Author: Wade Raymer
Planning Unit: Webster County CES
Major Program: Agriculture
Plan of Work: Life Skills for Everyone
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Webster County 4-H Animal Science program provides many benefits to the youth in Webster County. Animal Science projects assist youth in the development of life skills they will use as they become contributing citizens.
One young man’s passion for 4H began by showing sheep as a cloverbud. He continued in 4-H for 14 years and learned many valuable skills. 4-H continued to help him build relationships and develop many skills which ultimately led to his success in life. His involvement in public speaking programs allowed him to be comfortable in front of a crowd. He also developed interpersonal communication skills, which directly impacted the development of his 4-H project. In his own words,“ my 4H beef cattle project not only allowed me to start my own herd of registered Red Angus cattle, but it also gave me the opportunity to help pay for my college by the revenue earned off said herd.” As a direct result of his involvement in 4-H he decided to pursue a degree and career in the public relations field. His experiences with 4-H has allowed him to hold leadership positions for Kappa Tau Omega, and has instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community. While in college, he would volunteer 5–10 hours each month.”
4-H has helped to mold him into the man he is today, with vast amounts of knowledge to help build relationships and advance his career to this day. Now he is a County Extension Agent, impacting the lives of youth and adults in his community.
When asked how 4H has impacted his life, his response was:
“It has developed my talents and opened more doors that I could ever possibly imagine. But more than just the basic networking 4-H offered me a family, I still have contacts around the state and country that I know at a moment’s notice would do anything they could to help me and I for them. I will always proudly pledge my Head, Heart, Hands and Health to an organization that has done so much good for the world around it. 4-H as an organization prides itself on the betterment of their clubs, their community, their country, and their world. But this campaign of good will could not be achieved if it were not for the individuals that work tirelessly on the behalf of the organization itself. One such individual is my agent and friend Wade Raymer. Wade has been a part of my 4-H experience for as long as I can remember. During this time, I always knew I had someone to support me and push me in the right direction. When I struggled to believe in myself, I always knew I could find encouragement and wisdom in my agent. Wade has never played favorites and equally loved and supported all the children that have come into his path through the Webster County 4-H program, and our community is all the better for it. Looking back fondly on my years as a 4-H member, I can say without a doubt that my experience would not be half of what it was if it wasn’t for the kind heart and friendship of my agent.”
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