Missouri 4-H celebrates National 4-H Week
- Published: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Mike Parson designated Oct. 1-7, 2023, as National 4-H Week in Missouri. During the week and beyond there will be events and activities promoting the values and principles of 4-H. These include community service projects, celebrations and achievement days highlighting positive impacts 4-H has had on young people and their communities, said Lupita Fabregas, senior program director for the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.
Fabregas challenges members and volunteers to show their 4-H spirit during National 4-H week and recruit at least one new member for their 4-H family.
“I cannot express how much I love Missouri 4-H’s members, volunteers, families, faculty and staff,” said Fabregas. “We are truly one big family with many passionate individuals who are committed to personal growth, leadership and making a positive impact in our world.”
“This year, National 4-H Week celebrates the many smiles and one heart of Missouri,” said Missouri 4-H marketing and communication coordinator Sherry Grace. “‘Many smiles, one heart’ beautifully captures the sense of unity and purpose that 4-H instills in its members. It reminds us that, despite our diverse backgrounds and interests, we can all come together under the common banner of making the world a better place.”
Gov. Parson and his wife, Teresa, who is a 4-H alumna, hosted Missouri State 4-H Council President Zoe Engelbrecht, Treasurer Taylor Muench and regional representatives Emmalyn Schnieders and Lily Rucker in his office to receive the 4-H Week proclamation. They were joined by State 4-H Council coordinators Megan Kershner and Sage Eichenburch, adviser Juli Thrasher, and MU assistant professor of human development and family science and state 4-H leadership and civic engagement specialist Clay Hurdle.
“Receiving the proclamation from the governor was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Engelbrecht. “It was so amazing to be able to talk to the governor about how much I love 4-H and how beneficial it is to others. I am so very thankful I got this experience.”
Fabregas notes that Oct. 1 is the first day of the new 4-H year, so it is time to re-enroll and choose projects for the coming year. Missouri 4-H has a broad range of project topics and delivery methods to ensure there are opportunities for all Missouri youths to participate in 4-H, she says.
About Missouri 4-H
More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
Photo:
https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/20231002-4hweek-1.jpg
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, fourth from right, presents a proclamation designating Oct. 1-7, 2023, as National 4-H Week in Missouri. Pictured, from left, State 4-H Council members Taylor Muench, Emmalyn Schnieders and Lily Rucker, adviser Juli Thrasher, Missouri first lady Teresa Parson, State 4-H Council President Zoe Engelbrecht, Gov. Parson, State 4-H Council coordinators Megan Kershner and Sage Eichenburch, and MU Extension state 4-H specialist Clay Hurdle.
Writer: Sherry Grace
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