During the last several weeks there have been many folks working to keep funding in the State budget to fund 4-H. Over 800 4-H youth and countless volunteers participated in the annual “4-H Day at the Capitol” event held on February 22, 2018. While there, youth visited with elected officials and watched their government at work.

One family from Jackson County 4-H made the trip to Tallahassee to bring their youngest family member, Adly Caraway, who had a special invitation to meet with the Governor! You see, when the 4-H budget was in jeopardy during the 2017 legislative session, Adly and her family accompanied their 4-H Club Leader Stacey Warden to the Capitol, to convince lawmakers not to cut 4-H out of the budget. Just a Cloverbud at the time, Adly made such an impression in 2017 that she was invited back.

Though the Governor was called away to attend a funeral, Adly and her fellow 4-H members made a presentation to the governor’s staff. 4-H members pointed out the many educational programs offered through 4-H and how youth in those programs develop important life skills. Adly was once again the youngest and smallest member of the group, but her voice was loud and clear.

We don’t know for sure whether or not Adly had anything to do with the Governor’s decision to NOT line item the 4-H budget, but we like to think that the power of the GREEN and one “small and mighty” 4-H member did!

If you or someone you know has an interest in becoming a part 4-H, the largest youth development organization in the world, make a plan to contact your local 4-H Office. Visit the Jackson County 4-H web page or come see us at 2741 Penn Ave., Suite 3, Marianna, FL (850) 482-9620.

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