Houston County 4-H

    Houston County 4-H has a long tradition of excellence across the state.  Over the last 100 years, roughly 35,000 youth have "made the best better" by participating in the program at the county level.  
    What makes the county so unique is the diverseness of its population and the way emphasis has shifted to urban issues as we have entered the 21st century.  In the early 1900's, Houston County was a rural, agriculture-based community based around the city of Perry.  With the opening of Robins Air Force Base in 1941, the city of Warner Robins began to boom.  Currently, the county boasts over 100,000 residents.  The Georgia National Fairgrounds and AgriCenter opened in 1989, bringing the Georgia National Fair to Perry and many state 4-H events.
    Since 2001, the 4-H program has experienced growth similar to what is happening across the county.  The Middle Georgia 4-H Horse Club was re-organized with Peach County 4-H and now has over 80 members.  A 4-H Puppy Raiser Club was formed under the leadership of Volunteer Kim Ledford and a Project SAFE Shotgun Club began under the supervision of Volunteer Leader Mark Collins.  Houston County 4-H hosts a Junior Master Gardener program at Perry Elementary and currently has over 800 youth participating in the county level.
    Many outstanding youth have participated in Houston County 4-H throughout the years.  4-H Camp Counselors over the last 30 years have included Amanda Moneyhan, Amy Ludwig, Karen Ludwig, Marcy Haught, Julian Harris, Kathy James, and Lindsey Etheridge.  Master 4-H'ers from the 1970's are Tony Tyson, Dexter Porter, Marcy Haught, Amanda Moneyhan, Stacy Godwin, Julian Harris, Bryant Bledsoe, and Lindsey Etheridge.  Julian Harris was elected State 4-H President in 1994-1995 after serving as District President the year before.  Tony Tyson, former Houston County 4-H'er, now serves as Southeast District Extension Head and many Houston County 4-H'ers have gone on to serve communities across the county, state, and country.
    This program could not have succeeded without the leadership of dedicated Agents and staff.  Agents serving the program since 1970 include Larry Pierce, Mary Ann Chapman, Gwen Van Atta, Lee Ann Bennett, Lynn Young, Christine Phillabaum Braski, Ann Redwine, Kelli Pipken Green, Bill Leverett, and Jessica Norris Fincher.  
    Houston County 4-H– a long tradition of excellence, a bright future.    

Contributed by: Peggy Bledsoe, Houston County Extension Coordinator
    Jessica Fincher, Houston County Extension Agent, 4-H & Youth