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Expanding Healthy Living with Grant from Walmart Foundation

May 13, 2013 in mainfeature

4-H better living pledgeThe Walmart Foundation announced its continued support of 4-H Healthy Living programs with a new $2 million donation to expand the Walmart 4-H Youth Voice: Youth Choice program in Delaware and 20 other states. This new gift will allow the Walmart 4-H Youth Voice: Youth Choice program to expand its reach from 15 to 21 states across the nation, reaching nearly 75,000 at-risk youth and their families with interactive education about nutrition and food security challenges. The Wal-Mart foundation has been a strong supporter of 4-H Healthy Living programs for several years having granted $4.3 million to 4-H since 2009.

In Delaware this effort will directly impact 3000 youth who will receive 6 hours of the Up for the Challenge: Lifetime Fitness, Healthy Decisions curriculum. The curriculum will be delivered by extension staff and a cadre of teens who will be trained in the curriculum and will deliver it in afterschool programs, community centers, 4-H clubs and other sites. This model is already well established in Delaware to support Health Rocks. The program will be implemented at all Delaware 4-H afterschool sites including the 7 DSHA sites, all SNAP-ED and EFNEP sites and Dover AFB sites. These sites alone reach 2000 youth or more. Indirectly the program is expected to reach an additional 17,000 youth and families.

Delaware is recruiting youth ages 13 and up to facilitate the program with our EFNEP staff members. This provides an opportunity for youth leadership and enhanced communication skills. We have funds available to stipend youth in this effort. A youth training is scheduled for Saturday June 15 from 10:00- 12:30 at the Paradee Center in Dover, DE. For a copy of the registration form visit our web site.

According to the Child Trends Data Bank, child-aged food insecurity is associated with a greater risk for being overweight. Food insecurity can result in lower diet quality and less variety, both of which can contribute to being overweight and nutritionally deprived. Evaluation results from the 2011-2012 Youth Voice: Youth Choice program years show that participating young people reported a higher understanding of nutrition and physical activity knowledge and an increased active use of that knowledge. Additionally, participants’ attitudes towards nutrition and physical activity became more positive and young people showed an improved ability to make healthy food choices, even in food insecure settings.

“The Walmart Foundation has been a committed partner to 4-H in the fight to help youth live better, healthier lives,” said Donald T. Floyd Jr., National 4-H Council president and CEO. “Food insecurity and poor nutritional choices pose numerous potentially damaging risks, including delayed cognitive development in children and chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. The Walmart 4-H Youth Voice: Youth Choice program provides youth with the opportunity to take the lead to actively address these issues with their families, peers and their communities, resulting in a significant positive health impact.”

The Walmart 4-H Youth Voice: Youth Choice program in Delaware will engage young people and their parents by focusing on forming healthy eating habits based on the “My Plate” dietary guidelines provided by the USDA. The program will also include developing community gardens, an effort to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and allow members of the community to learn first-hand about the benefits and nutritional properties of certain foods.

“Through the 4-H Healthy Living Program, thousands of youth in states throughout the country will gain access to information and experiences designed to help them make positive nutrition choices and live a healthy life,” said Karrie Denniston, director of the Walmart Foundation. “The tools provided by 4-H will engage not only the participants and their families in healthy eating, but will also have an overall positive impact on the communities where they live.”

In addition to Delaware this generous gift will support 4-H Youth Voice: Youth Choice in 20 other states including: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia. 4-H’s placement within NIFA, an agency of USDA, and unique program delivery via the Cooperative Extension System at the nation’s 109 land-grant universities offers a unique matrix of connections and collaborations to help address issues of nutrition, physical fitness, obesity and food insecurity among America’s young people.

For more information on 4-H Healthy Living programs, please visit www.4-H.org or the Delaware 4-H Youth Development website.

About 4-H:

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant colleges and universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their local Extension offices. 4-H programs are further supported by 514,000 dedicated adult volunteers around the nation who help to put 4-H youth on a path towards successful careers.

About Philanthropy at Walmart:

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustai

nability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than one billion meals to those in need across the country.
Contact Mark Manno, State 4-H Program Leader for more information about the grant award. 

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Delaware 4-H and FFA Spring Dairy Expo Results

April 25, 2013 in mainfeature, News

68 exhibitors presented 76 entries to judge Katie Albaugh of Walkersville, Maryland, at the recent Delaware 4-H and FFA Spring Dairy Expo held at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Champion awards were presented to the following entries and exhibitors:

Bethany_dairyexpo

CHAMPION FITTING AND SHOWMANSHIP- Presented in Memory of Susan Hudson- Logan Derickson, Middletown, Delaware

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Fawnwood Burdette Tab exhibited by Rachael Carey, Bridgeville, Delaware

AYRSHIRE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW-Fawnwood Boston Cupcake exhibited by Mackenzie Bender, Greenwood, Delaware

AYRSHIRE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Fawnwood Boston Cupcake exhibited by Mackenzie Bender, Greenwood, Delaware

Breed-Champions-dairyexpo

Breed Champions left to right: Logan Derickson, Laura Emerson, Ryan VanSant, Mackenzie Bender, Kristen Hedstrom, Judge Katie Albaugh

BROWN SWISS JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Stephs Paycheck Nim exhibited by Kristen Hedstrom of Harrington, Delaware

BROWN SWISS SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Brothers-Three R Natalie-ET exhibited by Ethan Bender of Greenwood, Delaware

BROWN SWISS GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Stephs Paycheck Nim exhibited by Kristen Hedstrom of Harrington, Delaware

GUERNSEY SENIOR AND GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Pare-View NUC Jennalee Jiffy exhibited by Logan Derickson of Middletown, Delaware

JERSEY JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW-G&S Tequila Kiwi exhibited by Bethany Knutsen of Harrington, Delaware

Logan-and-Melanie-dairyexpo

Logan and Melanie: left to right Logan Derickson, Champion Showman and Melanie Jackson, Delaware Dairy Princess

JERSEY GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Wala Giler Mattie exhibited by Laura Emerson of Middletown, Delaware

HOLSTEIN JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Maple Dell GLDSON Sayo-ET exhibited by Laura Emerson of Middletown, Delaware

HOLSTEIN SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Greenlea Gold Rose-ET exhibited by Ryan VanSant of Middletown, Delaware

HOLSTEIN GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE JUNIOR AND OPEN SHOW- Greenlea Gold Rose-ET exhibited by Ryan VanSant of Middletown, Delaware

BEST BRED AND OWNED HOLSTEIN-Presented in Memory of Kenny Warren- Rob-Sara Goldwyn Lovey-ET exhibited by Robbie Emerson of Middletown, Delaware

SUPREME CHAMPION JUNIOR SHOW- Presented in Memory of Sam and Myrtle Dixon- Greenlea Gold Rose-ET exhibited by Ryan VanSant of Middletown, Delaware

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2013 National 4-H Conference

April 17, 2013 in mainfeature

A delegation of eight Delaware 4-H youth representing New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties attended the National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC, on April 6-11, 2013. The Delaware delegation returned home from a week in which more than 270 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the country gathered to exchange ideas, gain knowledge to share back at home and develop recommendations to help guide the future of 4-H programs nationally and in their communities.  Kimberlyn Scott, Jonah Vincent, and Sydney James represented Sussex County; Regina Reynolds represented New Castle County, and Philip Moore, McKenzie Ivory, Jessica Sullivan, and Natalie Brooks represented Kent County.

Through various conference sessions and facilitated discussions, delegates learned and shared information on current trends and issues relevant to 4-H and youth, building effective partnerships, creating innovative 4-H programs, expanding the use of technology, working with diverse groups, and impacting community needs.   At the completion of roundtable discussions, delegates gave presentations to federal agencies to recommend innovative change and represent youth voice.

Delegates also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Carper on Capitol Hill Day to represent youth from their state and discuss S2013 National 4-H Conference-Senator Carpertate 4-H programs.

The National 4-H Conference upholds a tradition dating back to 1927 when the first “National 4-H Club Camp” was held on the grounds of the National Mall in front of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Known as the “Secretary’s Conference”, National 4-H Conference continues to be USDA’s premier youth development event.

(l-r: Jonah Vincent, Jessica Sullivan, McKenzie Ivory, Senator Carper, Regina Reynolds, Sydney James, Philip Moore, and Natalie Reynolds)

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Mikayla Ockels, Sussex 4-H’er wins Delaware essay contest

March 20, 2013 in mainfeature

Mikayla OckelsSussex County 4-H member Mikayla Ockels, 14, has won the 2013 Delaware State Education Association Read Across America student contest, part of a national effort  to encourage reading.

Ockels, a 9th grader at Sussex Central High School in Millsboro, was one of 240 entrants from the First State. Students could submit a poster, video or research essay, depending on their grade level.  The News Journal donated a full- page color spread celebrating all the winners.

“I love to read and I love to write,” says Ockels, whose writing talents won her Third Place in a national bee essay in 2011. Her teacher in the medical-clinical pathway,  Melanie Marshall, RN, also knew of Mikayla’s fondness for the written word and urged her student to submit an essay for consideration.

Read Across America focuses on the literary works of Theodor Geisel, better known to millions of youth and adult readers as Dr. Seuss. At the high school level, students were asked to consider Seuss’s 1984 The Butter Battle Book. While considered primarily as a children’s author, Seuss infused his tales with deeper meanings.  Ockels was challenged to consider the metaphors Seuss intended in his satire on the Cold War – a conflict that was still active when the book was published in 1984. Mikayla was also asked to tie the book’s themes to a modern conflict. For that, Mikayla chose the Middle East.

In just under 900 words, Ockels analyzed Dr. Seuss’s message. In The Butter Battle Book, serious, war-like tension exists between the feuding Zooks and Yooks who live on opposite sides of a long wall. The division cuts through peoples and cultures. The opposing citizens are defined and judged by what side of a slice of bread they choose to butter.  The Zooks insist on eating their bread with the butter side down and Yooks consider the right honest way is to consume the slice with the butter side up.

“The message of the book is to showcase how conflicts that affect humanity can be so silly,” Ockels said. “People need to step back and look at the situation from a different perspective, rather than escalate a conflict,” she added.

In her essay, Ockels elaborated, “The wall separating the Zooks and the Yooks is a direct representation of the Berlin Wall, drawing a line that divides a group of people that might have worked together, shared ideas, and benefited from each other.” Ockels continued in her summary, “Dr. Seuss was trying to demonstrate the unnecessary controversy that can rise from a case of close-mindedness…Dr. Seuss recognized the necessity of coexisting, working with, instead of against, people.” You can read Ockels winning essay here.

A week after submitting the essay, Ockels learned she had won. She was offered her choice of a $200 savings bond or a $100 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble and chose the latter. She is eager to visit the bookstore and think about new titles she will add to her library.  For submitting a winning essay, her teacher will receive an e-reader, and Ockels’ 9th grade class will receive a pizza party. “We are pretty excited about that,” Ockels exclaimed.

Ockels commutes to school with her mother Cindy, the school nurse at Sussex Central. Arriving an hour earlier than most students each day, Mikayla, an active member of her school’s FFA, spends the extra time tending to the goats on campus. Her 4-H life is very busy as well.  Mikayla is a member of the Sussex County 4-H Livestock Club, Sussex 4-H Junior Council and the Harbor Lights 4-H Club, where she serves as club president. Earlier in March, Mikayla  participated in the state 4-H Horse Bowl, where her team won First Place in the senior division. In February, Ockels won the Sussex County 4-H Public Speaking Contest in her age category and will advance to the state competition in July at the Delaware State Fair. For Mikayla, it’s been a  successful winter, “I am looking for things to quiet down a little bit,” she adds. Likely, Ockels will not stay idle for too long.  With a straight-A average to maintain and three and a half years of high school remaining, Ockels’s goal is to become a veterinarian. In her spare time, she is busy with the family farm in Milton, tending chickens, beehives and horses. With parents Cindy and Richard, and younger brother Benjamin, Mikayla enjoys traveling in the summer, exploring America’s natural treasures. She’s been to 32 states so far.

Family, friends, educators, including those in 4-H, have inspired Mikayla Ockels to achieve. “4-H has given me life skills – people skills,” Ockels reflected. “It’s helped me with organization and speaking in front of people.” Together her support system has been a recipe for a well-grounded perspective for a 14-year old. One could say, Mikayla knows what side of her bread is buttered on.

It was irresistible not to ask.  Ockels must have seen the question coming.  “I put so much butter on it bleeds through to the other side!” she laughed.

 

Article & Photo by Michele Walfred

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Bethany Killmon Wins 2012 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award

February 26, 2013 in mainfeature

Bethany KillmonBethany Killmon, a nine-year member of the Dublin Hill 4-H club, based in in her hometown of Bridgeville, has been named a 2012 Delaware’s female winner of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program.

Since 1994, the program has sought to honor “the nations most esteemed high school seniors in partnership with the Heisman Memorial Trophy® Committee.” A male and female winner from each state is named.  High-achieving students from 29,000 public and private schools are eligible for the award that recognizes seniors who are active in any of 27 school-sponsored sports, and who also maintain high academic standards and active role in their communities.

Killmon applied for the program in the fall of 2012, and learned from a reporter at a cross country meet that she had won. “Applicants were asked to keep checking the website, but I was so busy I did not check,” Killmon said.

Busy is one way to put it. A senior at Sussex Tech High School in Georgetown, Bethany packs a great deal into her days, weeks and months as a student, scholar, 4-H’er and volunteer. In addition to her active role in her community 4-H club, Killmon also serves as an officer on Sussex County 4-H Junior Council and as a secretary for the Delaware 4-H State Teen Council.

At Sussex Tech, Bethany maintains a 97.26 un-weighted GPA where she is concentrating in two areas, Media Broadcasting and Criminal Justice.  Bethany also is enrolled in college-level courses at the University of Delaware and Widener University and takes AP courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, and Calculus.  Bethany is ranked 5th in her senior class of 311 students.  She  is involved in Key Club,  National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Jefferson Awards Student Leadership Team.

Bethany credits 4-H for much of her success across every field of endeavor. “I definitely feel public speaking is the biggest quality I have gained through the 4-H program, “Killmon said. “I use this skill in all I do whether it is for school projects or leadership in the field.”

In addition to the Heisman recognition, Bethany recently learned of another honor – the February winner of WBOC/Mountaire Scholar Athlete of the Month. “My cross country and track coach, Lou Nicoletti, nominated me for this award,” Killmon said. “I didn’t know anything about it until I won!”

From Wendy’s, Bethany received a Silver Medal, Heisman patch and a Wendy’s gift certificate in the mail. She received a $1000 scholarship for the WBOC/Mountaire Scholar Athlete of the Month, and becomes eligible for the Female Athlete of the Year that brings with it a $2500 scholarship.

From her 4-H community of members, leaders and Extension staff, Bethany Killmon has earned lasting affection and respect for her many years of service and leadership to others – a role model for what the 4-H motto means “To Make the Best Better.”

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2013 Delaware 4-H Teen Conference

February 26, 2013 in mainfeature

2013 State 4-H Teen ConferenceThe 2013 Delaware 4-H State Teen Conference was held February 9-10 on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark.  Over 80 4-H teens from all over the state attended a weekend filled with programs ranging from a meeting and discussion with employees of the Food Bank of Delaware, to a fun filled night at the UD Men’s Ice Hockey team at the Fred Rust Ice arena.  4-H teens also got together in groups to come up with an idea and ingredients for a new 4-H ice cream flavor to be unveiled at Ag Day later this spring.

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4-H volunteers lauded at annual forum

February 4, 2013 in mainfeature

Delaware 2013 4-H salute to excellence awards

Delaware 4-H Salute to Excellence winners 2013 From L to R: Ann Blackmore (NCC), Heather Whitten (Monsanto), Debbie Vanderwende (Sussex), Mark Manno (UD Delaware 4-H), Heather Smith (Sussex), Connie Louder (Kent), Jennifer Sirangelo (National 4-H), Barbara Horsey (DSU), Michelle Rodgers (UD Cooperative Extension).

If it takes a village to care for children, Delaware’s owes a great deal to 4-H Clover Power in their communities. Representatives from 4-H National Council, Monsanto Company, the State of Delaware and Delaware Cooperative Extension all took advantage of 4-H’s Delaware State Leader Forum to shine the spotlight on the adult 4-H volunteers, known as “leaders.” All of the guest speaker echoed a familiar theme – the lasting impact of 4-H volunteerism on Delaware children through what is state’s largest youth development program.

Delaware’s Auditor, Tom Wagner provided the morning greeting to more than 100 leaders and staff from across the state who gathered in Georgetown for the training. Wagner marveled at the unique and prolific American culture of volunteerism that is expressed through 4-H. “You all woke up early, gave up your Saturdays to travel here, just so you can be better volunteers,” Wagner said. “That is amazing.”

After the morning orientation, Ernie Lopez, extension specialist for University of Delaware Cooperative Extension sent the leaders on their way to their first of three workshops. Leaders chose from an array of topics – an opportunity to learn something new or reinforce an already familiar 4-H project curriculum. Through workshops, leaders receive hands-on trainings and enhance their ability to be effective stewards of Delaware youth with expanding skillsets. Some of the choices included cyber bullying, a science-based butterfly project, equine and livestock resources, fun textile activities and crafts, conducting business within the 4-H club, building community service into 4-H programing, videography, first aid and CPR, a review of state fair exhibits and record books, bicycling and building assets. Each year, the workshop offerings change, keeping the forums fresh as they draw from more than 130 4-H project areas.

In between sessions, lunchtime offered a chance to hear the stories of 4-H leadership.

“The lives you touch are the lives you change,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, executive vice president of National 4-H Council, located in Chevy Chase, Md. “The trajectory you are putting us on is a positive trajectory.” Sirangleo said that the 4-H youth program is the largest in the world, covering all 50 states and 70 countries. Nationally, 6 million youth are impacted by 4-H youth programming. She told Delaware 4-H Leaders, “There isn’t a more important job than what you do.”

In Delaware, more than 60,000 youth are impacted by 4-H programs and curriculum delivered through traditional clubs, afterschool programs, day and overnight camping and other events. Michelle Rodgers, associate dean at UD’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and director of Cooperative Extension addressed the group. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in Pa., Rodgers was an active 4-H’er and continued in collegiate 4-H while obtaining her undergraduate degree. Rodgers said the success of the program in Delaware could not be realized without the contribution of the 4-H volunteer. “Today I’ve listened to some of your own personal 4-H stories and how they impacted you – the skillsets you learned from 4-H and will use for the rest of your lives,” Rodgers said. “We are so proud to be a part of what you do.”

Leaders also enjoyed an opportunity to hear directly from the youth they have mentored. Ashley Gouge, Trevor Maloney and Ben Shaffer thanked leaders by sharing their experiences as 2012 delegates to 4-H National Conference, an experience where teens refine leadership skills and meet and discuss issues with other 4-H youth from around the country. At National 4-H Conference, 4-H youth meet policy makers in Washington, D.C., and the delegates were encouraged that 4-H voices are being heard in the government and emphasized the personal enrichment that the 4-H Conference provided.

Heather Whitten represented Monsanto, lead sponsor of the Salute to Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer service. Two individuals from each county are recognized in the following categories: Volunteer of the Year, for service 10 years and under, and the Lifetime Volunteer Award for more than 10 years of service. This year’s list of winners included:
• New Castle: Volunteer of the Year : Robert Johntson, Lifetime Volunteer: Ann Blackmore
• Kent County: Volunteer of the Year: Lynn Wilkins, Lifetime Volunteer: Connie Louder
• Sussex County: Volunteer of the Year: Heather Smith, Lifetime Volunteer: Debbie Vanderwende
• Delaware State University: Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Horsey and Bradley Kearse

From these outstanding county winners, Delaware 4-H announced that Heather Smith and Connie Louder will represent Delaware for consideration as a regional and national 4-H Salute to Excellence awards.

To become a Delaware 4-H leader, adults go through an extensive application process which includes a criminal background check. In addition to training opportunities at the annual forum, 4-H volunteers receive curriculum training and support at the county level, and many participate in regional and national 4-H leader forums and 4-H sponsored events.

“What a joy it was see members of our Delaware 4-H family learning and sharing together in fellowship,” said Ernie Lopez, who also serves as volunteer coordinator and organizes the event each year.

“We are so blessed to have such caring and capable leaders throughout the Delaware 4-H program.  The annual leader forum is always a meaningful day that brings the best and the brightest together to be reinvigorated and learn from one another,” Lopez said.   “I thank all of our terrific leaders for the great work they do with our 4-H youth day in a day out!”

For more information on Delaware’s 4-H programs visit the Delaware 4-H website. View photos of the 4-H Leader Forum here.

Submitted by Michele Walfred, communications specialist, Carvel Research and Education Center

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Delaware 4-H’ers attend National Congress

December 5, 2012 in mainfeature

delegates at the National 4-H CongressSeven teens from Delaware 4-H participated in the 91st Annual National 4-H Congress November 23-27 in Atlanta, Georgia.  This year’s theme was “Become a Catalyst for Change.”   The event is held each year to recognize 4-H members who are fourteen to nineteen years old across the United States for their many years of community service, leadership, and project work.  4-H members from Delaware are asked to submit a project book with a summary of their community service, citizenship, & leadership experience over their years in 4-H.  They also focus on one or two of the main 4-H projects that have been most involved in. The Delaware 4-H Foundation sponsors this trip for the delegates and chaperones.

Jackie Arpie (Sussex), Dylan Bradley (Kent), Maggie Durig (Sussex), Angela Lagano (Sussex), Kenny Schelich (New Castle), Travis Waller (Sussex), and Abby Zaun (Kent) were the delegates from Delaware. Bo Waller, Sussex County 4-H Club Leader and Jill Jackson, 4-H Staff, served as chaperones for the trip.  Guest speakers during the event included:  Dan Thurman, Eugene Schoenfeld, Miss America – Laura Kaeppeler, and Dan Clark.  4-H delegates from across the United States and Puerto Rico enjoyed getting to know others, participating in hands on learning workshops, an International Dinner/Dance with entertainment from Hawaiian and Puerto Rican dancers, community service projects, tours of Atlanta, and a formal gala and dance.  A wonderful week of learning and fellowship was had by all!

View photos of the delegates and their adventures on the Delaware 4-H Facebook page.

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4-H Alumni Engagement Pilot

October 9, 2012 in mainfeature

Delaware 4-H is one of 10 states selected by the National 4-H Council for a 2-year 4-H Alumni Engagement Pilot.

In an email message, Donald Floyd Jr., President and CEO of the National 4-H Council said, “The first major initiative of the pilot program is already underway — a nationwide 4-H alumni research study. The study will help us understand which alumni segments have the highest potential for engagement and future support of 4-H, as well as shed light on alumni perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes about 4-H.”

For the full announcement please click here.

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Delaware 4-H’er first American to win Microsoft competition

September 24, 2012 in mainfeature

Jacob BlackstenJacob Blacksten, a freshman in the University of Delaware’s Associate in Arts Program (AAP) and a state 4-H member, won the 2012 world championship in Microsoft PowerPoint at a competition held in Las Vegas earlier this summer.

Backsten is the first American to win this event, which attracted more than 285,000 candidates from 53 countries who competed to demonstrate their mastery of Microsoft Office products.

In the final round, 113 student finalists participated. Separate events were held in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint programs.

Blacksten won a $5,000 scholarship from Certiport, Inc., in recognition of his accomplishment.

The 18-year-old is a member of the Westville 4-H Club. The past two years he has served as club president.

For the full story about Jacob’s accomplishments click here for the UDaily article.

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