Franklin County will be hosting the 4-H Regional Congress June 21 at Russellville Middle School.

“We would like to thank the Russellville City Schools system for allowing us to use their facility for this event,” said 4-H Extension Agent Janet Lovelady. “We are looking forward to a fantastic experience with these outstanding 4-H youth.”

4-H’ers from 10 counties will be competing in 15 different projects, like public speaking, wood working, cooking and more. Students have prepared their projects at home and will be presenting them to the judges that day.

Students from Colbert, Fayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties, in addition to Franklin, will be participating. Lovelady said 106 young people are registered for the event, 12 of whom will be representing Franklin County.

“Franklin County is perfect for the event due to our rich history of Extension,” said Extension Director Katernia Cole-Coffey. “Franklin County is home to Dr. Luther Nobel Duncan, former president of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) and former Extension director. He laid the foundation for 4-H.”

To advance to Regional Congress, students had to excel in their school 4-H club and at County Round-Up. Two Franklin County teens who are volunteering to help at Regional Congress have advanced to the Alabama 4-H State Competitive Events Day and will compete at the Alabama 4-H Center July 25.

“We are very proud of the 4-H members that are representing Franklin County 4-H in the Regional competition,” said Lovelady. “They have worked hard on their 4-H projects, and it shows!”

In addition to competing with their projects, the participants will be able to take part in other activities Friday. Alabama 4-H Ambassadors will have a leadership activity station, and the Army National Guard will be bringing its Gladiator Pit. There will be a Google Expedition Virtual Reality Experience as well as Alabama 4-H RiverKids and Backyard Bass activities. Additionally, the Alabama A&M Extension Staff will be presenting a CHAMPION TEEN program.