The Ohio 4-H Conference welcomed over 1000 volunteers and teens to Columbus as Ohio 4-H Week came to a close. The Ohio 4-H Conference is designed to equip participants with resources, information, and skills to meet the ever-changing needs of youth. Ten youth and adults representing Washington County 4-H attended the conference on March 8 at the Columbus Convention Center.
The conference recognized Jeremy Barth of Fleming with the Ohio 4-H Alumni Award. Barth grew up on his family’s dairy farm and was an active member of the Washington County 4-H Program. He was a member of three different 4-H Clubs, served on the Junior Fair Board, participated in Carteens, and volunteered as a 4-H Camp Counselor. Jeremy credits 4-H with teaching him communication and teamwork, two skills that he uses regularly today in his career as head cook with Wolf Creek Local Schools. This year also marks his 25 years as a 4-H volunteer, and he continues to serve as a club advisor and chairman of the 4-H Endowment Committee.
The Washington County Carteens 4-H Club was honored with the Ohio 4-H Innovator Award for their work to reduce the number of fatal car crashes in Washington County. The club seeks to raise awareness about the importance of wearing seat belts. Club members began with implementing a Seat Belt Safety Week in 2022 with teen drivers at local high schools. The 4-H club also partnered with the local Marietta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and School Resource Officer to speak with teen drivers on the importance of seat belts and safe driving. The program has been conducted every year since and has expanded to additional schools in Washington County.