National 4-H Congress is one of the premiere experiences for 4-H members across the country to participate in. For over 95 years, members of the 4-H program have been gathering to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of 4-H. National 4-H Congress provides a life changing experience for youth to meet other members across the United States, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team development, and of course having fun! Congratulations to Jill Koski, Matison Smith and Taylor Wroten on being selected to represent Sussex County in the Delaware 4-H Congress delegation. Here is a little more about her project work areas!
Jill Koski: Jill is a nine year member of the Seaford Blue Jays 4-H Club. She is currently a senior at Saints Peter and Paul High School. Jill’s main 4-H projects are Foods & Nutrition, Dog, Leadership and Citizenship. Other projects that she has been involved in include Arts and Crafts and Gardening. She has been actively involved in several 4-H activities including Public Speaking, Favorite Foods, Delaware State Fair and National 4-H Conference.
When asked to write about her most memorable 4-H experience, Jill recognized her grandmother for being her role model and the number one person to encourage her to take advantage of every opportunity she could in 4-H. Jill attributes her grandmother for helping her overcome her shyness and for her participation in the Public Speaking Contests every year. Speech writing was their “thing” and she loved spending time with her grandmother brainstorming ideas and writing drafts. Jill says 4-H is always the place she can turn to for encouragement, memories, skills and relationships.
Matison Smith: Matison is an eight year member of the Dublin Hill 4-H Club. She is a sophomore at Sussex Central High School. Matty’s main 4-H projects are Performing Arts, Goats, Citizenship and Leadership. Other projects that she has been involved in include: Photography, Horticulture and Arts and Crafts. She has been actively involved in several 4-H activities including Junior Leader Weekend, State Teen Conference, Day Camp Counselor, State 4-H Camp and the Delaware State Fair.
Matty’s most memorable experience was not one single event, but many. She says that 4-H is much more than helping others in your community. “It is a place to meet good friends and always be accepted for who you are.” 4-H has been a safe place for her to grow and find herself.
Taylor Wroten: Taylor is an eight year member of the Dublin Hill 4-H Club. She is a junior at Sussex Technical High School. Taylor’s main 4-H projects are Foods and Nutrition, Arts and Crafts, Citizenship and Leadership. Other projects that she has been involved in include: Horticulture, Photography and Sheep. She has been an active member of the Sussex County Jr. Council involved in many events including Demonstration Contests, State 4-H Camp and the Delaware State Fair.
Taylor’s most memorable 4-H experience has been attending State 4-H Camp. She says this is the place she has had the most fun but also learned the most from her camp experiences. Taylor says there’s something about the closeness of every person that makes camp special. Taylor said, “The friendships formed and lessons learned are something I will carry with me forever.” 4-H has showed her how to be a leader and a friend.
