Delaware 4-H celebrates 13th Legislative Day
More than 80 Delaware 4-H youth and adults participated in the 13th annual Delaware 4-H Legislative Day April 26. While 4-H, America’s largest youth development program, is generally regarded as an agriculture program, citizenship and leadership are strong hallmarks of every member's involvement in the program.
Delaware's 4-H youth began their day at Legislative Hall in Dover and split into three groups. One group stayed in Legislative Hall, learned the history of the building and discussed the legislative process with Rep. Lyndon Yearick, R-Dover South, and Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes. They learned how a bill becomes a law. Another group visited the State Courthouse and learned another side of governance - the judicial process. Two groups visited the Delaware Department of Education where 4-H members received an overview of the process of applying for college and other important tasks they will undertake as students. Members were also able to visit the Delaware State Education Association.
Participation in a mock voting session was a highlight of the day. On the ballot for a vote were: their favorite 4-H event, the projects members enjoy the most, when school should start, and whether the penalty for texting and driving should be stronger than a $100 fine. The Delaware State Fair won the vote for favorite event, and for favorite project, members selected all the projects. They voted that school should start after Labor Day, and that the penalty for texting and driving should be more than a $100 fine.
All groups reconvened in the afternoon for a 4-H Rally outside Legislative Hall. The 4-H community expressed gratitude to have the following legislators in attendance: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Attorney General Matt Denn, Rep. Lyndon Yearick, Rep. Tim Dukes, R-Laurel, Rep. Harvey Kenton, R-Milford, and Rep. Ronnie Gray, R- Selbyville.
State 4-H Teen Council officers in attendance were Lena Berry, Spring Vasey, Jenna Anger, Hannah O'Hara and Patrick Trunfio.
To conclude the day, members attended a session in the House chambers. State 4-H Teen Council President Lena Berry addressed the legislators. She gave them information about Delaware 4-H and thanked them for all of their support of 4-H programs.
In Delaware, 4-H is supported through Cooperative Extension and its two land-grant institutions, University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
