Local 4-H members took some time to emerge from the inside of their barns to celebrate a year of hard work and achievement at the Langley District Banquet Friday night.
Held at the Evangelical Free Church in Fort Langley, members, leaders, and parents from the local clubs, Langley Beef and Swine, Otter Lamb and Swine, Woodlands Hare and Hound, Otter Flying Feathers, Otter Llama, and Glen Valley gathered for dinner and to hand out ribbons and trophies.
The agricultural program teaches children and teenagers how to raise a livestock project, while also developing public speaking, judging, and leadership skills through various programs and competitions during the year.
The theme, decided on by senior members, was “4-H on the runway,” lending itself to a few interpretations like classic cinema to even M.C. Grant Sauer showing up in a pilots uniform.
Dozens of scholarships, and ribbons for public speaking competitions, project achievements at the PNE, and other member milestones were awarded throughout the evening.
Glen Valley member Emma Davidson was awarded multiple prizes including the BC Hydro Award, Otter Co-op Scholarship, and the Senior High Aggregate Award given for being the top scoring member in the district.
“I’m just so thankful for all of the support I’ve had – when I first started, I couldn’t even imagine doing a speech,” Davidson said. “Now, the confidence I’ve gained and how it helped feed a passion for agriculture is just incredible.”
Because of 4-H, Davidson said she is looking into post secondary options to study animal health science.
MLA’s Mary Polak and Rich Coleman were in attendance, congratulating members on participating in the long-standing program.
Langley City Deputy Mayor Rudy Storteboom and Langley Township Mayor Jack Froese presented Asiah Demsky with the Senior Langley Centennial Award Trophy, adding that the program has helped shaped the careers of many local politicians in the Lower Mainland.
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The banquet coincides with the fact that November is national 4-H month. Nov. 6 is “National Show Your 4-H Colours Day,” where members across the country will be sporting the colour green.
4-H clubs across the province will be celebrating by giving back to local communities as each club member is encouraged to collect four pounds of food and donate it to their local food bank.
In conjunction with the food drive, the 4-H B.C. Foundation is asking partners, supporters and alumni to match dollars for pounds of food raised.
The Langley district is always open to new members and volunteers for the new year; people are asked to visit www.langley4h.ca for more information.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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