Newspaper Page Text
The True Citizen, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 — Page 13
Agriculture is for all ages
MARY BETH MALLARD
marybethmallard@uga.edu
We have all been asked
the age-old question, “What
do you want to be when you
grow up?”. Many of us would
never know the answer to that
question if it weren’t for youth
organizations that expose us to
new trades and opportunities.
4-H and FFA are two organiza
tions that focus on agriculture
education, awareness and lead
ership and encourage members
to pursue a career in agricul
ture. Burke County is fortunate
to have active members in both
programs.
In 1904, the Georgia Boys
Corn Club was established
followed in 1908 by the Girls
Tomato Canning Club. Inter
est in agriculture for young
people was spreading and
people saw a need to create an
organization that would foster
that growth. In 1912, these two
clubs merged and expanded
their interest, officially start
ing the 4-H Club. Head, heart,
hands and health are the four
pillars that bond these mem
bers together and guide them as
they learn leadership skills and
explore opportunities through
agricultural education.
4-H Agents work in county
UGA Extension offices and
are employed by the Uni
versity of Georgia. Meridith
Franks is our 4-H Agent here
in Burke County. She works
with the youth year-round
and encourages them to step
out of their comfort zone and
learn something new. In recent
years, 4-H has welcomed new
student teams such as Clover
and Company and STEM Chal
lenge. The goal is to provide
young people with a chance to
learn more about their passion
and encourage them to make
friends with other members
on the state and national level.
Burke County 4-H member,
Holt Sapp (age 15) states, “4-H
helped me become more social
and allowed me many oppor
tunities like judging competi
tions, livestock showing teams
and many more activities! 4-H
also helped me get over my
fears of public speaking, as
well as talking to a person face
to face. I am very thankful for
all the opportunities and activi
ties 4-H provides for youth in
our county.”
The National FFA Organiza
tion, known as Future Farmers
of America until 1988, was
founded in 1928 for boys. Girls
were able to join in 1969. The
club was founded to help stu
dents develop premier leader
ship skills, personal growth and
career success. You will know
an FFA member when you see
one because they are known
for their blue corduroy jackets
worn with official dress.
Burke County Middle and
High school have active FFA
chapters. This is an exciting
time for them as they both are
hiring new agricultures teach
ers who also serve as FFA
advisors. Like 4-H the National
FFA Organization provided
students with the opportunity
to lead, serve and learn across
the nation. There are competi
tions such as tractor driving,
horticulture and agricultural
communication.
Murray Liz Flowers (age
18), a local FFA member states,
“Being in FFA, I learned so
much about myself and how I
wanted to make an impact on
the world. Not only in an agri
cultural sense,but in general. I
can truly say this organization
shaped me into who I am today.
Burke County is so rich in ag
riculture and I am so blessed
to have been surrounded by
people who working in the in
dustry that are willing to teach
me the importance of all things
agriculture. The FFA will al
ways hold a piece of my heart
and I am eternally grateful for
the opportunities for success
Burke County and the industry
as a whole have given me.”
I would not be where I am
today if it weren’t for my ex
posure to these organizations.
My teachers and agricultural
club leaders inspired me to take
a chance on the agriculture in
dustry and that is where I have
found my passion. I know I am
just one of many who is beyond
grateful for these clubs and to
live in a county that sees value
in providing that opportunity
to young people.
!
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Zeb's
Continued from front
and working hard,” he said.
The couple decided they
wanted to do more than work
while they still enjoy good
health. He will celebrate his
69th birthday this year. She is
67. They believe there is more
to life than working.
“I know of a number of
people, self-employed and
some who worked at jobs, who
are around our age,” Zebedee
said. “They work, work, work
and say they are going to retire
and do (what they want) at a
certain age, but then something
happens and they don’t. Before
they get there they either lose
their health or they lose their
life.”
The Dixons aren’t taking any
chances. They were blessed
with daughters, none of whom
learned the transmission trade.
With nobody to pass the busi
ness down to, the couple de
cided to sell the building. The
sale is pending but it is their
understanding that if all goes
well, it will house a perfor
mance shop for high-powered
automobiles.
“I am officially closed. I
have one vehicle that needs to
be finished, but that’s it,” Ze
bedee said. “We appreciate the
community for their support.
We thank them highly.”
Meet Burke County’s
Pvt. Courtney Newman - Burke County EMA Office
D’adrea Golden - Burke County Sheriff’s Office
Pvt. Courtney Newman began her
career with Burke County Emergency
Management Agency in January
2021. She received her initial medic
training at Burke County EMA and is
a state-certified Advanced
Emergency Medical Technician.
Currently, she is in fire class (held at
EMA headquarters) to become a
state-certified firefighter.
Pvt. Newman still resides in her
hometown of Augusta, and her family
includes her wife, Ashley Newman;
daughter, Mackenzie Lewis; and
sons, Evan and Caleb Vakoc. When
not working, she enjoys playing
softball, coaching baseball and
spending time with family.
We appreciate your service to Burke
County Pvt. Newman!
D’adrea Golden began his employment
at the Burke County Sheriff’s Office 15
years and three months ago. He was
recently honored by the agency for his
dedicated service to law enforcement.
Prior to working for the BCSO, Golden
was employed at the Hancock State
Prison. Currently, he serves as a jailer
at the Burke County Detention Center.
When not working, Golden says his
enjoys spending time with his family,
especially going on family vacations.
Thank you D’adrea Golden for your
many years of service to law
enforcement, the BCSO and to your
community!
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