As Deborah Johnson looked into the audience filled with young 4-Hers, she saw leaders preparing to deal with the challenges the world will face in the future.
“We are going to need you,” she said. “We hope that 4-H shapes and molds you so that you can be those leaders that our next generation needs.”
Johnson, the communications director of Prestage Farms, was the guest speaker for the 2018 Achievement Night, held Tuesday at the Sampson County Agri-Expo Center. The ceremony honored members and groups for their contributions to Sampson County’s 4-H.
She spent her life involved in agriculture, which began many years ago when she grew up on a row crop farm in Johnston County. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she moved to Sampson County with her husband to start a turkey farm. With more than 30 years of experience, Johnson’s work has involved communications, public affairs, issues management, sales, and business development for different agribusinesses and groups.
“I know that whenever I’m involved in hiring for our internship program at Prestage Farms, I look on resumes and when I see Four-H, that tells me something right there,” Johnson said.
While praising the program, she added that youths involved in 4-H become more involved in their community as adults. Johnson was never involved in 4-H, but was a parent of children in the organization, who are now grown and living in New York. She hopes her one-year-old grandson joins when he gets older. Johnson hears many great things from her children and others about the personal benefits of the program. Some of them included time management, prioritizing, leadership skills, and programs to build confidence.
Many awards were presented to members, sponsors and volunteers by 4-H Agent Genny Thompson; Elizabeth Merrill, 4-H program assistant; and Eileen Coite, director of Sampson County Cooperative Extension.
“Thank you all for coming out tonight to Sampson County’s Achievement Night to celebrate the 2018 achievements of Sampson County 4-H, its members, sponsors, volunteers and all those who take time to make the best better,” Thompson said during the welcome.
James Carr was named Senior 4-Her of the Year. He enjoys being involved in activities, workshops and other aspects involving leadership.
“I’m always using my Head, Heart, Hands, and Health in whatever I can do,” Carr said while stating the meaning of 4-H and helping to make his community a better place.
Kaylee Lackey is the Sampson County Junior 4-Her of the Year for her contributions and community service work.
“I get to meet new people all the time and you have lifelong friends though this,” Lackey said.
Merrill said the two youth put out extra effort every year to achieve goals.
“They applied themselves, they tried their best and they may have not done everything in Sampson County 4-H, but they stepped out of their comfort zone and tried something new,” Merrill said.
The Hippity Hop 4-H Rabbit Club was honored as the Club of the Year. Merrill said it was a tough decision selecting a winner because there’s so many clubs who put in a lot of hard work and effort throughout the year. Members of the Hippity Hop club were recognized for volunteering at events such as Ag Day, Halloween on the Square and other church functions.
“This club has gone above and beyond,” Merrill said about the group.
During the night, Rob Richardson was honored as Volunteer of the Year and was described by Hippity Hop as a hard working and generous person who is always willing to help. Prestage Farms was named sponsor of the year for their support which allowed Sampson County’s 4-H to improve the Embryology program by purchasing new incubators and equipment.
“As a member of the business community, we are proud of you,” Johnson said. “We’re happy that you’re a part of 4-H and that tonight, you’re being recognized.“