GEORGIA MASTER 4-H CLUB APPROVES FUNDING

Perry , Georgia – January 27, 2007

At its 72 nd Annual Strategic Planning Session and meeting of the board of directors at the Reaves Arena, Georgia National Fair, the officers, directors, and trustees of the Georgia Master 4-H Club voted to continue its support of the Georgia 4-H program with funding for four (4) $1,000 scholarships and two (2) 4-H program projects at $3,400. This marks the seventh (7 th ) consecutive year of sponsorship. The Georgia 4-H program is a part of the University of Georgia , College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension, and the non-profit Georgia 4-H Foundation.

The four scholarships are awarded annually to college bound 4-Hers who excel in their chosen project areas. The $1,000 Master 4-H Club Scholarship is supported through contributions of Life Members in the Master Club. The $1,000 Martha Harrison Jones Memorial Master 4-H Club Scholarship is supported by contributions of family and friends, in memory of the renowned Clarke County extension agent who provided leadership to the Master 4-H Club for many years. The $1,000 Robert and Kathleen Pinckney Master 4-H Club Scholarship is contributed by the Pinckney family, including Robert, Kathleen, Bob, and Ellen, to honor Robert and Kathleen's many years of leadership in the Georgia 4-H program. The $1,000 Bess Cabaniss Memorial Master 4-H Club Scholarship was contributed by the late Emmet Cabaniss, in honor of his wife, Bessie, a Hancock County native, and her devotion to 4-H throughout her life. Mr. Cabaniss, a long time Oglethorpe County 4-Her, had been elected to serve as President of the Master Club at the time of his death but was prohibited from doing so by declining health.

The Georgia Master 4-H Club also sponsors a delegate to the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. ($1,600) annually, as well as the Creative Stitchery and Fashion Revue Projects ($1,800) at State Congress, allowing the state winner to represent Georgia each year at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

The Georgia Master 4-H Club is one of the Georgia 4-H program's oldest and strongest supporters since the Master Club was established in 1935. Its members have excelled in 4-H activities by winning a state event in their project or service area. The Club presently maintains membership from every county in the state. It's motto is to “Master that which has not been Mastered”.

Rachel Torrance , President of the Georgia Master 4-H Club stated, “The Master Club has experienced substantial membership and participation growth in recent years. We hope these programs continue to provide 4-H opportunities for the youth of Georgia . We had so much fun in 4-H as youngsters – Master 4-Hers remain committed to making these opportunities available for 4-Hers today. The Georgia 4-H Program celebrated its 100 th anniversary in Georgia three years ago. Once a farm organization, 4-Hers today come from all walks of life – only 2% live on farms.”

Founded in 1935, the Georgia Master 4-H Club is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension and the non-profit Georgia 4-H Foundation to provide young people the opportunity to make a difference and develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning and practicing the principles of self sufficiency and service to others. The 4-H motto is “To Make the Best Better”.

The Georgia Master 4-H Club is one of the oldest and largest supporters of Georgia 4-H. Here, Master Club President, Rachel Torrance and Past President, Ted Jenkins present a check for $6,800, representing sixth (7 th ) consecutive year of sponsorship. Dr. Roger “Bo” Ryles, State 4-H Leader and Mary Ann Parsons, Master Club Liason for the State 4-H Staff presented the State of Georgia 4-H Report at the 72 nd Annual Strategic Planning Session, Reaves Arena, Georgia National Fair, Perry on January 27, 2007.

Roger “Bo” Ryles, State 4-H Leader, was on hand at the meeting to present the United States Department of Agriculture's 4-H Charter to the Georgia Master 4-H Club, lauded their “continued leadership in the Georgia 4-H program since 1935.” The 4-H Charter represents “official recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture of the affiliation of the Georgia Master 4-H Club with the state and national 4-H program. It is an honor and privilege to present the Master Club this 4-H Charter.”

Rachel Torrance, President of the Georgia Master 4-H Club stated, “The Master Club has experienced substantial membership and participation growth in recent years. We hope these programs continue to provide 4-H opportunities for the youth of Georgia. We had so much fun in 4-H as youngsters – Master 4-Hers remain committed to making these opportunities available for 4-Hers today. The Georgia 4-H Program celebrated its 100th anniversary in Georgia this past year.

Dr. Bo Ryles, Georgia State 4-H Leader, presents Georgia Master 4-H Club President Rachel Torrance the official 4-H Club Charter issued by the U.S.D.A. during the 71th Annual Strategic Planning Session, Reaves Arena, Georgia National Fair, Perry on January 28, 2006.