100 years of impact

Kinston native Tara Taylor's life was shaped by her involvement in 4-H.

"I would say that the experiences that I had in 4-H made me the person that I am," she said. "Leadership and the desire to contribute to the community in a positive way came from my raising through my family and through the people who touched my life through 4-H."

After attending North Carolina State University, Taylor returned home to Lenoir County to serve children through her work as the 4-H youth development agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

This year, the organization that had such an enormous influence on Taylor's life is celebrating its centennial. 4-H clubs across the state will be planning and participating in a variety of activities to commemorate the organization's impact on the youth it has served.

"(Lenoir County 4-H) decided to do a production of ‘Hee-Haw,' Taylor said. "We are going back to our roots. The scenes are going to be 4-H related so that it becomes a historical, educational program ... that really showcases the talent of the children here in Lenoir County."

The production, which will be performed at 6:30 p.m. July 29 at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena, will allow youth to participate through singing, dancing, acting and set design.

"They are going to be instrumental in putting the whole production together," Taylor said of the youth. "It's going to be their production.

Practices for "Hee-Haw" will be held throughout the summer at the N.C. Cooperative Extension. Youth ages 5 to 19 can become involved at anytime by calling the office at (252) 527-2191.

"Even though we're getting ready for the centennial event, they're learning skills that are going to take them through a lifetime and make them contributing members of our society as adults," Taylor said. "Our ultimate goal is to build good citizens."

Greene County 4-H is taking a different approach to celebrating 100 years of 4-H in North Carolina.

The club is planning to host a 4-H open house this fall as a way to inform youth, parents, teachers and community members about 4-H.

"Help celebrate the past 100 years of 4-H and help celebrate the future 100 years of 4-H at our 4-H Open House this fall," Meg Wyatt, 4-H youth development agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Greene County, said.

During the summer, Greene County 4-H will also host a number of activities, including snorkeling, surfing, pottery, cooking and sewing. Youth interested in becoming involved in Greene County 4-H should contact Wyatt at (252) 747-5831.

"One hundred years of 4-H in North Carolina means there has been a great tradition that continues to give youth opportunities to become positive, productive, contributing citizens in their communities through the largest youth organization in the world," Wyatt said.

Sarah Campbell can be reached at (252) 559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.

By the Numbers: 4-H 2008

208,000 - youth reached through 4-H throughout North Carolina

20,000 - 4-H volunteers

2,000 - youth reached through Lenoir County 4-H

1,750 - youth reached through Greene County 4-H