10-16-97 Florida 4-H Youth Compete In National Engineering, Science, And

Leadership Event

By: Ami Neiberger				Source: Michael Talbot
Florida 4-H Youth Development Program		Dept. of Agricultural &
University of Florida				 Biological Engineering,

(352) 846-0996 ext. 231				University of Florida
						(352) 392-9164

GAINESVILLE-Seven Florida teenagers earned national honors when they
competed in the 47th annual National 4-H Engineering, Science and
Leadership Event at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, September
21-24, 1997. All seven of the teens placed within the top ten rankings in
their categories.

The youth showcased skills learned through hands-on educational experiences
in the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program. The Florida 4-H Youth
Development Program is part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences at the University of Florida.

"Science and technology are very important subjects for young people
today," said Mike Talbot, UF associate professor and extension agricultural
engineer. Talbot served as coach for the team and chaperoned the trip.
"This competition helps them test their mettle and their abilities against
other kids from around the country, and they learn about future careers. A
trip like this teaches a lot more than science; it teaches skills for life."

Computer programming, small engines, automotive, bicycle, lawn tractor,
electric energy and aerospace projects were some of the competitive
categories. The 75 contestants represented 16 states. More than 350,000
young people are enrolled in these study projects nationally through the
4-H Youth Development Program.

Andrew Allen and Tobias Baucom of Jacksonville (Duval County) placed 5th in
the Aerospace event. Jeff Irvin of Frostproof (Polk County) placed 3rd and
Bradley Heron of Davie (Broward County) placed 5th in the Bicycle Event.
Jamie Burgess of Defuniak Springs (Walton County) placed 10th in the
Automotive Driving Contest. Tim Wann of Lakeland (Polk County) placed 2nd
in the Small Engines Event and Tim Vaugh of Lakeland also attended. To
qualify for this national event, they had to compete at the state level at
Florida 4-H Congress.

The contest was not all work and no play. Participants spent a day on
educational field trips at Purdue University and in Indianapolis. Workshops
in agricultural engineering, aerospace and electrical engineering offered
plenty of excitement and career advice. Guided tours covered the
Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway, the RCA Dome, the Major Taylor Velodrome,
the Navistar Engineering and Forge Facility, and the Subaru Automotive
Plant.

Cooperative Extension Service professionals and agricultural engineers
conducted the event. John Deere sponsored the lawn tractor and small engine
contests. The Florida delegation was sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau,
the Florida 4-H Foundation and their local County Extension Service
programs.

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