This past July, Effingham County senior 4-H’ers, Ben Snooks and Haisten White, students of Effingham County High School, were selected to participate in Citizenship Washington Focus.

Citizenship Washington Focus is a week-long educational program for high school students from across America to learn about citizenship, leadership and life skills. Delegates learn what they can do in their communities to become “Better Citizens Today, Better Leaders Tomorrow.”

While in D.C.  Snooks and White participated in engaging workshops, visited Congress, campaigned for their own youth “President” in a Youth In Governance assembly, learned how a bill becomes a law, and participated in mock congressional sessions. They were also privy to enlightening speakers, Capitol Steps comedy troupe, a cultural heritage experience, a talent show, as well as socials with other 4-H delegates representing states all over the United States. Touring the historical sites and Memorials was also included in the CWF experience. Some of the highlights of their tour were Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol, The Smithsonian museums, Holocaust Museum, Mount Vernon, White House, National Cathedral, Old Town Alexandria, Va., the memorials and more.

For more information on the 4-H program and opportunities like this, call the Effingham County Extension office at 754-2134 or visit them on the Web at www.ugaextension.com/effingham.  

Submitted by Jan Hall, County Extension Agent, 4-H Youth and Development