Beau Ingle

Today, 4-Her's from around the state and country define in their own unique way that may not be similar to that of others. This concept is what makes 4-H so creative and appealing to youth today who are involved. We all can make our own connections that reflect our outlook on 4-H and the relationships that we have with our fellow 4-Her's. For example, one individual has described some memorable events that illustrate 4-H's characteristic, even it is on an informal basis. He explains that there are activities that 4-Her's were supposed to be cleaning and doing other chores, these fun events allowed the 4-Her's to come together and meet new people. It also allows new members to mingle with their peers and form friendships to last forever. 4-H is truly what you make of it and how you interpret its capabilities to change you for the better, and that is why 4-H has been so successful among the millions involved and hopefully why it will be embraced in the future.

Lesley Payne

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hand to larger service, and my health to better living for my club my community and my world. Unfortunately, many people in the state of Ohio do not understand the meaning behind this pledge. For me this pledge changed my life.

Growing up on a dairy farm, I knew I was going to be in 4-H. However, during my first few years, I was only in it because I had to. I went to the scheduled meeting, and completed the minimum requirements of my projects, but I never participated in any of the extra opportunities available to 4-Her's. Now as I am about to complete my final year of 4-H, I extremely regret this.

Last year, my county gave me the first opportunity to become active in the state level. Before, I had always been active in my county, but I was always scared to leave the people who already knew me. To try and solve this fear, my county selected me to attend Leadership Camp. For the first few days I was very shy, and clung to the other girls from my county. As the week progressed, I realized that if I was going to have any fun at all at this camp, I was going to have to break out of my comfort zone. From that point on I came out of my shell, not only at Leadership Camp, but with everything else available to me. I became one of the most active members in my county. I have to say I owe my transformation to 4-H.

As said before, 4-H is what you make of it. Unfortunately for me, I did not make it something sooner. Now, as I continue to challenge myself with new opportunities available to me, I realize just how great 4-H really is. From the projects, to all the camps, to all the other 4-H events available, 4-H is a wonderful educational opportunity that truly makes “The Best Better”.

Whitney Prose

I am Whitney Prose of Delaware Co., Ohio. I am in the Elm Valley 4-H Club. 4-H has been amazing for me! 4-H not only has taught me leadership and life skills, but has propelled me into real careers. By just saying “I'm a 4-H'er” doors fly open. Through 4-H, I have traveled to Washington D.C., Atlanta, and all across Ohio. I've shadowed government officials, local reporters and even was interviewed on TV! 4-H has provided me with such an open, friendly, enriching environment. It's so easy to try different and new interest. I wouldn't have realized my love of writing, dogs, community service or leadership without 4-H. Soon, I'll be going to college, where I plan to continue to “Make the Best Better” by expanding on my 4-H interest. I know my entire life I will be drawing upon my excellent experience through the 4-H experiences.

Allie Persinger

Success, Failure, friendship, hard work, and exhaustion are all things we have experienced through this fabulous organization called 4-H. As a little Cloverbud I could have never imagined my potential and everything I have been able to accomplish through 4-H.

One of my favorite 4-H memories was when I did the demonstration contest. I can still remember how nervous and shaky I was while teaching people how to make smoothies. The next year I wanted to do the Health and Safety Speaking contest. Fortunately, I was one of the top winners at the state and I won a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to the 4-H congress. I can honestly say that, that week was the best week I have ever had. And I am still keeping in contact with people I met there. The demonstration contest that I participated in 3 years ago has influenced me to participate in other contest outside of 4-H and help me get an idea of what I want to do as a career.

Breanna Young

Hi, I'm Breanna. When I think 4-H, I think farmers, but I'm not a farmer. So why am I in 4-H? Good question. When I started 4-H, I liked doing the projects. Not anymore. Now I'm in it for the people. The funny thing is that if you had known me when I was little you would not have expected me to get involved just for my friends. I was a shy little girl who was scared of new places, and new people . As I grew with 4-H, my confidence blossomed as friendly 4-Her's reached out to me and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. For example when I was in 6 th grade I was at a judging, I decided that I should try to talk to one of the other girls to help pass the time. I then went to talk with the judges, and found that it wasn't all that bad, I actually enjoyed it. That enjoyment must have shown because I received the opportunity to be our county's representative at the State Fair. I was fortunate enough to win one of the Outstanding of the day Awards. All of those events happened because I stopped and reached out to talk to a stranger. That stranger eventually became one of my best friends. Now I am always meeting new and different people who become my friends.

Jason Maxey

My name is Jason Maxey and I'm a 4-H Ambassador from Delaware Co., Ohio. While I was growing up, I never really grasped what 4-H was. I remember walking through the livestock buildings and seeing all the different animals. That's what I thought 4-H was; People who live on a farm and raise animals.

When my mother convinced me to join 4-H some 7 years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into. My second year in 4-H, I received a letter from my county office with a list of teen leadership opportunities available in the county and state programs. The opportunity that immediately caught my eye was Camp Counselor in Training.

When I went to other camps as a young child, I always looked up to my counselors and remember thinking to myself “I want to be like them someday. “In my six years as a camp counselor in Delaware Co. I have seen campers with home situations that aren't the greatest, then these campers come to cap as sullen, shy and sometimes-angry young people. But by the time they leave camp on the fifth day, they are transformed into smiling, happy, laughing young people. This is simply an example of the great things that happen thanks to the youth and adult volunteers in this great program called 4-H.