Baylie Clay and Katelyn Macejewski were honored for receiving the Bronze Congressional Award at the 4-H Awards of Excellence virtual ceremony on Thursday, July 30. The award, established by Congress in 1979, recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Youth must be at least 13 ½ years old to register for the award. After registering, youth choose goals for themselves in 4 areas: Personal Development, Physical Fitness, Community Service, and Expedition/Exploration. Then the real work begins as the youth log hours spent pursuing these goals. To receive the Bronze medal, these young women completed at least 100 hours of community service, 50 hours pursuing a personal development goal, 50 hours on a physical fitness goal, and planned and carried out an overnight exploration experience. This was achieved under the direction of the Montgomery County 4-H program. The Congressional Award emphasizes goal setting, leadership, community service, and hands-on learning so it’s a perfect fit for 4-Hers. Baylie Clay was also recognized as an Advanced 4-H Record Book Winner at the ceremony. A reception, with masks, social distancing, and sanitization standards, was held for the award recipients and their families at the Extension Office. Cupcakes were provided by fellow Congressional Award pursuant, Mikayla Ellison. If you’d like to learn more about the Congressional Award or the 4-H program, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office at 870-867-2311.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Amy Monk is a County Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, located in Montgomery County. You may reach her at 870-867-2311 or 117 Ray Drive, or by email at amonk@uaex.edu. You can also follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyextension
