4-H Clubs seeking youth to join program

STEUBENVILLE -- The Steubenville Seedlings 4-H Club will be featured during a presentation at the Ohio 4-H Conference on Saturday in Columbus. Adviser Heather Hoover and youth representatives, will join Jefferson County OSU Extension educator Angie Allison, to present 4-H youth development programs as part of Allison's overview on county 4-H activities.

"The session is about Jefferson County 4-H programs and some of the work we're doing," Allison explained.

"Hoover and 4-H members will address the non-traditional aspect of the school's organization since 4-H has included more agriculture-based programming, Allison explained. The group formed during a time when state officials were seeking ways to reach more youth. "When I interviewed for this position seven years ago, the state 4-H asked how we could get more youth involved in 4-H in Jefferson County," Allison explained. "The roots of 4-H are in agriculture, but it has been including more projects from solar energy to rockets."

Allison met with STEM Director Shana Wydra, introducing her to the 4-H project book. "She has created opportunities to make more youth and parents more aware of projects," she added. Allison praised Steubenville officials for their cooperation and lauded Hoover for her work on the program.

"Heather has been a champion for the program and that club has been wildly successful," she continued. "We're excited about how it's progressed and hope to see what it can offer students in the future."

The Steubenville Seedlings, which has been in operation for four years, has steadily grown in membership. It is a club that has made Hoover proud.

"We're the first school district in Ohio to have a district-wide club, and we're one of the largest in the state with 98 members," Allison said. When enrollment began there was 28 members. Enrollment is underway through March 15. Prospective members must be a student at one of the Steubenville schools, officials commented.

"4-H has always had county clubs," Allison continued. "Shana and I noticed an uptick of students in traditional 4-H with livestock and showing animal projects. We thought it would be such an opportunity for any student to be in 4-H. There was so much more to it than livestock. They show still projects that are in line with the career-tech curriculum." Allison and school officials put the focus on bringing the Seedlings to fruition. Hoover said this will be the emphasis of the club's presentation.

"We are presenting on steps to take as a district," she said. "I always knew the student interest was there and want them to have an opportunity to join any club. I'm glad we have the ability to bring it to the students." The Seedlings 4-H Club is preparing for another year, as officers were recently elected. Senior and junior officers share duties, while sergeant-at-arms positions have been added.

Senior officers include President Clara Hoffman, Vice President Kylie Davis, secretary and news reporter Avaya Mitchell, Sergeant-at-arms Robert Smith, health and safety director McKinley Brown, greeter Alaina Ford and hospitality officer Riley Kelly.

Junior leaders include President Avery Huff, Vice President Raegan Moffat, Secretary Madison McCoy, Sergeant-at-arms Riley Bell, health and safety director Marlee Koley, hospitality officer Cambrie Davis, greeter Peter Walters and news reporter CharLaya Trimiar. Students can take part in the Jefferson County Fair, as well as enter a variety of still and animal projects for consideration. They will have an opportunity to advance to the Ohio State Fair.

Those in grades kindergarten through 12 can join the Cloverbuds. Those in grades 3 through 12 can take part in the 4-H Club.

Hoover said many members take part in still projects, noting some have done animal projects with smaller creatures such as hamsters, reptiles, chickens, hogs, dogs and cats. Others have shown interest in working with larger livestock. Students have their choice of completing individual projects, while Cloverbuds work together as a group. Members receive project books in March, then meet and have until July 1 to finish their work.

Youth will take part in Contest Day in June, and Judging Day in July.