Saturday, December 14, 2024
We all know that sometimes managing kids is harder than wrangling a herd of wild animals, but imagine a scenario where on top of this, the kids are doing some animal wrangling of their own. This is the reality of Cornerstone Christian Academy 4H club’s co-leaders Nicole Jennings and Christy Stewart, who took over the chapter in August.
“We're just trying to get our feet under us as far as just the day-to-day of the club, and kind of just dabbling in what's out there,” Jenkins said.
The chapter, one of the largest in the area with 34 student members and four parent volunteers, has three primary goals: philanthropy, growth, and education — all of which are being achieved with a few extra blue ribbons in hand.
Both Stewart and Jennings understand that it's important to get the kids in their chapter amped about the community they're growing up in. This drive for community service has led the chapter to complete two service projects this year: the first being a surprise donation of pet food and supplies to Friends for Animals, Granbury’s local no-kill animal shelter; and the second being a 138-can food drive for Mission Granbury, a local food pantry.
“We’re trying to incorporate service and giving back and also bringing in projects that the kids can do out there in the community,” explained Jennings.
The co-leaders not only expressed their desire to educate the kids in their organization about opportunities within the 4H community; but also to give them insight into the ins and outs of the agriculture industry. These kids are from the rural south where their lives and families often revolve around the industry. This 4H chapter is more than lambs and blue ribbons — it’s about connecting children to the skills of their community.
"I feel like agriculture these days is not the same as it used to be. It's becoming almost a lost art that people need to know, like about our food and where it comes from in the production side of it and the business side of it, there's so much,” said Jennings.
Three young members of CCA's 4H Chapter spoke about the events they have taken part in within the last year, each excelling within their individual divisions.
Reid Holdridghe has a passion for all things culinary. Earlier this month, he entered two 4H-related food competitions: Food Show, which involved preparing and presenting a generational recipe, and Cooking Challenge, a team competition like the TV show Chopped.
Reid excelled in both, securing first place in the Food Show with his grandmother’s Cranberry Sunshine Relish recipe, and second place in Cooking Challenge with his team’s Teriyaki Suprise.
Olivia Stewart has an eye for aesthetics, a gift that earned her first place in the Hood County Spring Photography Contest’s junior photography division. Olivia’s award-winning photos feature touching portraits of her neighbor and culinary aficionado Reid, with his two dogs, Holly and Honey. The county waits with bated breath to see what Olivia will capture for her 2025 Stock Show submissions.
Cornerstone’s 4H Chapter is also home to Ovine legacy Vivian Jennings. Last year, Vivian Jennings' first year showing, she earned her show lamb Buttercup the titles of Reserve Champion and Grand Southdown at the Hood County Stock show in January. This year, she’s looking to replicate this success with her new lamb, Willie.
When asked what her favorite part of 4H is, Vivian Jennings answered “The experience, having fun and winning!”
This answer is only one example of how each child discussed their events and successes with fervor and confidence, cementing exactly why these organizations are so important — 4H and other ag programs allow kids to try, fail, and succeed in an environment that enables them to be the most educated and self-assured versions of themselves.
“If you give the kids a little room and a little space, it's amazing to see what they can do on their own,” Jennings explained. “You don't have to over-lead, you can kind of guide and let them take it from there. It might not be perfect, but they do a great job with it.”
