November 8, 2019

News Release

For Immediate Release

EDITOR'S NOTE: Members of the media may contact Jeannette Rea Keywood of the Rutgers 4‑H Youth Development Program by phone at 848-932-3597 or by email at nj4h@njaes.rutgers.edu.

New Jersey Teens to Attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia

Ten 4‑H teens from throughout New Jersey have been selected to attend National 4‑H Congress scheduled for November 23–27 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sixteen 4‑H teens from throughout New Jersey have been selected to attend National 4‑H Congress scheduled for November 29-December 3 in Atlanta, Georgia.

National 4‑H Congress is the premiere educational and recognition event for the 4‑H youth development program. For nearly 100 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality educational and cross-cultural experience. The program combines a variety of sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience for the delegates. The nation's most outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators present current and timely information.

The New Jersey delegates attending National 4‑H Congress representing nine (9) counties are:

  • Burlington County: Amber Densten and Danielle Klaus
  • Camden County: Scarlett Kinsey
  • Gloucester County: Stephanie Eastlack
  • Hunterdon County: Zachary Majorossy, Ryan Mallea, Cecelia Ossi, and Avery Schaefer
  • Middlesex County: Jason Schwartz
  • Monmouth County: Hannah Dresher
  • Morris County: Johanna Pipoli
  • Passaic County: Isabella Sardina
  • Somerset County: Kaleigh Brunner, Kate McHale, Eliza Rothenburger, and Elijah Staats

"The 4‑H members selected to attend this leadership and recognition event have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a 4‑H member in the areas of leadership, citizenship and personal development. National 4‑H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet 4‑H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team building and personal development" says Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4‑H Agent and National 4‑H Events Coordinator.

The theme for 2019 event is "Go Beyond." The conference will focus on the Cooperative Extension System's belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation, especially those affecting youth. The educational programs were developed for National Congress by a design team of youth and adults from around the country. Exciting recreational and networking opportunities for the teens will be included in the itinerary as well as a cultural evening where they engage in a variety of forms of the arts at the Atlanta History Center. Other wonderful venues in Atlanta will also available to the youth such as Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Zoo, CNN Center, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Aquarium and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.

Community service is an important part of National 4‑H Congress. During the "Day of Service", the National 4‑H Congress delegates will be assigned a variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area. On Monday morning, each 4‑H member will have the opportunity to help others in a variety of ways and experience really what it is like to be a catalyst for positive change.

The 4‑H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. 4‑H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K–13 (one year out of high school), on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law. For more information about the New Jersey 4‑H Program, administered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension visit the website at nj4h.rutgers.edu

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Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an qual opportunity program provider and employer.

Rutgers New Jersey 4-H Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station