Endowment established for  Rutherford County 4-H</p><p>

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The 4-H youth programs of Rutherford County, Tenn. will be celebrating the new year with humble gratitude. A gift agreement between Lucy Whitesell, of Murfreesboro, and University of Tennessee Extension has established a $50,000 perpetual endowment to support 4-H program work in Rutherford County.</p><p>

Whitesell established the endowment to honor the memory of her father, the late B. Frank Womack, a well-known farmer, cattle breeder, and auctioneer who lived in Rutherford County for many years. He was also an avid fan of 4-H.</p><p>
While area youth are already benefiting from the endowment, Whitesell’s gift will be formally recognized January 12, 2008, at the Rutherford County Extension’s annual 4-H celebration banquet. Womack and his wife, the late Eloise Womack, were involved with the 4-H program when their children, Lucy and Ben, participated as youth in 4-H activities. A love of farming and his desire to help young people experience what it was like to farm and raise cattle kept the senior Womack involved in youth activities well after his children completed their 4-H project work.</p><p>
Whitesell wanted to create a lasting way to remember her father and a means whereby 4-H’ers can continue to benefit through participation in livestock programs and other activities conducted by Rutherford County Extension.</p><p>
DeWayne Trail, director of UT Extension in Rutherford County, said his office is honored by the gift. “The University of Tennessee and Rutherford County Extension greatly appreciate Lucy Whitesell’s generous donation.”</p><p>
Trail indicated that the earnings from the endowment will be used for various purposes related to 4-H junior livestock activities. This could include scholarships for 4-H’ers who are entering college, funds to offset the cost of purchasing 4-H project animals, assistance with the cost of raising and caring for project animals, stipend awards for 4-H’ers who attend beef training workshops, and funds to help offset the cost associated with an annual “AG DAY” at the Lane Agri-Park. Trial also said youth who participate in 4-H activities gain valuable life skills.</p><p>
Parkway FFA competes in Parlia Pro Contest</p><p>
ROCKFORD, Ohio — The Parkway FFA Chapter Parliamentary Procedure Team recently placed first at the District contest held at Sentinel High School on Dec. 4. The team consisted of President Melinda Miller, Vice-President Sara King, Treasurer Michelle Thomas, Reporter Travis Guggenbiller, Sentinel Jennifer Thomas, Secretary Megan Monroe, Advisor Abbea Hoehamer, Corbin Hellwarth, Sam Jackson and Ethan Hayes. The team competed at the state contest on Dec. 15.</p><p>
Ft. Recovery FFA members receive American FFA Degree
FT. RECOVERY, Ohio — Eleven members of the Ft. Recovery FFA Chapter were recognized for their hard work and effort by receiving the American FFA Degree Award at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.</p><p>
The eleven individuals receiving this award include: Greg Brackman, Kyle Fortkamp, Josh Gaerke, Beth Lennartz, Jennifer Link, Jason Post, Lee Stammen, Adam Sutter, Kelsie Will, Mary Will and Rachel Will. These eleven students make up the biggest award group in the history of the Ft. Recovery FFA, with only 45 students total who have receive the coveted degree.</p><p>
The American FFA Degree is the final step in the order of achievement within the FFA organization. In order to receive this award, students must first receive the Greenhand, Chapter, and State FFA Degrees. They were also required to document that they increased their net worth by at least $7,500, worked the equivalent of 2,250 hours on all of their projects, and be heavily involved in school, community, and FFA Chapter activities.</p><p>
Greg Brackman is the son of Doris Brackman. Brackman’s accomplishments for receiving this award were working at Brackman Farms and Meiring Poultry and Fish Farms. Kyle Fortkamp is the son of Paul and Ginny Fortkamp. Fortkamp’s accomplishments for receiving this award were recording countless hours of work at Fortkamp Poultry Farms. Josh Gaerke is the son of Jack and Judy Gaerke. Gaerke’s accomplishment for receiving this award include his work at Brun’s Dairy. Adam Sutter is the son of Frank and Lisa Sutter. Sutter’s accomplishment for receiving this award was recording countless hours working at B&F Rental. He is currently employed at B&F Rental.</p><p>
Kelsie Will is the daughter of John and Diann Will. Will’s accomplishments for receiving this award were raising sheep, goats, beef and working at the family poultry farm. </p><p>
Mary Will is the daughter of Mark and Kathy Will. Will’s accomplishments for receiving this award were raising bull calves and working at Eichenauer Poultry. </p><p>
Rachel Will is the daughter of Joe and Evelyn Will. Will’s accomplishments for receiving this award were working at Honey Lane Farms. She is a graduate of the Ohio State Beauty Academy.