4-H

 

Bowman Bunch

Live Wire

Range Riders

 

My rural life centered around 4-H.  I learned record keeping at an early age.  The records I completed are on file along with a complete scrapbook that my mother prepared.  She also made a macramé hanger for my 4-H award pins.  This award banner hangs in my Richey, Montana, home.  My parents and other community members served as our leaders to keep us active in our projects as well as community service projects.

 

I served as an officer many times during my ten years as a 4-H member.  I participated in exchange trips to Arkansas and Arizona.  I was selected as a 4-H Ambassador in North Dakota through the interview/selection process. 

 

My Extension Agents were Warren Froelich and Linda Narum.  Warren served as a great 4-H livestock and crops judging coach.  Linda guided me in the home economics projects.  One year I prepared a home living exhibit, “Tan a Pelt.”  I was the first to be judged at the state fair because I was also participating in livestock judging.  I was very dismayed when my name was not announced for a ribbon.  THEN, the final name announced was mine!  I was excited at that point because 

I had won 1st place with my exhibit.

 

Bob Runner guided us in range judging.  I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for our native grasses and the land which sustains livestock.

 

I enjoyed a variety of projects:  sheep, beef, horse, dairy, dog, knitting, leadership; you would need to see my record books to fully understand what a zest for life and 4-H I had for ten years.  When I was a senior in high school I was selected as the ND Sheep winner.  I had to compile a record book specific to sheep and my accomplishments in that area.  I was awarded an expense paid trip to National 4-H Congress in Chicago along with other state winners.  

We traveled by bus for an eventful week.

 

The Bowman Lions Club presented me with a 10 year 4-H member award.  Another highlight was serving as one of three 4-H Ambassador Coordinators.  We worked as a team to coordinate leadership activities in the North Dakota 4-H Program.  Since I was the youngest of the coordinators I was selected to attend the “American Academy of Achievement.”  Judy Wolf, State FFA President, was also in attendance in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

I vividly remember meeting Louis L’Amour.  My “Golden Scroll” award sits on my desk in my home office.