Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 24, 1995 TAG: 9506260026
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ADRIANNE BEE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
An annual Blacksburg event since 1921, the congress drew high school students hailing from various Virginia locales. The theme this year: "4-H: Made from Virginia's Finest Youth."
The week featured elections, campaigning, speeches and voting. But mostly, it featured fun.
Thursday, the last day of congress, the gavel was passed from Megan Johnson of Floyd County to next year's president, Victor Price of Brunswick County.
"On the first day I thought there was no way I was going to talk to someone who wore a bow tie everyday or carried around a big green finger," Price said to his fellow 4-H'ers. One large, green foam finger, the type you see at ballgames proclaiming the home team "No. 1," shot up out of the audience in Squires Student Center. Laughter ensued as it did later during a slide show whenever the "finger-bearing 4-H'er" appeared.
"But I found we had a lot in common and we could work through any differences." After speaking of the friends he had made this week, Price declared, "I belong here!" and received a standing ovation.
"The congress gives the youngsters a variety of educational experiences and a chance to try their wings in new roles with new groups of contemporaries," said J. David Barrett, director of the state 4-H program. It also gives them a chance to dance, sing and recite poetry as many members did Wednesday night in a program entitled, "Share-the-Fun." The talent show featured piano playing and drama , all of which received loud "woo-hoos." Tony Distler, professor of communication studies at Tech, dotted the performances with jokes as he helped emcee the event.
Maggie Amos, Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H specialist, hoped the students would take information about their world and their future with them when they left. Lucky members also got to take gold, silver and bronze medals home. Competitions were held Tuesday as members showed their expertise in subjects ranging from conservation and breads to home and money management.
At a candlelight ceremony Wednesday night newly elected leaders and participants were challenged to seek new opportunities for "Making the Best Better."
There was yodeling and juggling this week, along with serious discussions of issues facing Virginia's youth .
What was the favorite aspect of the congress among attendees? The answers varied. "The dances and competitions," said one second-timer at congress. "The pep-rallies," said one five year 4-H member.
"Definitely mealtime," said a volunteer.
Price seemed to sum up the spirit of the 4-H Congress best when he said, "This week I opened many doors and behind the most important one was the friends I made."
by CNB