Page 35 - Summer 2021

they come up with reasons for why they judged as they did. Those have to be written, memorized and delivered orally within a span of 10 minutes. Another challenge is that they must be prepared to defend their reasoning. This activity has helped them become more confident public speakers. Thomas, Blakely and Clark have replicated additional aspects of their parents’ 4-H experience, as all three are involved in County Project Achievement and District Project Achievement.
Already boasting a full schedule, Haley Ann recently showed her first sheep without the help of her older siblings. “Nugget” did well but was a jumpy with the 7-year-old. “I got a skinned kneebecauseofhim,”Haleyrecalled.Shesaidshowingwasalittle scary at first, but it was a good experience. Sheep are shown twice: once for showmanship and once for weight. Outside of 4-H, Haley Ann enjoys drawing and writing stories. She’s also an avid reader.
The Stewarts live out all aspects of the 4-H tradition. In addition to achieving success in 4-H activities, all of the children are good students who place an emphasis on excelling in their studies.
Each child also plays at least one sport. Thomas is a receiver for the Oconee County High School Warriors. Blakely will be a
freshman this fall and has already earned spots on the junior varsity sideline cheer and varsity competition cheerleading squads. Clark is currently playing football and lacrosse. He’s also a member of the swim team and has dabbled with soccer and wrestling. Haley Ann has a sport for each season, ranging from soccer to cheerleading to swim team.
Beth and Lawton praise 4-H for the way it teaches children to be well rounded. The Oconee program is led by Youth Extension Agent Kelle Ashley. An elementary school teacher by training, Ashley has been with UGA Extension for 10 years.
To keep youth programs affordable, 4-H fundraises both locallyandstatewide.Youthfeesarecoveredbygrantsandspecial events. Spirit nights and road races also keep the coffers full. Many civic organizations in Oconee provide support, especially for summer camp scholarships. Ashley believes that families with generations of 4-H membership are key to making the programs so special. “There’s a million things the Stewarts could be doing with their time,” she said. “Their involvement and support of 4- H is a blessing.”
Beth is equally grateful to the organization that has been a central part of her life. In just a few words, she summed up the whole experience: “4-H formed our family.”
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SUMMER 2021 | OcONEE ThE MAgAzINE | PAgE 33