Fannin 4-H'er

Mentoring is a powerful tool to help guide, empower and encourage others to reach their full potential. It’s a gateway to both learn and share a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Whether through peer mentoring, adult-child mentoring, or reverse mentoring, both mentor and mentee benefit in more ways than one.

4-H mentors are more than advisors; they are role models, educators, life coaches, and friends to the 4-H kids in their communities. The partnership between a 4-H mentor and young mentee is important because youth are encouraged to explore their interests and receive valuable, active support.

Here are just a few of the many 4-H Mentoring programs that not only impact, but save young lives.

Missouri 4-H: A Powerful Message Combatting Bullying – The Marshall Mentor Program helps youth understand the importance of empathy, courage, perseverance, kindness, and forgiveness, and it challenges them to put these traits into action when facing on of the most common social problems: bullying. The program was inspired by the book, “Marshall the Miracle Dog,” which tells the story of a courageous canine who overcame his battle with bullying. Marshall’s survival led to the creation of the Marshall Movement, which focuses on the importance of teaching kids anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty. Missouri 4‑H has implemented the Marshall Mentor Program and applied it to local schools and communities across the state. A young participant of the programs says, “The first way to stop bullying is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Marshall changed lives and so can we.”

Washington 4-H: Exchanging and Appreciating Culture through a Common Goal – Youth and mentors of the Washington State 4‑H National Mentoring Program participated in a state-wide summer trip to North Dakota, Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. North Dakota 4‑H and Washington 4‑H are both a part of the 4‑H National Mentoring Program. Funded in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the 4‑H National Mentoring Program supports various initiatives that assist in the development of mentoring services in high-risk communities and populations. The goal is to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problems and high-risk behaviors. The trip was unique as the visit took place just before the Dakota Access Pipeline protests began. Through the cultural exchange trip, mentees of both programs had the opportunity to learn from and understand one another’s experiences, as well as grow an appreciation for the other’s history and culture. A smaller Washington 4‑H group later returned to the reservation to deliver supplies to protesters.

Louisiana 4-H: Pledging their Hands to Serve the Community – Louisiana suffered severe flooding during the summer. During this time, youth involved in the 4‑H National Mentoring Program came together to give back to communities in need. Pairs of mentors and youth spent time together collecting clothing, baby items, and school supplies, and delivering up to truckloads of items to affected communities. United Way in Lafayette, Louisiana was the recipient of the thousands of supplies that were collected by the group. “The reach of the mentoring [program] is widespread and powerful,” says one 4‑H Agent when speaking about the program’s influence. “This kind of impact can’t be captured in an evaluation. The program has shaped teens into people who have responded in a quick and unselfish manner.“

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Gainesville Fun Show Results

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 20:56:33 +0000

Congratulations to Alicen Lee, Jenna Lee and Kodie Landers for competing at the Gainesville Fun Show.
Alicen Lee placed 1st in class, 4th in class, won Best Opposite Sex of Variety with her Holland Lop and placed 1st in class with her American Blue.
Jenna placed 4th in Junior Showmanship, 4th and 5th in classes with her Holland Lop.
Kodie Landers placed 1st in class, 1st in class, and 2nd in class with her Californians, and placed 1st in class with her Palomino.
Congratulations girls and way to represent Fannin County 4-H Program!

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2017 Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble

bethany.arie — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:03:05 +0000

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo 2017 Calf Scramble is back! There was a total of 54 Calf Scramble Scholarships awarded in 2016 for the grand total of $226,000 scholarship award to 4-H and FFA members. Entry forms are available October 1st. We can only enter a maximum of 6 students – 4 participants and 2 alternates. If you want to be in the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble, call me at 903-583-7453 ASAP and I will get our group entered. It will be a first come, first serve basis.

General Rules

Each exhibitor, participant or other individual or entity participating in any aspect of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, including without limitation, livestock and animal entrants, and calf scramble participants (collectively, “Exposition and Livestock Show Participants”) including any of their heirs, dependents, assigns, agents or representatives in any capacity, hereby waives all rights and claims for damages, and do hereby agree to release, hold harmless and unconditionally indemnify the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, directors, sponsors and co-producers of any Exposition and Livestock Show events, and any officials or employees, thereof, from and against all liability, costs, expenses, claims and damages, even if caused by the alleged negligence or gross negligence of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, which the Exposition and Livestock Show Participant or the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show may at any time suffer or sustain or become liable for by reason of any accidents, damages, injuries or incidents either to the person or property, or both, or the Exposition and Livestock Show Participant, or if any other parties, in any manner arising from such Participant’s participation in any Exposition and Livestock Show event or at any Exposition and Livestock Show premises which is in any way connected with the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, its officers, directors, members, agents, sponsors or employees. Exposition and Livestock Show Participant also recognizes that it will be solely responsible for any consequential or other loss, injury or damage to, or occasioned by, arising from, any horse or other livestock used by the Participant or present at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, including the preparation, duration and disbanding of said Show and any parts thereof. Each Exposition and Livestock Show Participant further agrees to execute such releases or other writings or other documents which evidence Participant’s acknowledgment and understanding of the foregoing release and indemnity, provided, however, the provisions hereof shall prevail in the event that a conflict or other inconsistency is discovered regarding the contents of this provision, and any release executed by a Participant.Further, Exposition and Livestock Show Participant grants permission to the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and their designers to use Exposition and Livestock Show Participant or likeness in connection with any broadcast or other reproduction of this event.

INCOMPLETE MINOR RELEASES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All information requested on the Minors Release must be complete. There must be two adult witnesses to the signing of the Release by the parents and the participants. BOTH PARENTS must sign the Release. However, if the parents are divorced, or if one is deceased,one signature is sufficient, BUT THE NOTATION OF “DIVORCED” or “DECEASED” MUST BE IN THE SPACE PROVIDED, or Minors Release will be returned.

Selection of Contestants

The 2017 Calf Scramble will be held in 28 of the Rodeo performances. There will be 16 participants and five alternates scheduled for each performance. The participants will be guaranteed a position in the Scramble. The alternates will be used to fill any vacancies. Participants should be carefully selected using the guidelines listed under Paragraph 3. The Calf Scramble is made available to both girls and boys who reside in the State of Texas and are members of 4-H or FFA. Scramble participants must be 14, 15, 16 or 17 years of age on January 1, 2017, and not beyond their junior year of high school. (Born9/01/99–1/01/03) Each County Extension Agent or Agricultural Science Teacher may enter a maximum of six students.

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4-H Night at the Mesquite Rodeo

bethany.arie — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 16:45:40 +0000

Come join us Saturday, October 1st for “4-H Night at the Mesquite Rodeo” and enjoy “Real Texas fun” at the indoor & air conditioned Mesquite Arena with World Championship Cowboys, Cowgirls, Rodeo Clowns and Specialty acts and much much more!

Doors open at 6:00 PM and rodeo starts at 7:30 PM. If you wish to sit with the Fannin County group, call me at 903-583-7453 and I will get a group of seats for us all to enjoy together!

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2016-2017 Fannin County 4-H Shirts

bethany.arie — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 21:52:22 +0000

2016-2017 Fannin County 4-H T-Shirts are ready to be ordered! Please pass this information along to all your 4-H friends! The order forms are due back to the Extension Office or Krystal before 4:00 PM on Wednesday, August 24 along with the $14.00 payment. These shirts will be worn at all countywide 4-H Functions. 2016-2017 Fannin County 4-H T-Shirt Order Form 08152016

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District Record Book Judging Results

bethany.arie — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 18:53:04 +0000

Congratulations to all our Fannin 4-H Members that placed 1st at the County level and advanced on to compete with their record books at the District level on Thursday, July 14, 2016.

Brisa Dougan competed in the Junior Food and Nutrition category
Caleb Arris placed 3rd in the Junior Shooting Sports category
Carson Arris placed 1st in the Junior Consumer Education category
Jenna Lee placed 2nd in the Junior Rabbit category
Reed Stringer placed 2nd in the Junior Agricultural Science category
Braylee Cowan placed 4th in the Intermediate Beef category
Randy Arris, Jr. placed 3rd in the Intermediate Leadership
Riley Stringer placed 2nd in the Intermediate Personal Development category
Dacie Bradley placed 1st in the Senior Communication and Expressive Arts category and will be advancing on to compete at the State Record Book competition
Carson Kincade placed 5th in the Senior Horse category

Congratulations to all our 4-H members who competed at the District Level!

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Ag Awareness Day

bethany.arie — Wed, 18 May 2016 13:50:48 +0000

On Wednesday, May 11, several 4-H members came to the Extension Office and stuffed around 200 bags for 4th grade members to receive at the 2016 Ag Awareness Day. Then on Tuesday, May 17, nine 4-H members came and talked about the 4-H Program in Fannin County, the different projects and competitions they competed in and how much they love being in 4-H. Those members were Caleb Arris, Carson Arris, Randy Arris Jr., Gavin Collier, Blake Ferguson, Eric Phillips, Jack Porter, and Aiden Straub. Braylee Cowan also came to the Ag Awareness Day, and had her own booth where she talked to the 4th grade students about beef production and showing heifers.

They all did a fantastic job and we are so proud of them for talking to over 400 other students! Thank you everyone who came and helped!

Randy Arris Jr., Carson Arris, Evan McDonald, Aiden Straub, Jack Porter, Caleb Arris and Eric Phillips stuffing bags for Ag Awareness Day.

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District IV Livestock Judging Competition

bethany.arie — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 16:22:06 +0000

On Saturday, April 23, four Fannin County 4-H members traveled to College Station to compete in the District Livestock Judging Competition. This was their first year practicing as a team and most of their first competition. Team members were Alexis Burkard, Braylee Cowan, Reed Stringer and Riley Stringer. The team placed 1st Overall.

Individually, Alexis Burkard placed 5th Overall, 4th in Cattle, 3rd in Sheep & Goats, 4th in Swine and 5th in Reasons.

Braylee Cowan placed 2nd Overall, 3rd in Cattle, 4th in Sheep & Goats, 2nd in Swine and 1st in Reasons.

Reed Stringer placed 5th in Swine.

Riley Stringer placed 5th Overall, 5th in Cattle, 5th in Sheep & Goats, and 4th in Reasons.

A huge Congratulations goes out to these four members for their first Livestock Judging Competition!

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District IV Spring Roundup Results

bethany.arie — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:35:41 +0000

This year’s District IV Spring Roundup was held Friday, April 15 through Saturday, April 16 in Commerce, Texas. Fannin County had 25 4-H members competing in five different activities against 21 other counties. Fannin County 4-H members excelled and was extremely competitive! The results are listed below:

In Consumer Decision Making, the Junior Team placed 1st Overall. Members on the Junior Team were; Caleb Arris who placed 1st Individually Overall, Carson Arris who placed 3rd Individually Overall, Gavin Collier who placed 5th Individually Overall and Jack Porter who placed 3rd Individually Overall. Additionally, there was an Individual Junior Participant, Eric Phillips, who placed 4th Individual Overall.

The Intermediate Consumer Decision Making team placed 1st in the Team Overall and 2nd in Team Reasons. Team members consisted of Randy Arris, Jr. who placed 5th individually and 5th in Reasons, Preston Berg, Brendan McMurrey who placed 3rd Individually and Aidan Straub who placed 2nd Individually and 3rd in Reasons.

The Senior Consumer Decision Making team placed 1st in Team as well as 1st in Team Reasons. The team members were Danielle Berg who placed 5th Individually, Dacie Bradley who placed 1st individually and 2nd in Reasons, Gabe Hanson and Dreyvan Strickland.

In Educational Presentations, Dacie Bradley won 2nd place in the Open Category with her Adoption Presentation.

In the Horse Quiz Bowl Competition, the Junior Team placed 3rd. Team members consisted of Maddy Bryant, Kodie Landers, and Kaleigh Winn.

The Senior Horse Quiz Bowl Team won 4th place. Blake Ferguson, Carson Kincade, Kate Kincade and Dreyvan Strickland competed on that team.

In the Share-the-Fun Competition: Joel Aukes placed 2nd in the Senior Solo/Band Division, Danielle Berg placed 4th in the Senior Vocal Division and Kate Kincade placed 3rd in the Senior Vocal Division.

Finally, in the Beef Quiz Bowl Competition, the Intermediate Team won 1st place in their Age Category, went on to compete against the only competing Senior Beef Quiz Bowl team, and beat them as well. Team members included Alexis Burkard, Braylee Cowan, Reed Stringer and Riley Stringer

We at the Extension Office are beyond proud of all our 4-H members that have put in their time and dedication to their different competitions and represented the Fannin County 4-H Program so well at the District IV Spring Roundup. We also greatly appreciate our great Volunteers and Project Leaders for working with the youth, teaching them and coaching them through their competitions. None of this would be possible without these phenomenal leaders: Tonia Arris, Michele Aukes, Dwanda Bradley, and Duaine Kincade.

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