4-H Congress is an annual educational event sponsored by North Carolina 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Council and Congress Advisory Committee. North Carolina 4-H’ers ages 13-18 are invited to participate in this annual event.

The Goals of N.C. 4-H Congress are:

• To perpetuate the reputation of 4-H as a major state-wide educational program.
• To improve delegates’ knowledge of current issues through educational experiences such as speakers, discussion groups, workshops, etc.
• To provide an opportunity to develop and exercise leadership skills through serving on committees and participating in specific programs.
• To allow delegates to participate in the democratic process through campaigning for and electing state 4-H officers.
• To provide recreational and social experiences for delegates.
• To select winners in presentations and certain activities through state contests.
• To provide recognition for projects, activities, and scholarship winners.

Three people represented Cherokee County 4-H.  This was a new experience for the youth.  One of the youth, Eli Setless, was representing Cherokee County 4-H at the State Presentations event.  Eli had won gold at District Activity Day so he was chosen to attend 4-H State Presentations.  Eli was able to compete against 2 other youth in the Agriculture Safety and Health presentation category.   He brought home the Bronze Medal in the category against some very stiff competition.  Congratulations Eli, on a great winning district presentation and making it to state and picking up the bronze medal!!

Kaelyn Hedden and Carlie James were our other two 4-H Congress delegates.  This was a first time congress for these young ladies and they seemed to enjoy the experience immensely.

All three participated in fun hands on workshops, tours of different parts of the NC State campus as well as the NC General Assembly, community service projects, a fun silent disco, a gala dinner and dance, and the candle light induction ceremonies for the new 4-H state and district officers.

If you would like to know how to get youth involved in some of 4-H's great leadership and public speaking programs please contact, Shannon Coleman, at shannon_coleman@ncsu.edu or call 828-837-2210 ext. 4.