4-H News Archive |
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WSU Extension Puyallup Donates to Help End Homeless in Pierce County
A month-long “giving celebration” at WSU Extension Puyallup resulted in boxes of supplies being donated to assist families in need in Pierce County. Entire storyposted February 2011
KYG 2011 – Politics and the Media
Teens became reporters, videographers, researchers, producers, and editors during the four day conference in February as they examined the issues of illegal immigration, year round schools, teen violence and Internet privacy.
Entire storyposted February 2011
Teens Building Robots to Compete in Regional Contest
They are inquisitive by nature and like to be challenged. Over 125 teens from Washington State 4-H clubs are taking part in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) regional robotics competition. Their mission: to built a robot without any instructions. Entire storyposted February 2011
Urban Farming Teen Brings 4-H to Seattle
Seattle Academy student has always wanted to be a farmer, so that is just what she has been doing for the past seven years. Entire story.posted December 2010
4-H Enrollments Show Impressive Rise
In a report just released enrollment rose by over 7,900 youth for a total of 87, 588 young people involved in WSU Extension 4-H. The figures represent youth involved in traditional programs as well as community, in-school and after-school and military 4-H clubs. Entire story.posted December 2010
Horse Program Youth Attend 2010 Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup
The benefits of Premarin, new opportunities for equines, and jockey lifestyles took center stage for Washington State
4-H’ers presenting at the 25th Eastern National Horse Roundup. Entire story.posted November 2010
WSU Clark County Extension 4-H’ers Receive National Honor for Video
Two 4-Her's from Vancouver, received second place out of 24 entries in the national 4-H Digital Storytelling project. Their seven minute video, Music Rocks the Brain, examines how music stimulates the brain and positively impacts academic and sports performance. Entire story..posted October 2010
Washington State 4-H Inducts Four into Hall of Fame
Outstanding County Volunteers Also Honored for Service to Youth
Four Washington residents were inducted into the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame for their leadership, commitment, and impact on 4-H and their communities. Also recognized at the Forum were over 30 WSU Extension 4-H county volunteers who provide outstanding commitment to youth. Entire story..posted October 2010
4-H2O – Youth Learn Water Quality and Sustainability during National Experiment
Over 1,000 Washington State youth are now more aware of how carbon footprints and climate change impact communities after taking part in the 2010 4-H2O national experiment. Entire story.posted October 2010
A Horse Named Missy May Help Save 4-H in Island County
Amidst the melancholia of budget distress stories, North Whidbey resident Jerry Pfannenstiel and his 10-year-old daughter, Cassandra, made a heartwarming gesture to preserve a program that’s very important to the family. They decided to sell one of the family’s horses and donate the proceeds to the popular youth program. Entire story.posted October 2010
Community Service and Sustainability Important to 4-H Teen
I love my community and would like to give back a fraction of what it has given me. The community has taught me the importance of caring for one another and helping each other through good and bad, while being a role model for future generations to build upon. Entire story.posted October 2010
Photography and Business Prove Inventive for Spokane 4-H’ers
It’s about art, learning, and taking risks. Spokane County’s Paparazzi 4-H Club is capturing images, deciphering lighting attributes, and, oh, by the way, managing their own photography company. Entire story.posted October 2010
Dedicated Extension Professional Retires After Three Decades of Service to 4-H
He’s a collaborator, an innovator, and a person who considers being on the forefront of animal science, not only necessary, but responsible and essential. Jerry Newman impacted the lives of countless 4-H staff, volunteers, and youth during his 30 years as a WSU state staff specialist. Entire story.posted October 2010
Rite of Passage - Teens Take on Personal Challenges in King County 4-H program
Participants spend several sessions preparing for three days and nights in the wilderness. This “solo vision fast” is a time for teens to experience life without the distractions of cell phones, friends, family, or be influenced by anything other than nature in the scenic expanses of Central Washington. Entire story.posted October 2010
State 4-H Fair News!
The State 4-H Fair kicked off Friday, September 10 with a Horse Show and Cat Bowl. Check our new "Fair News" page to find out what is happening currently at this year's fair. Go to: http://4h.wsu.edu/statefair/fairnews.html
Walla Walla 4-H’er Thrives Helping Constituents
Staying on top of current events is like breathing to Amanda Fleming. It’s something she does automatically, but with purpose, and it gives her a sense of meaningful involvement. A trip to Washington D.C. in the spring of 2009 brought a sense of patriotism and involvement that sparked her political passion. Entire story.posted August 2010
Pamela Roberts Inspires Youth and Adults in Jefferson County
Pamela Roberts, a WSU 4-H Extension agent/activist, collaborates with community partners, engages volunteers, and works directly with youth to motivate, stimulate, and enhance their lives now and, if she has her way, for the rest of their lives. Entire story.posted July 2010
4-H Members Become "Catalysts" for Community Change
Two years ago two residents of Shelton, Washington donated a large parcel of their property to the city. They wanted it to be called Catalyst Park in hopes that it would someday provide a place for the neighborhood to gather, play, and grow together.
Read entire story online. posted July 2010
Learning about College and Success at Annual 4-H Conference
More than 400 high school students from Washington learned what life after high school has to offer them at the annual 4-H Teen Leadership Conference. Students attended the “Step into Your Future” conference at Washington State University in Pullman for three days of workshops, speakers, and a taste of college life.
Read entire story and watch video online. posted July 2010
Getting a Taste of the College Experience
Alvaro Contreras said the 2010 4-H Teen Conference at Washington State University got him excited about college."It makes me want to finish high school faster so I can go to college," the soon-to-be freshman at Pasco High School said. Entire story. posted June 2010
Walla Walla 4-H’er Nicole Aichele Breaks World Barrel Racing Record
Nicole Aichele's heart sank when she watched friend and rival Courtney Frazier's barrel race Memorial Day weekend in Pasco.
Frazier beat the TRAC arena record, spinning through in 16.691.
Aichele, the last rider up, knew she'd have to make it fast. Entire story. posted June 2010
Whatcom County 4-Her is NASA Bound!
Erin Weisenhorn likes challenging and unique opportunities. When thinking about what she wanted to do this summer Erin brainstormed her talents and interests and decided working for NASA would be her dream job. Entire story.
posted May 2010
Sea-Tech 4-H Club Advances to Internation Competition
Congratulations to Skagit County Sea-Tech 4-H club for taking top honors at the 2010 MATE Pacific Northwest Regional Challenge. Sea-Tech’s Team Orca placed first in the Ranger class division and Team Sailfish finished third in the May 8 contest at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. Entire story. posted May 2010
San Juan County 4-H’ers Have a Blast with Rockets!
If you look closely up in the air you might catch a glimpse of one of the many rockets being launched by an enthusiastic group of 4-H’ers in San Juan County.The Shaw Island Pioneers have fun building the rockets, learning about trajectory, and, of course, shooting off the (hopefully) high flying missiles. Entire story. posted May 2010
The Museum of Flight Provides History, Wonder, Possibilities
They created flight plans, experimented with inertia, and, from inside a flight simulator, flew from Seattle’s Boeing Field to Paine Field in Everett. Washington State 4-Hers discovered how pilots and scientists think and work at the Museum of Flight Sleepover in early May. Entire story. posted May 2010
Skagit County 4-H'ers Spread the Warmth
Warm blankets are on the way to children who need extra comfort. Members of the Nuestra Familia Bilingüe 4-H Club in Skagit County put the finishing touches on fleece blankets. Entire story. posted May 2010
Biodiesel Project Puts Colville Tribes in the Green
When the canola fields bloom yellow later this spring, members of the Colville Confederated Tribes will see green in the form of biodiesel fuel grown, pressed, produced and used on their reservation. Entire story. posted April 2010
Outstanding Volunteer Honor Awarded to Thurston County 4-H Educator
Emily Killeen, 4-H Program Coordinator in Thurston County, has been recognized for her thousands of hours of work and dedication to volunteers. For nearly 10 years, Killeen has provided leadership for the WSU Thurston County 4-H program training hundreds of adult volunteers about the stages of youth development. Entire story. posted April 2010
King County 4-H Teen Receives
National
Honor for Information Technology
King County 4-H’er Anna Molosky was one of a select group of women recognized for her accomplishments in computing and technology. The National Center for Women and Technology (NCWIT) and Bank of America recognized Molosky and 32 other high-school women for their outstanding efforts. Entire story. posted April 2010
WSU Extension 4-H Adventure Education Director Wins Prestigious Award for Innovative Learning
Scott VanderWey, Director of 4-H Adventure Education, has been honored with the regional Association for Experiential Education Willie Unsoeld Award for his innovative facilitating and training for the past 17 years. Entire story.
posted April 2010
4-Hers Selected for WSU Regents Scholarships
Four 4-Hers are among the states’ most honored high school seniors having been awarded a prestigious WSU Regents Scholarship. Read Story. posted March 2010
Skateboard Park Tests Skills, Provides Options for Columbia County 4-H Teens
A new skateboard park is proving the place to be for a group of 4-Hers in Columbia County. Over a dozen middle schoolers test their skills as they grind and perfect their heelflips at the Dayton City Park. Entire story. posted March 2010
Robotics Rock in Pierce County!
Elementary students in Puyallup are learning how engineering and technology turn Legos into robots. Fifth and sixth graders build and program robots to complete various tasks. Students work in small groups to assemble their robot and, using the Lego Mindstorm NXT computer program, allow the robot to see, hear, and respond to different commands. Entire story. posted March 2010
The 2010 WSU 4-H Know Your Government Conference challenged teens to pick bills currently under consideration in the legislature and take a stand. The “Lobbying for Change” mandate found youth arguing both sides of controversial bills including human trafficking, the death penalty, and firearms safety. Entire story. posted March 2010
Lincoln County 4-H Leader Wins National Honor
Jill Schwartz has been selected as the Western Region Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer for the 2010 National 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards program. Entire story. posted February 2010
WSU 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program Receives National Award
The WSU 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program has won a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Connecting Youth with Nature through Natural Resources Conservation Education Award. Now in its eighth year, the 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program has served over 18,000 teens from Chelan and Douglas counties. Entire story. posted February 2010
January is National Mentoring Month!
Watch 4-H teen Cassie, 4-H Leader Gene Keltgen, and WSU Pierce County Educator Brian Brandt describe how mentoring makes a significant difference in the lives of youth and adults on TV Tacoma’s City Line program.http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=10248 posted January 2010
Members of Benton/Franklin County 4-H Clubs Help Their Community
“Our 4-Hers recognize that many people in our community go hungry every day or they don’t have the clothes they need to keep warm,” said Natalie Kinion, WSU Franklin County 4-H Extension Educator. “They were eager to take part and gathered as much food and clothing as they could to help make a difference.” Entire story. posted January 2010
4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Full of Information, Fun for Washington State Delegation
Looking at life through the eyes of the dairy industry is natural for a committed group of Washington State 4-H teens. Four youth and two adults traveled to Kentucky for the National Dairy Quiz Bowl armed with dairy statistics, facts, and anecdotes to impress the most seasoned judge. Entire story. posted December 2009
4-H Horse Bowl Team Captures 12th Place at Nationals in Kentucky
Who was the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby? In fox hunting, what does it mean when a fox "goes to ground"? How many bones are in the horse's skull? Those are just three of the many questions posed to teens during the Eastern National Roundup. Five delegates from Pierce County competed during the Horse Bowl competition November 6 - 8 in Louisville, Kentucky. Entire story. posted December 2009
National Congress Provides Opportunities for Leadership, Growth and Networking
Seven teens from Washington State traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to participate in 4-H National Congress. The theme “Accept the Challenge,” brought teens from across the country to learn about community involvement, cultural diversity, and service to others during the five day program in late November. Entire story. posted December 2009
Comcast Newsmakers Interview
with Washington 4-H Teen Leadership Coordinator, Jan Klein at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j_0RACsIbQ
Asotin Teen Elected President of State 4-H Advisory Board
For the first time ever, a teen-ager will be leading the Washington State 4-H Advisory Board. Seventeen-year-old Jessica Ubachs has been elected president of the organization. Entire story. posted November 2009
Performing Arts Develops Talented 4-Hers
A single performer played her flute at the Pierce County Fair in 1994. The next year three youth performed. Within five years there were 39 kids performing, with their own emcees and some were even running sound. Today the Pierce County performing arts project has grown to 44 performers who sing, strum, dance and do a myriad of other remarkable artistic endeavors. Entire story. posted November 2009
Biofuel Blast!
Over 2,000 Washington state youth joined millions of others across the country on 4-H National Youth Science Day, October 7, discovering how ordinary household products can be alternative sources of energy and how fuel powers many of the things we use each day. Entire story. posted November 2009
National Equine Public Presentations
Congratulations to all the participants in the state level competition for the National Equine Public Presentations. Sixteen exhibitors from ten counties provided informative and well-researched presentations on September 22 at the State Fair in Puyallup. See the results....posted September 2009
4-H Teen Appointed to State Legislative Youth Advisory Council
After winning the election as Student Body President by five votes Jessica Ubachs, then nine years old, promised her opponent she could be her “helper” as she carried out her duties at Grantham Elementary school in Clarkston. Inclusion is still key to Jessica as she works with 21 other teens appointed by Lt. Governor Brad Owen to the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). Entire story. ....
posted November 2009
SEA-TECH 4-H Club Places at International ROV Competition
For Team Genesis, the college team from Sea-Tech 4-H club in Skagit County, the intensity of months of designing and practicing with their remote operated vehicle (ROV) paid off as they captured third place at the 2009 MATE International ROV Competition in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Entire story. ....
posted September 2009
4-H Japanese Exchange Students Arrive in Western Washington
After a ten hour flight with little or no sleep 43 Japanese youth were eager to play games, laugh, and experience life in Washington State. The group, along with three adult chaperones, began their four week summer stay by getting acquainted with each other at the Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way. Entire story. ....
posted August 2009
4-H Leader Garners Prestigious Black and White Award at King County Fair
Long time 4-H Family Living Leader Jim Olson and other 4-H youth and adults planted a 3’ x 85’ garden in May which produced over a dozen varieties of vegetables and flowers. Read More ....
posted August 2009
Grant/Adams County 4-Hers Geocache and Map Fairgrounds
It was a day of technology and mapping out the future for a group of 4-H youth, their families, and the community in Grant-Adams County. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) units youth learned how to collect waypoints at the Grant County Fairgrounds. Read More....
posted July 2009
Former 4-H'er Becomes UW Dog Handler
A University of Washington student chosen to handle the school's mascot at football games had experience showing dogs in 4-H.
Read article online. . . posted July 2009
4-H Archery Family Builds Skills and Strengthens Bonds
Check out this video about a 4-H family in Pierce County. The entire family is involved in archery.posted June 2009
4-H Teens Explode with Talent!
Kayla and Rachel, both 15, perform at Meeker Days in Puyallup in June. The teens are part of Explosion Extravaganza, a Pierce County 4-H performing arts group, which features the best of Broadway, Country, R&B, and Pop music. Entire story.
posted June 2009
Ferry County Youth Value Traditional Ways
Members of the Keller 4-H Culture Club made their Native American dance debut at their Coming Out Powwow and Giveaway. Nine boys and girls were individually featured performing their chosen type of dance – Traditional, Fancy, Grass, or Jingle – before community members and students at Keller Elementary School. Read More...posted June 2009
Pierce County 4-H Family Rides the John Wayne Pioneer Trail
Horses are a 4-H family affair for the Nagy clan. So when the opportunity to spend three days together on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail came along the Pierce County family was eager to get on their mustangs and ride. Read More...posted June 2009
4-H Hosts Government Conference for Teens
More than 300 Washington state youth and adults participated in this year’s WSU Extension 4-H Know Your Government conference in Olympia. Teens from around the state took on the roles of attorneys, jurors, witnesses and reporters in mock trials... Read More.
posted February 2009
4-H Staff Member Receives Award
Betsy Fradd, a media relations and event planning specialist at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, was selected to receive the award in the WSU staff category. Fradd led her WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development colleagues in organizing a pajama and book drive to help underserved children in Puyallup, Wash.. Read More..
posted January 2009
Washington State 4-H Youth - Our Next Generation of Great Thinkers
In the first 4-H National Youth Science Day on October 6, youth from our state and beyond took part in an experiment designed to highlight how water-absorbing polymers, called hydrogels, can be used in environmental applications including agriculture, erosion control, soil management, and environmental clean-ups. Read More..
posted December 2008
Proof Positive-- 4-H on the Today Show!
Dr. Richard Lerner of Tufts University was interviewed by Meredith Viera about the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. Watch a video clip of interview at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/29507206#29507206
4-H'ers Awarded Prestigious
WSU Regents Scholarships
http://regents-scholarship.wsu.edu/
It’s an academic scholarship that impacts lives for years to come. For 18 students involved in WSU Extension 4-H, their years of leadership, academic achievement and community service were recognized and rewarded with the WSU Regents Scholarship.
Read More..posted November 2008
Jo Simpson, a long time 4-H Dog Project leader in Snohomish County, is recognized in Reader's Digest for her work with Canine Connections. See story online
Special Needs Youth Thrive in 4-H
Being a teenager can be a time of self-discovery, mixed emotions, and gaining perspective in life. Being a teenager with disabilities is the same except it can also be intensely isolating if you feel left out because of your differences. Enter 4-H in Kitsap County. Clubs there have long welcomed youth with differing abilities and, more recently, two new clubs have formed specifically for children with special challenges. Read More..posted November 2008
Clark County Teens Receive Top Award at Eastern National 4-H Roundup
Five Washington State University 4-H teams competed at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky participating in both equine and dairy events. read more..posted December 2008
Inaugural year of 4-H National Youth Science Day a success!
Watch video. . ..posted November 2008
Six Inducted into Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame
Six Washington residents were inducted into the Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame at the 4-H Forum in Everett on October 18. They were recognized for their commitment and impact on 4-H and their communities and their leadership to 4-H over many years. read more.
posted November 2008
Tri-City 4-H Rabbit Club Participates in National Convention
By Paula Horton, Tri-City Herald staff writer
KENNEWICK -- Rabbits and guinea pigs are hard not to like. They're soft. Some are super fluffy. They're fun to play with. And, of course, they're cute.
That's exactly why 13-year-old Miranda Menard begged her mother for a rabbit more than three years ago. "I wanted a rabbit really bad," said the Chief Joe Middle School seventh-grader. "But my mom said the only way I could get one is if I joined 4-H and took 100 percent of the responsibility for it." Miranda joined the Rada Rabbits & Cavies 4-H Youth Club and got Lace, a small Netherland dwarf rabbit.
"When I first started (in the 4-H club) it was intimidating," the Richland teen said. "But now I have 10 rabbits and seven guinea pigs -- a couple are due soon." Miranda quickly learned what club member and classmate Hannah Mowry had known for years. Raising rabbits and cavies -- the proper name of guinea pigs -- was "really cool" and addictive.
Hannah, 12, got her first cavy and rabbit on her fifth birthday. She now has about 20 rabbits -- she raises tans, velveteen lops and Netherland dwarfs -- and about 30 cavies. Both girls say they like cavies better than rabbits because of their personalities, but they admit raising either animal requires a lot of work and dedication.
In fact, all 42 Tri-City-area youths in the Rada Rabbits & Cavies 4-H Youth Club likely will say they raise the animals because it's fun. But they're actually doing much more than just learning about how to care for the small creatures. read more.
Wildcat Woods! Forestry Afterschool Program
For the past two years after school forestry education students at Weyerhaeuser Elementary near Eatonville have learned about forest environments and ecosystems on ten acres of logged land located next to their playground. read more.
posted November 2008
Alumni Spotlight
She won the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Nationals at age 10. Carley Simpson, a 4-Her from Snohomish County, quickly advanced and, at 14, went to her first Westminster Dog Show in New York City. . . read more.
posted November 2008
Pierce County 4-H teen Turns Compassion into Action
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
There’s always been a place in heart for animals so when Zoe Stoy heard about the possibility of visiting polar bears in their native habitat she went into action. The 17-year old Pierce County 4-Her applied to the Polar Bear International Leadership Camp and then, in true 4-H fashion, developed a public presentation about the plight of the bears to educate others on their situation.
After writing an environmental essay and being interviewed Zoe was selected as one of 33 arctic ambassadors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Demark to attend a week-long camp in Churchill, Manitoba – also known as the polar bear capital of the world.
“Polar bears need our help. They were declared endangered not because of their population decreasing but because of their habitat decreasing at a rapid rate,” said Zoe who is also president of the Pierce County 4-H Ambassadors.
Zoe’s trip included traveling in an enclosed Tundra Buggy to see polar bears and the conditions they live in. At first they saw a mother and two cubs from afar but, eventually, the trio became curious about the visitors.
“The little cubs came up to the Tundra Buggy and stood on all fours and looked right into my eyes. It was completely bone chilling,” said Zoe.
The camp experience also featured a helicopter trip to view the tundra from the air, several interactive lectures by environmental specialists detailing how climate change has impacted the earth, and creating individual action plans to best convey the information once back at home.
Zoe plans on giving several talks to 4-H clubs, at her school, and at community events to help raise the awareness of how to help polar bears. With her increased knowledge and new perspective she also has assuredness of conviction.
“I feel as if I now have the power to do things that I couldn't do before,” said Zoe. “Without this experience, these people, and this whole trip, I would not be who I really want to be. I know I can make a difference.”
Read more about Zoe’s adventure at: http://polarbearsinternational.org/student-journals/stoy/
posted November 2008
No Child Left Inside Award Goes to the Chelan County 4-H Forestry Education Program
Kevin Power's Forestry Education Program is the recipient of a No Child Left Inside Grant from the State of Washington. There is a terrific interview with Kevin showcasing the value of his program and experiential education for youth in general.
Listen (.mp3) posted September 2008
Washington 4-H Delegates Hear First Lady Laura Bush at Helping America’s Youth Conference in Portland
Learning how to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others was the message at the recent Helping America’s Youth (HAY) conference.
Two Washington state 4-H youth, Jessica Ubachs and Caleb Klein, along with 4-H State Teen Coordinator Jan Klein and 4-H volunteer Chip Taylor, were among the 150 people taking part in the conference in Portland, Oregon February 27 and 28.
First Lady Laura Bush and other speakers stressed the importance of mentoring youth and suggested ideas on how young people and adults can get involved.
“ I am now not only motivated to make a difference in the 4-H program, but to reach out to at-risk youth in my community,” said 15-year old Jessica from Clarkston. “As 4-H volunteers we need to reach out and help the at-risk youth that may need a relationship with another caring individual. These youth are not always the easiest to work with, but it's that much more important that we reach out to them open heartedly,” she added.
This was the sixth regional HAY conference designed to raise awareness about the challenges facing youth, especially at-risk boys, and motivate caring adults to connect with youth in the areas of family, school and the community.
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