Wallace's Farmer, IA
10-07-07
Iowa Turns Clover Green for National 4-H Week Oct. 7-13
Compiled By Staff
Red and gold colors the Iowa landscape each fall, but green will dominate during
the week of Oct. 7-13 when 4-H'ers across the state don the four-leaf clover to
celebrate National 4-H Week.
In proclaiming the observance, Gov. Chet Culver said, "I urge my fellow citizens
to observe this week by connecting with youth, friends, fellow employees and
relatives and with school, community and civic groups to engage in projects
benefiting their community."
"National 4-H provides young people with the research and resources from all the
nation's land-grant universities and colleges," said Chuck Morris, program
director for Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. "4-H
builds character in youth by giving them a sense of belonging to a positive,
inclusive group; opportunities to help in their community; and a way to learn new
skills to meet life's challenges."
4-H is a big part of ISU Extension
"ISU Extension and 4-H connect Iowa youth to learning and service opportunities
— and a lot of fun —at the community, county and regional levels; as well as at
statewide and national events," said Jack Payne, vice president for ISU
Extension and Outreach. "4-H is a big part of ISU Extension, but Extension is 4-H
and more. We 'extend' the university to the entire state.
"Extension can help young people explore what they want to do next — what
they want to become as adults. 4-H helps youth find their passion and see how
that translates into educational paths and future careers," Payne said.
Today's 4-H'ers can choose from science, engineering and technology; business
and workforce preparation; food safety and nutrition; animal and environmental
science; and theatrical and visual arts as well as production agriculture, clothing
and child development. All 4-H projects offer a leadership, citizenship and
communication component.
100 years of the 4-leaf clover emblem
Also this year the 4-H program celebrates 100 years of the birth of the clover
emblem, from its inception in Clarion, Iowa. Nationally, 4-H celebrated its
centennial year as a youth development program in 2002.
Through their project work, 4-H'ers earn more than $100,000 in college
scholarships each year, Morris said. The Iowa 4-H Foundation makes available
approximately 90 scholarships through financial support from corporations,
organizations and individuals.
"Our youth are the future of Iowa - we need their energy, skills and ideas to make
Iowa an even better place to live, work and play," Payne said. "ISU Extension
has an office in every county in Iowa - so stop on by and learn more about 4-H."
Iowans also can learn about 4-H online.
More than 60 million young people across the United States have been 4-H'ers.
Distinguished alumni from Iowa include NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, former
Gov. Terry Branstad, Academy Award-winning actress Donna Reed, football
stand-out Ed Podolak and numerous other public servants, educators and
communication, entertainment and sports figures. Also, six Iowans belong to the
National 4-H Hall of Fame: O. H. Benson, Fannie Buchanan, Max Exner, C. J.
Gauger, Cap Miller and Jessie Field Shambaugh. See www.nae4ha.org/hof.