[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARRINEAU PARK 4-H CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Located in Escambia 
County, Florida, Barrineau Park is the oldest continuous 4-H club in 
the State of Florida.
   4-H began in 1909 with ``corn clubs'' for young men. At these clubs, 
youth learned how to prepare and plant their fields with hybrid corn 
seed, with cash prizes awarded to those who produced the most corn. Two 
years later, in 1911, tomato clubs were established for young women to 
plant, harvest, and can tomatoes.
   In 1914, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club was founded with an initial 
membership of about 10 local youth. Holding meetings in homes, church 
fellowship halls, and the Barrineau Park School and Community Center, 
the group learned a wide variety of skills, including how to grow corn 
and tomatoes, raise poultry and livestock, garden, and sew. Since then, 
the Barrineau Park 4-H Club has helped teach hundreds of young people 
in Escambia County invaluable life and leadership skills.
   Today, there are 23 students participating in the Barrineau Park 4-H 
Club, taking part in events to develop leadership skills, learn the 
important values of citizenship, and practice public speaking. In 
addition, the group learns invaluable skills related to livestock and 
horses, shooting sports, food and nutrition, environmental education 
and marine science. In particular, the club has developed a strong 
reputation for raising and showing prize-winning hogs. In addition to 
these traditional programs, the Barrineau Park 4-H Club also gives its 
members experience in an array of technological areas vital to success 
in the future, including computers, robotics, and global-positioning 
satellite programs.
   As a former 4-H participant, I can attest to the incredible 
leadership and educational opportunities that 4-H provides to our 
Nation's youth. The Barrineau Park 4-H Club's incredible 100 year 
history is a testament not only to the Barrineau Park and Escambia 
County community, but also to the entire 4-H program and its mission to 
``empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in 
partnership with caring adults.''
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Barrineau Park 4-H 
Club. My wife Vicki and I congratulate everyone associated with the 
club and wish them another 100 years of success.

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