Alabama Youth Attend National 4-H Congress

Auburn, Jan 21, 2004 --- Fifteen Alabama 4-H’ers attending National 4-H Congress in Atlanta recently 
got a  glimpse into how global environmental issues can affect individuals from every corner of the world. 
	
“Growing into the Future” was the theme for the 2003 National 4-H Congress. Programs focused on 
issues related to rain forests, global warming, acid rain and wetlands.  
	
Some of the nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators provided inspiration 
and current information on youth-related issues.   
	
National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. For 79 years, youth from the United 
States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference.  It provides 
youth, ages 14 to 19, with a quality educational experience that addresses their needs and issues while 
helping them become competent and caring citizens. 
	
Reach farther than the goals you have set was one of the main points at National
Congress that hit home with me, said Erin Wallace from Morgan County.  “Set goals but don’t  stop once 
you accomplish them, rather keep persevering to attain an even higher achievement,” she said. 
“It was interesting to see firsthand that even though we all came from different backgrounds, cultures and 
experiences, we still think a lot alike.  In the beginning, we worked on community projects as strangers, 
but in the end, we worked as friends and also learned to appreciate each other.   National 4-H Congress 
was not just a lot of workshops and inspirational speakers; it was a wonderful experience that helped me 
grow as a leader and as a person.”
       
A cultural night was added to National 4-H Congress this year wherein various forms of artistic expression 
were used to communicate cultural diversity, and other youth empowerment ideas and concepts.  
	
Clay County 4-H’er Ben Gasser said, “Attending National 4-H Congress was an extraordinary event, 
which I will long remember because of the amazing speakers and the opportunities to interact with and 
make new friends.  The entire event was organized very professionally and in such a way that it drew me 
out and inspired me to new heights of excellence in all my spheres of leadership.” 
	
“What an amazing honor and opportunity it was for me to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta,” said 
Alabama’s Miss 4-H Katlin Mulvaney from Lee County. “Being one of 10 people on the National 4-H 
Leadership Team, I had the unique experience to see firsthand the many diverse cultures represented at 
this year’s event.  More than 1,500 4-H’ers from the United States and Puerto Rico learned leadership 
skills and how they can make a difference in their own communities. “
       
“My trip to National 4-H Congress was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and was both educational and 
enjoyable,” said Damoreo Green from Pike County.  “I was challenged by various inspirational speakers 
and was involved in a community service project, which brought together people of different nationalities 
working for a common cause.”
	
The Alabama delegation included Sabrina Balch, Limestone County; Sonny Lee Brinkman and Kimberly 
Lynn McGraw, Mobile County; Cody Brown, Erin Wallace and Heather Partin, Morgan County; Lindsey 
Davis, Elmore County; Benjamin Gasser, Clay County; Freda Kelley, Coffee County; Katlin Mulvaney, 
Lee County; Jennifer Swindall, Limestone County;
Rebecca Turner, Covington County;  Rachael Hyde, Jefferson County; Damoreo Green, Pike County and 
Stephanie Hynes, St. Clair County.