Youth Board Success Stories

Laura Real, Gillespie County (Last Updated: 07-16-2007)

The Gillespie County Youth Board got off to a rocky start, but has recruited many members. At their May meeting, they discussed many possible programming ideas. It was determined that Drug & Alcohol Awareness and Prevention was of high importance. The Gillespie County Leadership Advisory Board also identified this issue and created a task force. Members from the LAB Task Force for Drug Awareness & Prevention met with a Youth Board representative to discuss possible progamming ideas. The task force hopes to address the issue at the beginning of the school year and will attempt to have an ongoing messsage of drug and alcohol prevention sent to the students and their parents, rather than a "one-shot" program.

Billy Kniffen, Menard County (Last Updated: 07-13-2007)

The Menard County Youth Board met in August 2007 and the teachers and parents on the committee recognized the problems students have getting homework and assignments done and lack of family support at home. The committee organized a meeting with school officials and teachers and church leaders and others interested in the effort. It was decided to call for and screen potential volunteers who would assist students from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The grade school/ junior high principal took lead in screening and scheduling volunteers and students were either requested to stay after school or could voluntarily.
By the end of the first semester over 400 student and 150 volunteer hours were spent in the homework club and in class time. Two hispanic grandmothers volunteered to assist in classes during the day. The failure rate for the last six weeks dropped by 23%. The attitude of students were noticeably improved.
One student who was very difficult to handle and also in the Junior Master Gardener program was in conference with his parents and the school principal. The student was asked what if anything he liked about school. His only enjoyment was the JMG. He was then given a critique on behavior and when he was good for 5 days, he got to spend the day with this agent working around the school and courthouse on horticulture projects.
The other thing coming from the youth board was the continuation of the "Outdoors Day" where all 1st through 8th grade students in Menard spend the day kayaking down the river with the help of all area game wardens, adults and MHS seniors, seining and looking at aquatic life, outdoor cooking and eating, and making nature color wheels and bug suckers(JMG projects) and in the Texas

LynnAnn Duniven, Nolan County (Last Updated: 07-13-2007)

The Nolan County Youth Board consists of two to three youth from all four cities within the county ranging in age from 14 to 18. During our first meeting in October of 2006, the board participated in a TCFF-type activity where they determined that obtaining resources for college was difficult in small towns. With this being one of their biggest concerns, the group decided to have a scholarship training not only for Nolan County residents, but for surrounding areas as well.
Youth members were instrumental in the planning, advertising and execution of this event. Members wrote a news release and Public Service Announcements. They created and hung fliers up at their local schools. They also assisted with registration at the event.
On February 15, 2007, over 50 people attended the scholarship training. Without the Nolan County Youth Board, these residents would have missed out on all the possibilities awaiting them after high school and college.

Charlotte Hold, Gregg County (Last Updated: 07-13-2007)

With emergency management in mind, the Gregg County Extension Youth Board determined youth safety to be at the top of their list of priorities. The Youth Board decided to educate youth about safety by planning and coordinating a Youth Safety Fair. The Safety Fair was conducted at Bramlette Elementary School in Longview. 499 elementary school students participated in the Safety Fair. The elementary school students rotated through 8 different stations learning about various safety topics including: fire safety, storm safety, ATV safety, bicycle safety, sun safety, stranger danger, electrical safety and the students even learned about the duties of the Gregg County Sheriff's Dept. canine unit--"Luctor" the German Shepherd. Comments made by the students include: "The Safety Fair was awesome", and "this was the funnest school day ever!" The school principal was very complimentary and commented that conducting the Safety Fair in May was great timing as the students would soon be spending much time at home this summer. The students definitely learned important safety information as evidenced by the positive difference between their pre-test scores and their post-test scores. Collaborators for the event include: The Longview Independent School District, 3 firemen from the City of Longview, a police officer from the Longview Police Department, an investigator with the Gregg County Sheriff's Dept., representatives from AEP-Swepco, Gregg County 4-H members, Gregg County EE members, the Gregg County Extension Agent for FCS, a local meteorologist--Doc Deason, and a local Eagle Scout who serves as a member of the Gregg County Extension Youth Board.

Diana Weise, DeWitt County (Last Updated: 07-13-2007)

The DeWitt County Youth Board decided that Childhood Overweight was an issue that they wanted to address. Five teens on the board presented a program to approximately 400 fourth graders in DeWitt County at Farm Bureau Ag Day held on October 13, 2006. The information they presented included: Making Changes one Step at a Time-Age Appropriate Activities for 7-10 year olds, Food Guide Pyramid for Children (Ages 7-12), Making Changes One Step at a Time: Fitness on Your Own. Nutrition related posters were also displayed on the ceiling of school buses.

Garry Branham, Tom Green County (Last Updated: 07-12-2007)

The Tom Green County Youth Board consists of 10 youth and 3 adults which represent a variety of groups and organizations in Tom Green County. The Board identified being prepared for their future following high school as a key issue that all youth must face. This may vary from continuing their education to joining the workforce. The youth board coordinated and conducted a three part educational series which took place at the West Texas Training Center in San Angelo and was called "Preparing Youth for the Future". These three events focused on: the scholarship application process and preparation, financial aid such as grants and loans, resume preparation, interview skills, and college selection. Information was presented by: 4-H Regional Program Director, school counselors,and training center instructors. The events were advertised to surrounding counties and local families through various methods including area school counselors. These events attracted youth with a variety of personal goals. The Youth Board and attendees both feel that the event was a great success and plan on continuing it in the future.

Meko Miller, Red River County (Last Updated: 07-12-2007)

The Red River County 4-H Youth Board consists of 19 youth and 3 adults. We first meet in June and took this group to the ROPES Camp. Everyone had such a good time doing all the activites and we had two great instructors that taught the group so many strategies about working together and being a team. Later in the day the group had the option of participating in the "high" ropes activites and everyone overcame their fear and tried at least one event. It was really a neat experience to see all the kids encouraging each other as they challanged themselves to try something new. This group will also be busy with the planning of our 4-H banquet and deciding on a Friend of 4-H. This group will be busy with things going on in the community throughout the year also.

Karen Tellman, Wheeler County (Last Updated: 07-11-2007)

The Wheeler County Youth Board is represented by Wheeler and Shamrock FFA, Boy Scouts, Student Council and Wheeler County 4-H. The youth Board membership is comprised of 10 youth and 2 adults. Two members of the youth board attended the Engaging Youth, Serving Community at the 4-H Center. All members of the Wheeler County Youth Board attended a week long Building Connections training during the Summer of 2006.
The Wheeler County Youth Board will hold a forum for youth issues this fall. They will then plan an educational event for the fall. These Board members have been given the tools to help them facilitate a forum, develop their leadership skills and give back to their community.

Milissa Wright, Concho County (Last Updated: 07-06-2007)

The Concho County Youth Board has a successful story to tell. It all starts in the small town of Paint Rock where the children are scarce and the use of the local public library is worse. 4 youth council members wanted to change this. They met on June 12 at the Concho County Extension Office with great ideas. They wanted to make a difference in this little town of Paint Rock and an idea was sparked. The members came up with great ideas, but together they voted on having a Reading Roundup which would take place on June 21. The members wanted to have a Western theme using western children books and crafts that would help spark interest for the love of reading and respark imagination. The council members had the opportunity to see the spark of interest in 21 young childrens eyes! The different items discussed were cowboy food, why do cowboys sing, life on the ranch & the purpose of boots and jeans. The chilren also sampled burritos, trail mix and beef jerky and drink cactus juice. The council members also gave a tour along with the head librarian and sat down to read to the children again in the childrens department. The children had the opportunity to check out books which has not taken place for over three years in the youth section. The head librarian could not believe that she had to make out 21 new library cards that she almost forgot to check out the books!!! Parents, grandparents and care givers were so impressed that they asked several times when the next reading roundup was going to take place. Now children are checking out books again in Paint Rock.

Patricia Rasor, Dimmit County (Last Updated: 07-02-2007)

The Dimmit County Youth Board formed in August 2006 and participated in a nominal group technique to identify concerns and issues. One of the issues was the sudden pervasiveness of graffiti on area businesses, schools and vacant houses. The group chose graffiti as their target. An attorney was contacted to find out how to obtain waivers from property owners and began to explore how to obtain the equipment to conduct a paint-out.
Adult groups began to pledge their assistance. Miss Debra Alaniz, coordinator of the STARS (Student Leadership, Thoughtful Service, Authentic Learning, Reflective Practice and Strong Partnerships) program joined with the Youth Board to assist in the effort and provide funding to purchase equipment.
The Youth Advisory Board and Dimmit County Chamber of Commerce formed a partnership in April 2007 to help local businesses in the abatement of unsightly graffiti. Both of these groups share a common concern on how vandalism affects our local businesses and the promotion of visitors to our vicinity as well as demoralizes our community and our residents. The Chamber Director wrote news articles for the paper, met with the City Council to garner their support and sent out letters to each Chamber member.
Youth Advisory Board members have contacted local businesses and community leaders asking for their help. Residents have been solicited to help in our paint-out graffiti event. The Youth Board and Chamber are accepting donations of time, paint, equipment, and expertise from businesses and individuals as well as monetary contributions to help in this community service effort.

David Wright, Williamson County (Last Updated: 06-27-2007)

The Willimson County Youth Board is comprised of 13 members from the CD Fulkes Middle School and the Aspire After School Program and representatives from our traditional 4-H and Youth programs. The group has decided to market and promote a Myspace educational program at their middle school and area elementary schools. The title of the program is "Myspace in Myplace" The group will present to the study body and share topics over; the history, internet safety and statistics related to the use. Each of the members will present a power point presentation on each issue and invite a local police officer/special crimes unit to share his/her experiences. The Youth Board felt the presence of an officer would help the students understand the importance of introducing the program.
In addition, to promote this event, youth will announce the program during school annoncements, creat fliers that can be sent home with the students, posters, place on the school marquee and post on the 4-H and school websites. The local library and area newspapers will also be used as a means to promote the event.
This educational program is scheduled in the fall and spring semester. The students are excited about sharing a very important topic with their peers. The students would like to provide the same information to parents in an evening program and possibly to the school board and to the PTA.

Dustin Coufal, Washington County (Last Updated: 06-27-2007)

The Washington County Youth Board is represented by Brenham FFA, Burton FFA, Boys and Girls Club, a teacher, County Commissioner, Parents Association and 4-H. Board members also represent the demographics and geographic areas of the county. The Youth Board membership is comprised of 12 youth and 4 adults. The Youth Board is governed by by-laws, has quarterly meetings, and is run by an officer team. The County Extension Agent serves in an advisory role. During each quarterly meeting, board business is discussed and the board aides the county agent with program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Board members will also be given tools to help them develop their leadership skills and give back to their community.
The Washington County Youth Board is currently working on an educational event called "Striving for Success." This event has speakers from Blue Bell Creameries, Germania Insurance, and Citizens State Bank giving presentations on resume building, interviewing skills, and leadership to high school age youth in Brenham and Burton ISDs. The program will be capped off with a keynote speach that ties the three workshops together by by Dr. Chris Boleman. Striving for Success is planned to be held in the Fall of 2007.
The Washington County Youth Board has also taken on the role of facilitating youth activities during National Preparedness Week and the county Emergency Management Plan.

Gretchen Sanders, Blanco County (Last Updated: 06-21-2007)

The Blanco County Youth Board chose to promote Family & Consumer Sciences related 4-H projects as a way of recruiting new members to the program. The Youth Board also began hosting duties of the Blanco Youth Stock Show Exhibit Hall event.
A 10-week FCS series was developed for the fall of 2006. New project leaders led the courses which included sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and baking. These projects were chosen by youth and their parents based on interest, time, and resources.
This series led to several success stories:
-3 new 4-H projects: scrapbooking, baking, quilting
-3 new 4-H project leaders
-original curriculum written by sewing project leader called "Oh Sew Fine"
-increase in participation at events beyond the county level
-increase in participation in non-livestock projects
Another benefit to taking the classes was completing projects and getting ideas for items that could be entered at the Blanco Youth Stock Show Exhibit Hall, Youth Day at the San Antonio Livestock Show, District 10 4-H Textiles Show, Blanco County Fair and the State Fair of Texas.

Kyle Stewart, Armstrong County (Last Updated: 06-11-2007)

On May 8th 2007, the Armstrong County Youth Advisory Board conducted a career day for 105 High School students at Claude High School in Claude Texas. Members contacted presenters, worked with the school councelor, administrators,and county extension agents to plan a schedule, as well as help set up a waiting room for presenters. At the conclusion of the event the Youth Advisory Board helped with cleanup as well as sending out thankyou notes to the presenters.
On the day of the event the youth advisory board posted room assignments, and helped with scheduling students to interested career presenters.
16 career areas were targeted, and students were exposed to 4 careers areas of their choice. Karl Kimsey of West Texas A&M helped with an opening giving an overview of job outlooks, and career trends, and then break out sessions began.

Pamela Foster, Childress County (Last Updated: 05-29-2007)

Childress County Youth Board sponsored a leadership and service learning conference on April 25, 2007. The "Leadership & Service, Is It In You?" conference hosted 145 youth and 42 adults from a six county area. A $6,000 Learn & Serve America K-12 School/Community Partnership grant secured by youth board sponsor Liz Jones, allowed the board to provide such exceptional speakers as Dr. Lance Keith of West Texas A&M, Dr. Kalico Leech, formerly of TCE, Mike Mahan, Wichita County 4-H Agent, Billy Zanolini, Wilbarger County 4-H Agent and Dr. Jon Spence of TEA Austin. Program topics included: "Leadership, Is It In You?" (personality profiles), "The Body Don't Lie" (body language), "Think-Do-Lead", (creative leadership), "Just Do It", (creative community & service learning)and "Getting the Job Done", (pursuing service learning grants through TEA. Youth Board members, sponsors and advisors were presented with shirts to be worn at all Childress Youth Board activities.
The Childress County Youth Board held a "Kids Helping Kids" service learning project in conjunction with the conference and collected 357 toys and personal hygience items for the 4 county area Rainbow Room. The collection items were estimated at a value of over $1,500.
Youth Board members introducted speakers, monitored workshop sessions, collected adn delivered donated items, served hospitality, set wp, decorated and cleaned up after the conference.
Special quests for the conference included Legislative Aide for Senator Robert Duncan, Jennifer Foster, Childress County Commissioner, Lyall Foster and North Region 4-H Program Director, Angela Burkham.
For further informaiton on how to secure a Learn & Serve America K-12 School/Community Partnership Grant contact Pam Foster, CEA/FCS, Childress County.

Johanna Hicks, Hopkins County (Last Updated: 05-17-2007)

Our Youth Board met in March, with seventeen members present. One of the tasks the board hopes to accomplish is to develop a county-wide service club for youth. In the fall, informational letters will be sent to each school in Hopkins County, requesting one person to serve as a contact for that particular school. Interested youth would be invited to sign up for the Service Club, and the Extension Office would serve as a point of contact.
Civic organizations, churches, and other organizations (such as Community Chest, Hopkins County Community Action Network, etc.) will be encouraged to inform the Extension Office when they have a project or event, which in turn, would notifiy the school contact persons, so the Youth Service Club could be utilized to assist.
Rationale: the larger schools in Hopkins County have service clubs, such at Key Club, but not all the smaller schools offer a similar opportunity. The county-wide Youth Service Board would encompass all youth. (They would also be encouraged to join 4-H!)
A sub-committee of the Youth Board is currently working on the registration forms and letters to be sent to the schools. Hopefully, by the time school rolls around, we'll be ready to implement this great idea from our Youth Board!

Rusty Hohlt, Bee County (Last Updated: 05-11-2007)

The Bee County Youth Board is currently working on their Skidmore Community Clean-Up initiative as a result of the youth-led issue identification forum at Skidmore-Tynan High School. The youth of STHS revealed the issue of community pride and cleanliness.
The first area the Youth Board will target is a community park that is rarely used. The Bee County Youth Board has decided on the following actions for the clean-up of Crow Park in Skidmore:
-Make a plan for mowing and maintaining the lot.
-Trim trees.
-Replace the swing sets.
-Scrub down and clean picnic tables and huts.
-Replace metal grills on bar-b-que pits.
-Refresh park sign and add flowers/landscaping.
-Replace trash cans.
-Put in a walking trail.
A partnership with the Bee County Commissioners has resulted in enlisting the engineering department from Coastal Bend College to design a walking path around the park, and the Bee County Road and Bridge department to create and pave the walking path.
The Youth Board goal was to revitalize the park and increase the number of people using the park. We will measure this use and community satisfaction by seeking out community members and asking them if they are satisfied with the park and if they use the park more.