Lexington County 4-H returned from South Carolina 4-H State Congress on July 10th. South Carolina 4-H State Congress is the premier event for South Carolina 4-H. This annual four-day personal development event is held at Clemson University. Senior 4-H members (ages 14-18) experience college life by staying in the dorms and eating at the college dining halls. Clemson University personnel and resources are utilized to provide quality hands-on workshops that expand knowledge and leadership skills in the youth. An essential part of this event is celebrating and recognizing teens who “make the best better.” This event includes the South Carolina 4-H Achievement Banquet.

During the Achievement Banquet, 4-Her’s who submitted a 4-H Portfolio are recognized. 4-H Portfolios are designed to help Senior 4-H members prepare a comprehensive summary of their involvement in the 4-H Program and the impact it has made on their life. A portfolio is a collection of items and information that documents growth and achievement over a period of time. The 4-H Cover Letter and Resume will help senior 4-H members highlight their overall 4-H achievements.

2020 winners were recognized this year since last year’s banquet was cancelled. In 2020, Lexington County 4-Her Aliza Allison was a state winner for her portfolio, winning a scholarship and a trip to National 4-H Congress. 4-H graduate Hailey Williamson brought home a scholarship and the Presidential Tray, the highest award a South Carolina 4-Her can earn. For 2021, we saw even more success with Aliza Allison winning another scholarship and a trip to 4-H National Conference, Abigail Newman winning a scholarship and a trip to National 4-H Congress, and Kimberly Williamson winning the Glen Krohn Award for Volunteerism. Mrs. Williamson has dedicated her talents and time to this organization for many years, and continues to do so even though her children have aged out. We are so thankful for the volunteers and 4-Her’s who continue to make the best better in Lexington County.