Members of the 4-H Livestock Club carved pumpkins last week as a 4-H service project. Pumpkin growers Bob and Beth Wilbanks donated the pumpkins and hosted the event, which attracted more than 20 members and volunteers. The carved pumpkins were then used as decorations for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser event at The Inn at Willow Grove this weekend.
CONGRATULATIONS to 4-H Bit N’ Bridle member Delaney O’Donnell, who won the Arabian Nationals Horse Judging Competition in Tulsa, OK, this past weekend! Delaney placed first in all three divisions – halter, performance, and oral reasons – and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her efforts. She also received a certificate to attend judges’ school to become a nationally-certified Arabian horse judge. Delaney has been on the Virginia 4-H Horse Judging Team this fall and we are so proud of her efforts and achievements!!!
Registration information and details for the Northern District 4-H Judging Contest are available. The contest will be held on December 10th, at Cabin Branch Farm in Orlean, VA. Registration deadline is November 28th! Participants must also bring a signed farm waiver (to be sent out with registration confirmation). If you have any questions, contact Kelly Cody kellyc03@embarqmail.com .
The Commonwealth of Virginia is looking for the best and brightest high school students to join them at Virginia Tech next summer for the annual Governor’s School for Agriculture. The month-long residential program will be held June 24 to July 21, 2012, and gives students the opportunity to work with researchers, professors and industry professionals. Science and economics are major components of the event, but youth will also learn a lot by networking with adults and youth from across the state. Orange 4-H has had several members participate in the Governor’s School for Agriculture in the past and all have rated the experience VERY highly! For more information and to find out how to apply, visit http://www.gsa.vt.edu/.
Congratulations to Ashleigh Ramey of the Orange 4-H Hoof Mates Club who recently received the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Zone 3 Hunter College/Trade School Scholarship in the amount of $3,000.00. Winners were selected based on financial need, academic performance, leadership and equestrian enthusiasm.
The annual Virginia Association of Fairs Youth Leadership Scholarship Contest will be held January 7, 2012, at The Homestead. Senior 4-H’ers as of 1/1/12 who have participated in and provided service to the Orange County Fair are eligible to participate. An application, resume and essay are due the first Friday in December. A total of $7,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded; more information can be found at www.vafairs.us or by contacting Kaci at the Extension Office.