Congratulations to Burke County 4-H members from left to right:
Nicki Carpenter-Burke County 4-H agent, Grayson Owens, Emily Hall,
Jacob Hanlon, Payton Abee, Addy Fullbright, and Peyton Patrick.
These delegates represented Burke County at the NC 4-H Congress held
at NC State University in Raleigh, NC, July 22-25.

“Make Waves, It’s Your Turn To Change The World!” NC 4-H Congress is
an annual leadership program for youth ages 13-18 to come together
from all counties across North Carolina. 4-H Congress provides
opportunities for youth to develop and exercise leadership skills
through educational experiences such as motivational speakers,
discussion groups, and workshops. 4-H Congress allows delegates to
participate in the democratic process through campaigning for and
electing their own youth state 4-H officers. One of our very own, Jacob
Hanlon, was elected into the NC 4-H State Reporter position. The
annual candle lighting ceremony and officer installation is a special
tradition to induct all of the new 4-H State and District officers, who will
serve a term until next July.

4-H Congress provides recreational and social experiences for delegates,
such as a talent show, County Cultural Experiences and the 4-H Clover
Gala. This year there was an overall focus on youth mental health
awareness, providing delegates with the tools to engage in meditation,
relaxation, yoga, and calming techniques. NC 4-H Congress was
adjourned following the community service project, “Hooked on
Books”! Counties from all over the state collected and exchanged books
to take back and donate to organizations of their choosing in their
county or to start a literacy library.

For more information on Burke County’s 4-H youth development
program, please contact Nicki Carpenter at 828-764-9480 or
nicki_carpenter@ncsu.edu