Spotlight – Skagit CountyWilliam Manzi Freitas |
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How long have you been at the county office?
Almost 5 years.
Where did you grow up?
In Brazil.
Favorite activities/interests:
Traveling, hiking, tennis, beach volleyball, playing with my daughter.
What do you enjoy most about working in 4-H?
I like the diversity and richness 4-H offers. There are all sorts of projects to fit any interest. The volunteers have all types of skills and backgrounds.
How have you seen 4-H help youth as they develop and grow?
I often hear from parents and former 4-H’ers how 4-H was important for them. I also have the privilege to keep in touch with 4-H’ers who aged out of the program. I can see how well they are doing in their life choices.
I have seen impressive emotional and intellectual growth of our youth. One of our 4-H members recently received the President’s Medal at Skagit Valley College which is the highest academic honor that the college can bestow on a student.
Another example is a 4-H’er who participated at the annual state-wide Know Your Government conference in Olympia. She became interested in improving the quality of minorities in our county and volunteered to participate in a 4-H project that provided educational resources to under-privileged kids. 4-H builds leadership skills in its members.
William M. Freitas
4-H & Leadership Development Faculty
WSU Extension - Skagit County
360-428-4270 ext: 226
williamf@co.skagit.wa.us