Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Indiana State Fair Rabbit Princess gave a presentation about the county's 4-H program at Redeemer Lutheran School in Warsaw today.
Speaking before third- through sixth-grade students, Aimee Wilson, also a Redeemer Lutheran student, talked about everything from projects and record-keeping to pizza parties and barbecues.
Daughter of Rockey and Janet Wilson, Warsaw, Aimee is a four-year member of the Junior Neighbors 4-H Club. Last year she went to the Indiana State Fair and was judged on her knowledge and handling of rabbits, earning a crown and sash.
This year her state fair responsibilities will include handing out ribbons and trophies during rabbit classes.
Wednesday morning she volunteered her time to promote the local 4-H program.
Wilson regularly shows rabbits and poultry at the Kosciusko County fair.
According to youth educator Tracy George, the local Purdue Extension office was established in 1937, with a Cooperative Extension Service educator assigned in 1941 and the first 4-H youth educator arriving in 1947.
This is the 100th national anniversary of 4-H Inc., which will be observed by 6.6 million members across the country.
There are 755 county members in 30 organized clubs, 63 projects available and 255 volunteers. Last year the county 4-H'ers completed 2,249 projects.
Children in kindergarten through second grade participate in Exploring 4-H, while third- through 12th-graders belong to a regular club.
This week, the first week of February, used to be known as Indiana 4-H Week, which, according to George, has kind of gone by the wayside. County clubs have made the week their own with window displays at the North Webster, Syracuse, Mentone, Silver Lake and Atwood elementary schools; the Silver Lake branch of Lake City Bank; Big Lots and NEXTEL, both in Warsaw; and Gragg Equipment Co. on Ind. 15S.
For more information call the Extension Office at 372-2340.
