Buckingham 4-H members learn state government
Published 2:20 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2017
- Pictured above are, from left, front row, Jordan Johnston, Jaylen Anderson, Olivia Trimble, Erin Webber, Rachel Bardon, second row, Austin Sandridge Latoya Chambers-Lewis, back row, Jordan Dorrier, Del. Matt Fariss, Cooper Frasier, Charlene Bardon, Jordyn Loyd, Meredith DeLong-Maxey, Ty Martin, Chai Wingham, Jay Pearson, Macie Crotts, Amanda Smith and Ruth Wallace.
Members of the Buckingham County 4-H Club attended the annual 4-H Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 24. According to Ruth Wallace, extension agent of 4-H Youth Development, the event has been occurring annually for over three decades.
MARJORIE CHAMBERS At right, Jaylen Anderson, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Basil Gooden, middle, and Cooper Frasier, right, stand on the steps of the Capitol building.
“4-H members from around the state all visit the Capitol on the same day in order to learn about our state government, learn about active citizenship and to make 4-H visible,” Wallace said.
The 4-H Day at the Capitol is designed to enhance student knowledge of governmental procedures and emphasize the importance of citizen involvement in the governmental process, Wallace explained.
The Buckingham 4-H members met with Del. Matt Fariss, R-Rustburg, and learned what he does in his role as a representative. Wallace said the group also met with House of Delegates’ Sergeant at Arms and House Information and communications services director Jay Pearson, as well as Dr. Basil Gooden, secretary of agriculture and forestry, and spoke with both of them. Both Pearson and Gooden are Buckingham natives.
Students were also able to visit the gallery during the House of Delegates’ session.
Wallace said the students seemed to enjoy being able to interact with the people who make government decisions daily, saying it makes the process more real to the students.
“The youth were able to see our state government in action,” said Wallace. “It is one thing to learn about it from a textbook or a classroom discussion, but it is a much different learning experience to talk with officials and see how it takes place.”
