4-H AMBASSADOR TO BE SELECTED ON JANUARY 22

Current Cumberland County 4-H Ambassadors Kelsey Burns and Burgandy Westfield will relinquish their titles to the 2011 4-H Ambassadors during the Cumberland County 4-H Ambassador Contest ceremonies at the 4-H Center on Saturday evening, January 22^nd.

The program begins at 7:30 PM when contestants will highlight their accomplishments and public speaking ability as they furnish the audience with insights into their 4-H activities and accomplishments. All contestants will prepare and deliver a two-minute speech on “What 4-H Means to Me.”

2011 4-H Ambassador contestants are: Tabitha Camp, Colleen Curry, Kristina Davis, Courtney Ewing, Ashley Jacobs, Joe McDonald, Rachel Rottkamp, Brittany Weir and Samantha Newkirk.

Pageant narrators are Teen 4-H members Nicole Smith of Deerfield Township and Megan Russo of Cedarville. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Samantha Mason of Vineland. Nicole, Megan and Samantha are members of 4-H Teen Council.

To be eligible, contestants must be in grades 8-12 and actively enrolled in the 4-H program for at least one year. 4-H Ambassador contestants are recommended by their 4-H leader, by members of their club or a recommendation by 4-H Teen Council members.

Contestants earn points on general appearance, poise and personality. Public speaking ability and 4-H accomplishments also count heavily toward their total score, says Jeannette Rea-Keywood, County 4-H Agent.

“The two 4-H’ers selected as the Cumberland County 4-H Ambassadors will be busy hosting a variety of events and programs throughout the coming year,” says Mrs. Keywood.

The 4-H Ambassadors serve as official Fair hosts for activities during the week of the Cumberland County Fair. They also participate in many 4-H programs, county events, parades and community events. These titleholders are available throughout the year to speak before local service clubs and civic organizations.

The contestants participated in a training clinic and rehearsal to help prepare for this contest. The clinic was held on Wednesday, January 5^th at the 4-H Center and helped contestants with their public speaking, modeling and performance responsibilities.

A reception following the contest will take place for all those present, hosted by 4-H Council members. The public is invited and admission is free.

The 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Experiment Station, is open to all youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school), on an age appropriate basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills!

For more information about the Cumberland 4-H Program call the 4-H Center at 856-451-2800 ext. #3.