubrey W., L.J. H., Alivia H., Eli F., and Jacob F., along with two leaders Keri Cater and Shante’ W.

The 4-H member group attended a Tribute to Arkansas in the Capitol Rotunda where several of the state’s elected officials spoke to them, including Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, State Treasurer John Thurston, Secretary of State Cole Jester, and Attorney General Tim Griffin, who called the 4-H gathering “the single largest group ever assembled in the Arkansas Capitol” that he could recall.

Another highlight was seeing inside the vault in the Office of the Treasurer and holding some of the money. For some of the 4-H members, 4-H Day at the Capitol was their first time seeing inside the Arkansas Capitol.

Civic engagement and leadership are part of Arkansas 4-H’s mission mandates; the others are Healthy Living and Science.

4-H Day at the Capitol is just one event that helps 4-H members understand how they can lead and make a difference. Whether serving as a local 4-H club president, conducting a community service project, or running for a state office, 4-H civic engagement programs empower young people to become well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities. For more information about Drew County 4-H, contact Drew County Cooperative Extension Service or visit www.4h.uada.edu

The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System