Pender County 4-H’ers attend N.C. 4-H Congress

This year’s 4-H Congress, held in Raleigh from July 20 to 23, 2019, attracted more than 500 young people and their adult leaders for activities including presentations on a variety of subjects at the State Presentation Finals, leadership and citizenship workshops, service opportunities, officer elections, and more. Pender County 4-H members that attended were: Zane and Olivia Andersen of Hampstead, and Morgan Hansen and Sierra Dolengo, both of Burgaw. Pender County is well represented in the Southeast District as Zane Andersen and Morgan Hansen have now transitioned into their roles as District President and Vice President, respectively.

On Saturday, July 20, District Gold and Silver Presentation winners competed in the State Presentation Finals. Zane Andersen, 17, son of James and Lenora Andersen of Hampstead, won the gold medal for his presentation on Aerospace. Olivia Seitz, 9, daughter of Mark and Robin Seitz of Burgaw, took home the Silver medal with her presentation on Sea Turtles. Olivia Andersen, 15, daughter of James and Lenora Andersen of Hampstead, participated in the Arts & Communications category and showed exceptional presentation skills about how to play the guitar.

Sierra Dolengo, daughter of Robert and Christina Dolengo of Burgaw, was invited to attend a Donor Brunch because she was the Gold Medalist for her Portfolio in Poultry Production. Portfolios are a compilation of 3 years worth of work in one project area, and includes leadership and citizenship participation and community service done.

4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 264,000 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide. Pender County is fortunate to be growing so many leaders in our 4-H program! To learn more about 4-H in Pender County, contact Liz Peterson, 4-H Youth Development Agent at 910-259-1235.