Dawn Stuckey, 4-H Youth Development Agent
September marked the beginning of a new leadership program for teens in Hampton County, Hampton County Jr. Leadership. Hampton County Jr. Leadership is a 4-H Program dedicated to developing high school-age participants into young leaders. This program will provide training in the areas of personal and leadership development, networking, communication, financial management, and civic engagement.
Program meetings are divided into two sessions. The program’s morning session will be dedicated to youth learning by example. During this time, youth will visit community businesses, agencies, and leaders that are paving the way in their disciplines. The afternoon session will include youth completing hands-on 4-H activities that develop essential life skills.
Youth will be required to complete a community service project in order to graduate from the program. Students classified as rising high school sophomores and juniors during the program year are eligible to participate. The program is open to public, private, and homeschooled students living in or attending Hampton County schools. Students must be in good academic standing with their school and must have a written endorsement from their high school principal or guidance counselor, as well as the support of their parent/guardian.
The first cohort of participants includes NelliBeth Shaffer, Jacob Corley, Trayveon Adkins, Davion Glover, Julianne Miley, SaQuoia Sexton, Rebecca Sobey, Taylor Terry, Warren Williams, and Kaseana Williams. During the program orientation session, the youth were able to meet with local County Council member Maggie Knox, State Representative Bill Hager, and Hampton Attorney William Barnes, each of whom was part of the program’s initial planning.
The program continues to search for sponsors to cover the costs of meals and transportation, as well as individuals interested in working with the group to build interviewing and resume writing skills and financial management. If you would like to know more about the Hampton Jr. Leadership Program, please contact Dawn Stuckey, Clemson Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent, at dstuckey@clemson.edu or call 843-739-1003.
If you want to learn more about 4-H opportunities in Hampton County, please get in touch with Dawn Stuckey at dstucke@clemson.edu. You can enroll in 4-H by visiting https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
