[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5485]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL 4-H PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate and 
pay tribute to 4-Hers all over America as they celebrate 4-H's 
centennial. This year, the National 4-H Program celebrates 100 years of 
helping young people develop skills to improve their lives and 
contribute to their communities.
  This year, 4-H programs in all 50 states will conduct meetings, 
seminars, and listening sessions at the local, state, and national 
levels to discuss strategies for youth development in the 21st century. 
The National 4-H Program Centennial Initiative will culminate in a 
report to Congress and the President with recommendations on the 
programs that are best suited to helping America's youth.
  Missouri 4-H programs are coordinated by University Outreach and 
Extension, which is a partnership of the University of Missouri, 
Lincoln University, the United States Department of Agriculture, and 
county governments. 4-H is often associated with rural communities, but 
today more than 1000 Missouri 4-H clubs serve as many young people from 
suburban and urban areas as from farms and small towns.
  Although 4-H has changed over the years to meet the changing needs of 
Missouri families, clubs continue to live up to the 4-H motto: to make 
the best better. Group focused and family oriented, 4-H promotes 
positive physical, mental, and emotional growth through programs that 
help young people build self-confidence and acquire essential life 
skills. Today's 4-H features programs covering traditional topics such 
as cooking and agriculture as well as classes about the environment, 
workforce preparation, leadership and teamwork, and community 
involvement.
  Missouri 4-H programs are intended for youth of all income levels, 
abilities, and ethnic backgrounds. With the upcoming centennial 
celebrations, it is an especially good time for anyone who is 
interested in joining or volunteering for 4-H to get involved. I know 
the Members of the House will join me in congratulating the National 4-
H Program on reaching this outstanding milestone.

                          ____________________