Hoping to celebrate some of the “magic” provided by the leaders, volunteers, donors and sponsors of Sampson County’s 4-H, the group had its annual appreciation dinner.

The theme, “Your Magic Lights The Future of 4-H” helped to conjure just what the volunteer work meant to the organization during the 2010 year.

However before the group honored its many volunteers and leaders, Kent Wooten, the director of Sampson County’s Cooperative Extension, shined a light on 4-H’s two new faces, Amanda Bradshaw, the county’s 4-H agent, and Charmae Kendall, the program’s assistant, who were both hired in 2009.

Following the introductions, Bradshaw then drew the attention to 4-H Teen Court participant Steven Lindquist, who later provided the group with a message about how to prevent prescription drug and alcohol abuse by young people.

In Lindquist’s message, he introduced a new youth 4-H program that will help reduce the amount of abuse of these substances.

At first, he pointed out, “You never realize how easy it is for youth to get alcohol or pills.” He then stated that it was as simple as going to a pill cabinet and heading to the refrigerator for a can of beer.

In fact, he pointed that as many two out of three teens have said that it was easy to get access to alcohol.

With alcohol being so easy for teens to get their hands on it, Lindquist stated, “We can no longer ignore what it is doing to youth.”

He the commented that prescription drug abuse is just as harmful. In a staggering statistic, he stated that as many as three million teens have abused prescription drugs in the past.

“Prescription drugs are dangerous,” said Lindquist. Then, to provide a visual for just the type of effects these medicines can have on people. He pointed that many prescribed drugs are designed for adults who have certain illnesses.

“Now, imagine what would happen to children if they took the medicine. Medicine can some deadly effects,” Lindquist expressed.

The teen then provided a list of ways that alcohol and prescription drugs can be a little less accessible to youth.

“Buy a separate cabinet and refrigerator and put a lock on it,” said Lindquist. Also, he encouraged parents to explain to youth their disapproval of such habits, and in the case of alcohol, just keep it out of the house altogether.

He also advised parents to about keeping a log of all the medication in the house and to dispose of expired medication as well.

Following Lindquist’s impassioned speech on drugs and alcohol, Bradshaw again shine the light on some of the many 4-H clubs that help make their program a success by providing its leaders with certificates and or plaques.

Then, 4-H Teen Court Restitution organizer, took the stage and guided a light to Kenneth Oates, a restitution officer who, on his own time, has been helping teens with their restitution, including with some trash pick up on weekends.

“He has really made a positive impact,” said Turner.

Other individuals who were honored included Sampson resident Angela Lee, who was selected as 4-H volunteer of the year and Kim Piercy, who was the 4-H leader of the year.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.