Britton, Hobbs attend 4-H Congress

Over 1,300 4-H members from 48 states and Puerto Rico participated in the 83rd National 4-H Congress held recently at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. Warren County 4-H members Davey Britton and Emily Hobbs were selected to attend this annual event after being named state winners in the citizenship and photography projects at 4-H Roundup.

During his nine-year involvement in 4-H, Britton worked with underprivileged families and participated in the Walk for the Cure and Relay for Life programs for his state-winning citizenship project.

He is the son of David and Joyce Britton of Rock Island and a senior at Warren County High School where he is active in soccer and the Interact Club. After graduation, he plans to attend either the University of Tennessee or Motlow State, majoring in agriculture.

Hobbs, daughter of Michael and Margaret Hobbs, is a WCHS senior who is involved in Student Council, FFA and Beta Club. She has also actively participated in 4-H for nine years. She’s interested in pursuing a career in the medical field and hopes to attend the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

As part of her photography project, Hobbs contributed photographs for publication in the Southern Standard and has had her photos used for promotional materials for Warren County nurseries. In addition to photography, Hobbs also participated in the 4-H home horticulture and horse projects.

As a result of her photography skills, Hobbs was selected from among the National 4-H Congress delegates to serve as an official Congress photographer. The photos that were made went into a CD commemorating this year’s Congress.

While at Congress, delegates enjoyed a pin exchange and Dime Drop; lunch at the Georgia World Congress Center and an international dinner in a world village. They also participated in an evening of culture at the Atlanta History Museum and conducted a variety of service learning projects.

Inspiring the Congress delegates with stories of personal accomplishments and positive views of life were Dan Thurman, motivational speaker; Dr. Rick Rigsby, who is on staff at Texas A&M University; reigning Miss America Deidre Downs; and nationally known speaker Dan Clark.

Workshops helped the young people gain skills related to healthy lifestyle choices. They focused on areas such as eating healthy, exercise, personal safety and positive self-image. Additionally, delegates became aware of their leadership strengths and weaknesses through team building exercises and learned about the roles of leaders when working with groups.