Approximately 125 individuals attended the annual Clinton County Purdue Extension dinner Wednesday night in the Edward Jones Community 4-H Building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
The topic of the evening was the “Showcase of Excellence” where individuals were shown the impact that is done in four specific programs — 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Program Assistant and Health and Human Sciences.
“This is our showcase of excellence,” said Clinton County Extension Director Caren Crum. “Extension is always the best kept secret and we want everybody to know what we have to offer. We want to showcase all the programs we have here in the office.”
Four different groups went to each of the above mentioned programs to listen to a five-minute discussion about what each program does.
4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults.
“I did my 10 years of 4-H and I’ve been a leader for 12 years through volunteering,” said Purdue Extension Program Assistant Bethany Perlee. “4-H has made me who I am and 4-H is huge to me.”
Senior Associate Dean and Director of Extension for Purdue Jason Henderson was the guest speaker for the evening.
“Extension is hard work,” said Henderson. “It’s about teaching skills, tactical skills and life skills. It’s also about professional skills and the important skills needed to grow up. We are helping people enhance their lives.”
In 2019, there were 600 4-H members enrolled, 70-plus projects offered, 1,660 total projects taken, 251 youth showed livestock and 142 leaders and numerous volunteers helped to make the fair successful.
“The whole reason for tonight is to have a nice sit down dinner to really thank and appreciate every one that has helped support over the past year and being able to tell those volunteers ‘thank you,'” said Perlee.
Crum was asked if she thought the general public understand what the extension does.
“The public thinks you’re talking about the fair,” said Crum. “4-H is so much more than the fair and extension is so much more than 4-H. It’s important for your family, to feed your families and make the community better.”