Jefferson County 4-H members participated in 4-H Day at the Capitol on March 4 in Little Rock.
This year, the Jefferson County 4-H program had one of the largest number of participants with more than 55 students and 10 volunteers attending from five clubs: Altheimer Library Club, Pine Bluff High School Club, New Kids on the Block Club, SOAR Club and Hope Empowerment Club, according to a news release.
The members from Jefferson County joined youth from 54 of Arkansas’ 75 counties at the event, which is held every other year when the Arkansas Legislature is in session.
The event gives 4-H members a chance to meet their legislators, learn about the legislative process and share how they are making a difference in their communities through 4-H.
They also got a sneak peek inside the state treasurer’s vault.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
At this year’s event, Attorney General Tim Griffin called the more than 500 4-H members before him “the single largest group ever assembled in the Arkansas Capitol.”
Members of the House and Senate also read resolutions proclaiming March 4 as 4-H Day.
Deacue Fields, vice president for agriculture with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said 4-H is one of the best career and workforce development programs.
“Legislators, if you want a strong return on investment in Arkansas’ future workforce, invest in 4-H,” Fields said.
“4-H has a strong track record of using results-driven educational experience to help youth reach their full potential.”
The Jefferson County 4-H program is part of the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, which is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Teki Hunt is director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 4-H Youth Development.
Timothy Wallace is the county agent responsible for county 4-H programs, according to the release.
For more information about 4-H programs or to join or volunteer, contact Wallace at twallace@uada.edu or (870) 534-1033.
Jefferson County 4-H members attend 4-H Day at the state Capitol on March 4. State Sen. Stephanie Flowers (middle near back row) met the youth during the special day. (Special to The Commercial)