4-H News
By Anna Burgess County Extension Agent

The winners of the 4-H Halloween Costume Contest were, from left, back row: Robert Newsome as Paul Bunyan, Most Original; Austin Wagner as a pirate, Best Overall (male); Tyler Wagner as a clown, Funniest; Cad Davis, scariest; and front row: Jay Burton as Chucky, Creepiest; Tori Becton as a genie, Best Overall (female); and Abby Wiggins as Mrs. American, Cutest. (Photos contributed)

Happy Thanksgiving!! With all going on in our community right now, we still have a lot to be thankful for, such as our youth!!

DPA portfolios are about due! If you have not started on yours yet, NOW is the time to do so! They have to be 100 percent complete by Dec. 19. After New Year's holidays, we will begin practicing speeches. For those who don't know, DPA is district-wide contest which focuses on enhancing social and communication skills. The first thing one must do is pick topic. It needs to be something they are interested in and preferably something they encounter often. DPA is a two part process: portfolio and speech.

4-H'ers who participated in Junior Conference at Rock Eagle were, from left, back row: David Wade, Mason Davis and Levi Proctor; and front row: Johnna Forehand, Tonya Lane and Chelsea Taylor.

First, competitors must submit a portfolio of their works. This portfolio combines everything a child has done in the past year on two pages and creates supporting material page. The page of support is a collage of pictures supporting the information listed in the first two pages. Next, they write a small speech on that topic and produce visual aids. After much practice, they are off to DPA.

I don't like explaining what DPA is because it makes it sound so hard and confusing. But in all actuality, it's quite simple. have had several students who have decided to do DPA for the first time this year come in and start their portfolios. Within two afternoons, their portfolios are basically complete. During DPA, students get to go to Rock Eagle for the weekend and make friends from around the district. These are the type of friends who last a lifetime, just ask any 4- H'er who has participated before!

The first weekend of November, we had six 4-H'ers go to

Junior Conference in Eatonton, GA at Rock Eagle 4-H Camp. While there, they attended several workshops, a talent show, poster presentations, dances, social events and much more!! Those who went were: Mason Davis, Johnna Forehand, Tonya Lane, Levi Proctor, Chelsea Taylor, and David Wade.

FIFTH-GRADE: We have started the canned food drive. All 5th graders need to bring in canned food items to their homeroom teacher as soon as possible! We will be collecting goods throughout the month of November. The homeroom with the most will receive a party!!

SENIORS: Don't forget that Fall Forum money is due soon.

Fall Forum is Dec. 8-9 at Rock Eagle. For those who have never been, it's a non-stop two days of fun. The senior board members have planned the whole thing just for senior 4-H'ers! You will attend some workshops, dances, assemblies, games and much more. This year's 4-H Fall Forum is sure to entertain high school 4-H'ers and volunteers with a mix of tradition and new programming. Workshops taught by 4-H'ers and adults will include core program areas as well as tips for preparing for 4-

competition.

If you are interested in going, you may also want to look into teaching a workshop. Last year, we had three 4-H'ers chosen to participate as instructors and they loved it. I will help you come up with a 30-minute activity for your class. You will be in charge of teaching it twice to about 10-20 kids. I need your application and fees by November 23rd. The total cost is $60 and that includes lodging, transportation, and as many activities as you want to participate in!

Coming up in the next few weeks, we will have a Christmas Party for those participating in DPA, keep an eye out for more information on that!