4-H Awards Banquet

On September 27th, 2008 our family attended the Polk County 4-H Awards Banquet. Awards were given for the 2007 - 2008 4-H year. On that evening, both of my children received the Green and White Award. To get this award members must submit at least two Project Books, do at least 15 hours of community service, hold an office in a 4-H club and participate in a 4-H competition that advances to at least the state level. I am very proud of my boys for their accomplishments. Matthew submitted a Horticulture Record Book and a Computer Record Book. Andrew submitted a Horticulture Record Book and a Marine Ecology Record Book on Florida seashells. Andrew was also awarded a $50 prize for the highest scoring Junior Record Book (Horticulture).

The thing that I am most proud of is the award that they both received for doing over 25 hours of community service. Awards and acknowledgements seem important at the time, but in the end it is the service we do for others that really matters.

Florida Crackers 4-H

This year I have had the privilege of being the Organizational Leader of the Florida Crackers 4-H Club. All of our members are homeschooled students ranging from age 5 - 18. They are all working on many different projects including horticulture, marine ecology, forest ecology, archery, shot gun, dog, chicken, goat, and swine projects. Club members also participate in public speaking and community service projects. I am very proud of all of them! They work hard and it has been a great joy for me to spend time with such fine young ladies and gentlemen. I know that they are sometimes "less than thrilled" get up in front of everyone to do presentations for the club, but ya'll do such a great job!! :o)


Andrew at the Youth Fair Horticulture Judging Contest.





Our Whip Poppers! Amanda, Kitty, Markie, Matthew, RG, Benny, and Peter.




Matthew, Peter, and Sarah take a break at the Youth Fair Horticulture Judging Contest.