It is a dream that began when Shu Che joined 4-H in the fifth
grade. And it’s about to
come true.
She’s headed to Atlanta for State 4-H Congress.
"I’m very excited," said Che, a student at Morrow
High School.
Che will compete against 4-H’ers from across Georgia in the
performing arts
(instrumental) project. That’s usually one of the largest, most
hotly contested project
areas. She will play two pieces on the flute.
"This summer I’m a counselor at Jekyll Island 4-H
camp," she said. "I’ve
been so busy, but I make time to practice. The camping hours are
around the clock, but I
find time to go over sections of my pieces and what I need to
work on."
Che competed several other times at District Project
Achievement, the second level of
competition, but not in performing arts. She tried bicycle
safety and general recreation
first. Winning first place at DPA earns a 4-H’er the right to
attend State Congress.
"This was my first year as a senior 4-H’er to compete
(in performing arts),"
she said. "I was really surprised I placed at all."
More than 300 4-H’ers from across the state will vie for
state winners’ ribbons in 49
project areas at the Congress, Aug. 12-15 at the Holiday Inn
Crowne Plaza in Atlanta.
The 4-H’ers who finish on top at State Congress will head for
the National 4-H Congress
in Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 29 through Dec. 4.
Che is hoping that with a little help from Mozart and Kennan,
she will be one of them.
"Since I’m a high school senior, this is my last chance
to win," she said.
"I hope to win so I know I will have accomplished something
great."
State winners become members of the Georgia Master 4-H Club.
"Mastering is one of
the highest honors to me," Che said. "Then I know I
have achieved the next
step."
The achievement is not only great for the 4-H’ers, but also
for the Extension Service
county agents who helped them get there. Che’s Clayton County
agent, Laura Garrett, has
several 4-H’ers attending State Congress.
"I’m really proud," Garrett said. "Shu really
did it herself. She got
her record book together and just did it."
Each competitor must prepare a portfolio-type record of their
work, in addition to a
demonstration, in the project area. The portfolio and an
interview based on it count half
of the competition score.
After the competition, the 4-H’ers go on corporate tours to
meet Atlanta business
leaders in their project areas. They also meet key state
government officials.
"State 4-H Congress is a chance for us to showcase the
outstanding youth we’re
working with in Georgia 4-H," said Dan Aamoth, extension 4-
H specialist and Congress
coordinator.
"This also gives us the opportunity to expose them to
the business community and
state leaders, and to send them on their way as better prepared
young adults," he
said.
