Thank-You 4-H Parents & Supporters!

County fairs in the Twin Creeks Extension District have come to a close. While it is always nice to check county fair off the list, I always enjoy another year of watching the youth showcase their exhibits that they invested so much of their time and energy into!
As a former 4-H member, show pig producer, and extension agent I am fully aware of the blood, sweat and tears it takes to prepare exhibits for their grand debut at any show, but especially the county fair. And, so much of it wouldn’t be possible without the help of parents, siblings, teachers, 4-H club leaders, project leaders and other supporters who guide our youth as they perfect their projects.
I also know how easily a proper “thank-you” to those helping hands can slip through the cracks during such a chaotic time… therefore, I wanted to extend a sincere “THANKS!” to you! To shape my thoughts, I spent some time looking at other articles that provided the proper thanks to similar individuals. I found an article on the Raised in a Barn website that was titled “Thank You Parents of FFA Members” and felt that it was fitting to share!
Thank you for either inspiring your child to join 4-H (FFA), or saying, "Go for it" when your child asked if they could or should join. You might have never heard of this organization until your child came home talking about how cool it seemed, and ever since that day you have become a proud parent of a 4-H or FFA member.
Thank you for working countless concession stands, and fundraising events to help the organization. It's a lot of work, and it is time consuming. That didn't matter to you, you still took time to help those kids out.
Thank you for dragging a trailer full of livestock down the road to the fair, or taking a van full of kids to a judging competition. You like helping these kids out, and don't mind spending time with them.
Thank you for spending those early morning and late nights for competitions. You sit in the stands and cheer the team on.
Thank you for pushing your kids to be the best they can be. You watched your child grow in their time spent in 4-H and FFA, and you pushed them to do their best and be their best.
Thank you for helping other kids out. It doesn't matter what their last name is, if they share the same passion, they’re "your kids."
Thank you for not being afraid to get dirty. You didn't mind working the show ring, and helping catch a loose calf. You got your hands dirty anyways.
Thank you for being a parent to an 4-H or FFA member. They might not thank you all the time, but they are thankful for you.
Thank you parents!
Some information in this article has been adapted from an article written by an unknown author, titled “Thank You Parents of FFA Members” and can be found here: http://raised-ina-barn.org/raised-in-a-barn/2016/02/23/thank-you-parents-of-ffa-members
Jenilee Godsey is a Youth Agriculture Agent for the Twin Creeks Extension District which covers Decatur, Graham, Norton and Sheridan counties. Email her at jenileem@ksu.edu or reach her by telephone at the Graham County Office, (785) 421-3411.

-10-