Thursday, August 30, 2007

4-H King and Queen focus on heart and health

by Sara Peterson-Davis

While Grace Hupe and Austin Seifert might not agree on which “H” in 4-H is most important, the 2007 Jefferson County 4-H Queen and King agree that being a member of the organization has been a positive part of their lives.

Photo by Monty Davis

4-H Queen Grace Hupe and King Austin Seifert pose for a portrait during the 2007 Jefferson County 4-H Fair.

As part of the competition to becomeroyalty at the 2007 Jefferson County 4-H Fair, nominees had to tell judges which of the four H’s they thought was the most important.

Grace chose health.

“I decided health was the most important,” said Grace, who is
a member of the Billtown Go-Getters. “You need your health before you
can do any of the rest.”

Austin’s answer came from the heart.

“If you don’t put your heart in things,
it won’t turn out the way you wanted
it to,” said Austin, who is a member
of the Fairview 4-H Club.

Both Grace and Austin have grown up in 4-H. Grace has been a member for eight years, Austin for nine years.

At first, Austin said he joined the organization because it was just what kids in his area did. He stayed with it because he learned from the experience.

“I did it at first because everybody else was joining,” said the sophomore at Pleasant Ridge High School. “I didn’t understand the meaning until I got a little older. It gives you a lot of ideas and experiences.”

Throughout the years, Austin has participated in rocketry, foods, gardening, arts and crafts, small engine and animal projects. Working in the foods and small engines has inspired him to consider two possible career choices – chef or auto mechanic.

“I’m thinking about auto mechanics and spending two years in college and then a couple at vo-tech,” Austin said.

For Grace, participating in 4-H helped her overcome the shyness she suffered from when she was younger.

“I’ve noticed that I’ve become more confident,” said the sophomore at Perry-Lecompton High School. “I can get in front of people and speak. I used to be very shy.”

Over the years, Grace has participated in a number of projects, including modeling and construction, arts and crafts, swine, photography and clothing.

“I don’t cook,” Grace said. “That’s my brother’s job. I don’t have the patience.”

The experience of standing in front of people and speaking about her projects will be invaluable to Grace in the future. She plans on majoring in journalism and communications and someday being a television broadcaster.

“Teachers can always tell who’s in 4-H when we give speeches at school,” said Grace.

Austin agreed.

Their 4-H experience in public speaking has inspired both this year’s king and queen to participate in drama at school.

“It’s been great just in the way it’s helped me get in front of people and like to act,” Grace said.