Texas 4-H rounds up lasting rewards

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Teresa Smith records the winners of the 2003 Texas 4-H Fashion Show. - Photo by Mandy Spikes

June 19, 2003 -- Hard work and dedication are the two main ingredients found in many of today's Texas 4-H youth. According to the Texas A&M University's website, more than 900,000 youth statewide are involved with the Texas 4-H and its various youth programs.

"Each year contests are held throughout the state, at the county level, and the twelve districts of Texas Cooperative Extension. Participation is reaching over 3,500 youth and adults in the Texas 4-H Roundup in College Station. Roundup consists of 38 individual competitive contests whose participants qualified for the opportunity to compete at the state level by their success and competency at the county and district level. In 2002 the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation and Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships during Texas 4-H Roundup and an additional $130,000 in cash prizes and awards."

Rachel Felderhoff of (College Station) Brazos County and Carissa Wilhelm of (Amarillo) Randall County, know first-hand how important the 4-H program is. These teens are both heavily involved with the organization, participating in various competitions and programs that it has to offer. One of these programs is the fashion show.

Even though Carissa Wilhelm, left, and Rachel Felderhoff live almost ten hours away from each other, they have remained close friends because of 4-H and the textile advisory board. - Photo by Mandy Spikes

Both girls are part of the Texas 4-H clothing and textiles advisory board. This group helped keep things under control and flowing smoothly at the 2003 Texas 4-H Fashion Show, which was held June 11 at Texas A&M University in College Station. There are 28 teen members on the board and 29 adult members. As a group, they know that they are all important and it takes more than one person to put on the fashion show.

"The fashion show began about 101 years ago when a few girls who were in a tomato club wanted to start a sewing club," explained Felderhoff, who is a teen member of the board. "These girls wanted to teach other girls how to sew quality clothes. After a few years, it turned into a competition program.

"Personally, I picked up sewing as a hobby in the third grade. The following year I joined the 4-H and became involved with the sewing and fashion project. I like being in the 4-H because it gives you life skills that you will keep with you for the rest of your life. You have the ability to be a leader. I also feel a sense of importance when giving back to the community."

Felderhoff added that by joining 4-H a young person gets to meet other kids with the same interests. It is fun and allows students to go beyond their boundary of just their school friends. "The great thing is that you get to meet people from all over the state."

Wilhelm, who is the president of the state board, joined the organization because both of her parents were part of it while they were growing up. Her grandmother also had an important role model in her life, teaching her how to sew at an early age. When she was old enough, she joined 4-H and began taking part of the fashion competition.

"This organization is a great one to be a part of, not only because of the friends you meet, but it also helps you when you apply for scholarships and writing resumes. This group helps strengthen leadership skills, as well as morale. When I entered the state contest for the fashion show, I had to apply. I was never more proud as when I got into the competition."

Teresa Smith, Texas Cooperative Extension family and youth program specialist, is proud of what the youth have accomplished. "These kids are learning great leadership skills. They also learn about poise, how to deal with others, how to get along with a group, and how to help others. They are doing this while learning the basics of textiles and fibers. 4-H is helping grow young people into responsible adults."

Smith has been involved with this competition for four years. She enjoys working with the advisory board, the kids and their parents, and the other county Extension agents. "I love the fact that by doing these projects, kids are developing self esteem and self confidence."

For more information about the Texas 4-H group, go to their website at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/.