• By Monique Pearce-Brady
• Posted Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Forsyth County 2020 Virtual NC Congress Highlights

A delegation of Forsyth County 4-H members attended NC 4-H Congress, which was held virtually this year. Luke Arrowood, Laurelyn Ridge, Calleigh Wilson, and David Winemiller represented Forsyth County at NC 4-H Congress. This year’s 4-H Congress, held July 20-23, attracted more than 300 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the state. Conference delegates participated in general sessions, learned together in workshops, recognized award winners, and elected State 4-H Officers for the upcoming year.

Austyn Joyce, 19, son of Michael and Mae Lynn Joyce of Kernersville, NC, was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club, one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. New Honor Club members were tapped during a candlelight ceremony Monday afternoon, July 20.

Membership in the Honor Club is based on service to the 4-H program, leadership, moral standards, 4-H activities, and project achievement. Less than one-half of 1 percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers are selected for membership each year. Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years of 4-H experience.

Joyce is a 2019 graduate of Joyce Academy and was a member of Trailblazers Teen 4-H Club. He was active in the 4-H program for 14 years before aging out.

Luke Arrowood, 15, son of Carla and Mark Arrowood of Lexington, NC, was awarded the state youth volunteer award. Arrowood is a Sophomore at Arrowood Academy and a member of N.E.S.T and Trailblazers Teen. He has been active in the 4-H program for 11 years.

David Winemiller, 17, son of Kim Hunter and Kevin Winemiller of Kernersville, NC, was awarded the state youth volunteer award. Winemiller is a graduating senior from a homeschool program and a member of Trailblazers Teen. He has been active in the 4-H program for 13 years.

NC 4-H Youth Volunteer Awards are presented annually to individual teens that have provided exemplary service to their communities during the previous year. The program is designed specifically to recognize those 4-H’ers aged 14 -18 who excel in volunteerism and/or service to their communities.

4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

-Monique Pearce-Brady, 336-703-2856, dmpearce@ncat.edu