August 28, 2018 - At the recent 4-H Kick-off event, Shelby County Extension agents Lane Dunn and Jheri-Lynn McSwain presented Garrett Lewis and Joshua Clark with the 4-H “I Dare You” award.
From left: Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Garrett Lewis, and Lane Dunn
From left: Jheri-Lynn McSwain and Joshua Clark
Garrett is a senior in high school and was recently elected the Shelby County 4-H President. He has been a member of Shelby County 4-H for three years after moving from Beckville 4-H where he participated for three years. Garrett has participated in the beef and goat projects learning to be responsible and make connections not only with other people but with the animal as well. This year he plans to explore some new projects such as textiles and give a try at livestock judging. Garrett said, “The main thing I love about 4-H is the fact that it’s an opportunity to get out and about and meet new people, help the community, and hopefully, open new doors for my future.” Garrett is the son of Brandon and Miranda Lewis.
Joshua joined the Las Vegas Roadrunner 4H group at age 9. He began his 4-H career with Show Chickens and won Best in Show 2-years in a row for his chickens, also 1st place in show for his age division the first time he entered. He was also involved in Shooting sports and Archery which had him out in the Nevada heat practicing most weekends. Josh built a 6-foot trebuchet for his club presentation and received honorable mention on his Record Book for two years.
After moving to Shelby County 2-years ago Joshua joined 4H. He has been Involved in Food and Nutrition, Food Camps, event setups and Quilts of Valor. Recently he was selected and trained as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador and is working to develop a Healthy Kids community project. The first booth was at the 1st Methodist Health Fair this past summer. Joshua also volunteered his time to the 4H One Day project at the Shelby County Courthouse and to the Community Garden. Joshua is the son of Jason and Michele Clark.
These two young people have shown leadership and a willingness to always help in time of need. They are both very active in the 4-H program participating in numerous projects and community service activities.
Each year a local business, organization or individual is nominated for the Friend of 4-H award to recognize their support through volunteerism, use of facilities, or donation of a product for 4-H and adult programs provided through AgriLife Extension.
From left: Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Shelby Johnson, and Lane Dunn
The “Friend of 4-H” award was presented to Johnson Produce and its owner Shelby Johnson. Over the past few years Johnson’s Produce has provided fresh vegetables and watermelon to our Kid’s cooking camps and canning programs. In addition, Shelby has even given a great presentation to the kids on how to grow watermelons and told them about importance of agriculture to our county. We truly appreciate Shelby Johnson’s giving spirit and Johnson’s Produce for providing the vegetables and fruit so that our youth can learn about cooking and farming.
Please help us in congratulating and recognizing the efforts of these youth and supporters of Shelby County 4-H. If you have any questions regarding the 4-H program, feel free to contact us at 936-598-7744.
Article submitted by AgriLife Extension Agents, Jheri-Lynn McSwain and Lane Dunn
