FAYETTEVILLE— Hundreds of youths will descend upon the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for one of the largest 4-H gatherings in the state.
The 2018 Arkansas State O-Rama, filled with state level competitions, workshops and activities for Arkansas 4-Her’s, will take place July 25-26, according to a news release.
“I am excited this year,” said Priscella Thomas-Scott, 4-H events coordinator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “The event schedule is educational and fun. With over 500 participants registered for State 4- H O-Rama, the event has a host of workshops, tours and competitive activities. Other highlights of the event include recognizing our scholarship recipients, record book winners and electing the state 4-H officer team.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Laymon Hicks, author and youth motivational speaker.
In his speeches, Hicks shares with youths lessons he’s learned from his life, going from troubled teen to graduating high school with a 4.0 GPA and then later obtaining a doctorate. He tells his story while assuring his audience that “failure is not a fatality” and encourages them to “Get Up, Get Out, and Go Get It.”
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Maggie Sans, vice president for community relations at Walmart, will speak at the awards ceremony. In her role at Walmart, Sans leads the company’s efforts to strengthen the investment stores and associates make in communities.
Along with competing for state titles, 4-Her’s will also be recognized for their achievements and successes throughout the past year. The recipient Arkansas Governor’s Award, 4-H’s highest honor, will be announced at the event.
4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities, according to the release.
For details about 4-H, contact a local county extension agent or visit, https://www.uaex.edu/4h-youth.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without discrimination.
— Emily Thompson is with the U of A System Division of Agriculture.