County Commissioners recognize 4-H Week with ambassadors

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum County Commissioners met with Muskingum County 4-H Ambassadors on Thursday to formally recognize 4-H Week.

The commissioners met with five ambassadors and the county’s 4-H educator, Jamie McConnell, to formally recognize the weeklong membership drive. The county will fly the 4-H flag outside the courthouse and will light the courthouse green to raise awareness for the organization from March 8 to March 14.

“It’s great to have the county commissioners’ support. Our organization relies on funding from the county commissioners but also just to have them willing to talk with our teens today and hear about their 4-H experiences,” McConnell said. “We’re very happy to have that and very proud that they support us.”

While commonly associated with animal projects at the fair, members can take on projects in a wide variety of interests. Wook working, engine repair, sewing, cooking, and STEM projects are just a few from the list of over 200 projects that a member can take. As McConnell explains, the 4-H program creates opportunities far beyond what the projects can offer.

“One of my favorite things as the 4-H educator in the county is watching our young people who joined, you know, early in their youth and watching the way that they grow. We’re here today with our 4-H Ambasodors and these folks have been involved for many years and now they’re teenagers who are leaders in our programs,” McConnell said. “So watching kids develop those skills, you know, leadership, communication skills, teamwork, throughout their 4-H career so that we know we are launching them into adulthood, preparing them to be successful.”

The deadline to join 4-H is April 1 and you can learn more by visiting the Muskingum County OSU Extension Office’s website.