OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s an organization that’s more than a century old and continues to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
National 4-H Week takes place from October 7 to 12. On the morning of October 1, 2024, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation to the participants of the Marion County 4-H youth development program and to Crystal McCazzio, the UF/IFAS extension program’s Marion County Youth Development Extension Agent III. This recognition highlights their work in developing future leaders.
The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is “Beyond Ready,” and the skills that the students are building by participating in the program is putting them on the direct path to reach their full potential.
The research organization works with the UF/IFAS cooperative extension program, bringing together federal, state, and county groups to inspire and nurture the interests of young participants.
“A lot of them come to see us because they’re interested in animals, we have a robotics program, or they want to get involved with gardening, or whatever the case may be,” says McCazzio. “Whatever interests them is just that vehicle to get them to develop life skills.”
The organization continues to transform lives, inspire students and shape futures with its emphasis on creating an environment that’s conducive to learning and growth.
“Being that research space organization, we’ve identified life skills that we’re targeting, and they revolve around our 4-H’s: head, heart, hands and health. Whether it’s critical thinking, problem solving or generosity. For every one of our clubs, one of the requirements to be a 4-H club is to do some sort of community service or service project,” says McCazzio. “Because generosity is an important piece to developing positive youth, and helping them to understand the importance of community, so they do become those responsible and productive citizens.”
It’s that accent on personal growth and fostering a life-long love of learning that has made the organization so successful. The students who are in 4-H have been asked to wear green to school on Oct. 9. Those in the program will also be reaching out to alumni to help promote it.
“It’s a positive youth development program,” says McCazzio. He also mentions that they will produce some podcasts to honor the week, which will increase awareness of the organization’s rich history and culture. “We are developing critical life skills, putting them on a trajectory to thrive.”
Get more information about Marion County’s 4-H program at their website.