08-14-97 500 Youth Attend 4-H Congress, Call It A Smashing Success

By: Ami Neiberger & Mamie Wise			
Florida 4-H Youth Development Program	
(352) 846-0996 ext. 231			

GAINESVILLE  More than 500 youth attended Florida 4-H Congress July 28-
August 1 on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. A talent show,
state-level competitions, educational workshops, state officer elections,
community service projects, scholarship and award presentations kept the
teens busy.

"The theme of this year's Congress was "dreaming with your eyes wide
 open. This event showcases the best our young people have to offer," said 
Nadine Hackler, acting assistant dean for the Florida 4-H Youth Development
Program. "4-H is working to prepare young people for success in life, and
this is a celebration of their achievement."

"Don't ever let anyone take away your dreams because they are your
treasures," said Patrick Grady in his keynote address to kickoff the week.
"What kind of contribution are you making to your club, to your community
and to our world? Being a strong 4-H member today will last you a lifetime.
That is the key to your success."

Ranging from topics like animal and plant sciences to auto driving, human
development and public speaking, a full day was devoted to state-level
competitions. More than $25,000 in scholarship money was awarded to youth on
their way to college. Volunteers and adults who contributed to the 4-H
program with time and resources were featured at an awards assembly.

The biggest honor, membership in the 4-H Golden Circle of Friends, went to
the U.S. Sugar Corporation for their sustained support of 4-H environmental
education curriculum. "We consider 4-H clubs to be an investment in the
future," said Andy Rackley, Director of Corporate Affairs and Growers
Relations as he received the award.

"We believe in partnering with youth and in hands-on learning," said Alden
Hilliker, a youth development specialist in the Department of Family, Youth
and Community Sciences at UF. "A committee of youth is very involved in
planning and running 4-H Congress. Sharing responsibility for a major event
gives kids an opportunity to gain leadership skills."

Florida 4-H Council officers were elected and then installed with a ceremony
by candlelight. "Every president puts a notch in this gavel to show what
they have invested in the 4-H program," said outgoing president Carrie Harn
as she passed the gavel to incoming president Andy King from Lee County.

The other new council officers are: Vice-President: Dixie Renney, Citrus
County, Secretary: Tiffany Browning, St. Johns County, Treasurer: Holly
Belcher, Leon County, Reporter: Katie Mullins, Santa Rosa County,
Historian: Tracy Prentice, Dade County, Parliamentarian: Mercy Roberg,
Manatee County, and Sergeant-at-Arms: Bradley Heron, Broward County.

The teens participated in two-day workshops geared around topics like food
and nutrition, leadership, animal science, horticulture and the media.
"In-depth workshops help kids explore subjects they find interesting," said
Alden Hilliker. "We emphasize the theme of making the best better. No matter
what interests them now or later in life, we want for them to strive for
excellence in all they do."

Putting into practice what 4-H is all about, fifty 4-Hers participated at
community service projects for two local charities--St. Francis House, a
shelter for the homeless, and Alachua Habitat for Humanity's resale center.
They picked up trash, washed dishes, mowed the lawn, inventoried materials,
and painted walls and baseboards.

It was definitely an educational experience. "It's always good to help out
your community when it is in need," said 4-Her Kari Thiel from Lake County
as she worked at the St. Francis House. Kearra Bradshaw from Orange County
commented, "Helping the homeless really makes you realize all of the
blessings you've received."

"You contributed a lot in the short time that you were here, " said Tim
Fogarty, the executive director of St. Francis House, as he thanked them for
their efforts. "It's great to see youth making such a positive impact on
their community," said Mark Hinnebusch, the President of Alachua Habitat for
Humanity. "A tradition of community service will carry with them throughout
their lives. I'm glad there are organizations for kids like 4-H."

The 1997 Florida 4-H Congress was sponsored by the Florida 4-H Youth
Development Program. A committee of youth from around the state assisted
with planning the event. 4-H is part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. Over 285,000 young
people annually participate and benefit from 4-H educational programming in
Florida.

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Photo available showing youth at auto driving contest. Contact Milt Putnam
or Tom Wright at (352) 392-1773. Contact Ami Neiberger (352) 846-0996 ext.
231 for awards lists in specific categories if desired.