For 4-H excellence

Franklin County’s 4-H program has been in place for several years, but over the last two years the program has more than tripled its numbers and impact. Dr. Gary Lemme, director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University, came to Franklin County Sept. 18 and presented the Crystal Clover Award to the Franklin County Extension for its progress with the 4-H program.

“I want to thank the citizens and the board for all of your help. This progress couldn’t have been made without you,” Lemme said.

Along with the Crystal Clover Award, Lemme declared Franklin County a Centennial Youth Initiative County.

“This is a very competitive program, and Franklin County deserves this recognition,” he said.

Katernia Cole-Coffey, Franklin County Extension coordinator, read aloud the proclamation declaring the award. She explained that over the past two years, the 4-H program has grown from 200 participants to more than 700 youth involved in the program.

“This award recognizes that Franklin County has achieved excellence in all areas of Alabama’s 4-H programming,” Cole-Coffey said.

According to the press release from the Extension office, the award is based on the following standards of excellence: forming a unified Alabama 4-H team and program, utilizing consistent research-based curriculum resources, diversifying delivery modes tailored to today’s youth, promoting a plan of work development and team work at all levels and aligning staff and position assignments to support program resources and deliver modes.

Lemme also announced the full-time addition of Leslie Moore as the 4-H Foundation regional Extension agent for Franklin County.

“She will be here solely to serve the youth of Franklin County,” he said.

In addition to full-time staff, Lemme also revealed there are more than 50 volunteers for 4-H in Franklin County alone. With its recent growth into all of the schools in the area, these volunteers are needed and much appreciated, Lemme said.