Congratulations to Taylor Hollis and Stephanie Consford who were named the 2008-2009 Van Buren County Outstanding 4-H Members on November 12 at the Van Buren County 4-H Youth Awards. They were selected based on 4-H involvement, leadership qualities, community service initiatives and evidence of citizenship commitment.
Taylor is 15 years old and has been a member of the South Haven Jay Dees 4-H club for the past 12 years. Taylor says her most memorable experiences in 4-H have been being involved in 4-H Capitol Experience and the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council. She also states that 4-H does wonders for your self-esteem, realizing that you have helped someone makes you feel good inside. Taylor says that 4-H has given her many experiences and opportunities to build her leadership skills and allow her to become a more caring person.
Stephanie is 18 years old and has been in 4-H for the past 7 Years and is a member of the Young Explorers 4-H club. Stephanie says 4-H has helped her in all aspects of her life. 4-H has taught her self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, commitment, flexibility, and persistence. She says that she does not have to be popular at school because she knows that the people in 4-H will accept her just the was she is. Stephanie says that once she completes college and gets settled in a career, she definitely wants to come back and volunteer her time in 4-H.
These young ladies will represent 4-H through the year at various community events such as the Van Buren Youth Fair, parades and media requests, as well as any other venues to promote 4-H.