Do you remember saying the 4-H pledge, attending 4-H camp, giving demonstrations at Congress or 4-H Club week, or showing an animal at the State Fair as part of a 4-H project? If so, you will bae excited to learn that the North Carolina 4-H Program has announced the formation of the North Carolina 4-H Alumni and Friends Association! The Association is comprised of dues paying members that have some connection, past or present, with the 4-H program. Former 4-Hers, leaders, volunteers, donors, parents, agents, staff and other friends are welcome to join. With over one million alumni and many other friends of 4-H in North Carolina, the Association gives members the opportunity to stay engaged and give something back to the program which benefited so many.

Alumni serve as a main source of support for today's 4-H program, including service as volunteers, judges, instructors, leaders, donors and mentors. The Association serves as the first organization that unites all different aspects of the program under one umbrella. 4-H alumni and 4-H's friends will play a big role in the 100 year anniversary celebration of North Carolina 4-H in 2009 and the establishment of the North Carolina museum located at Millstone 4-H Center in Ellerbe, North Carolina. The Association intends to hold annual conferences to give members a chance to re-connect with old 4-H friends and various service projects to support today's 4-Hers. A portion of your annual membership dues also go towards establishing a 4-H Alumni and Friends Association scholarship. Membership dues are only $20 per year, so why wait?  Or, you can become a sustaining member for only $50 per year and the extra $30 goes towards establishing the scholarship.  Download a membership application and join today!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL ATKINS,

FEBRUARY STUDENT CITIZEN AWARD WINNER!

Michael Atkins is an 11th grader at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, NC where he maintains a 3.95 un-weighted GPA.  In addition to excelling at academics, Michael is very active in his community and at school.  He serves as an ambassador for his school and is a member of various clubs.  He is former president of the Southeast District 4-H, where he served more than 250 hours of community service last year.  He is also a member of TRY (Teens Reaching Youth) and has already performed 108 hours of teaching.  Michael has collected school supplies and library books for hurricane victims.  He also helps regularly with Crime Stoppers, Alzheimer’s disease programs and other agencies.

In 2005, Michael started the Warming Tree project with his sister.  They recruit local schools and businesses to put up Christmas trees and decorate them with scarves, hats, gloves and other winter wear.  The collected items are then donated to homeless children, cancer patients, and other residents that may need them.  In 2006, they collected more than 500 items. 

Michael’s volunteer work has earned him the Bronze and Silver Congressional Awards. 

CW22 and MyRDC, along with Fayetteville State University, are proud to recognize and honor students like Michael Atkins that meet the requirements of the NC Student Citizen Act.  The values are: Responsibility for school climate, Service to others and Citizenship.  Each winner receives a trophy/plaque, a commercial profile on both CW22 and MyRDC television stations and website feature.