As we are approaching Stutsman County Fair, our main event of the year, I would like to share a story with you that makes me think about what 4-H is really about.
The Most Important Things Author: Anonymous
There once was a boy who won ribbons, mostly blue, He came home from the fair with a big trophy too. With a voice glad and proud he said to his dad, "Tis the very best year that I've ever had." Said his very wise dad, "son, I'd like to hear, why you think that this was such a very fine year?" "Why, dad, you well know all the prizes I've won; how I've come out on top in most things I've done. Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall, and think of the money I've made since last fall. From premium checks and a big auction price, you can't help but think, cash and ribbons are nice."
But the man said, "My son you're not thinking quite right, blue ribbons 'tis true are better than white; but ribbons will fade and trophies grow old, money's soon spent and fame soon grows cold. The important things, son, are not ribbons or pins, and sometimes it's really the loser who wins. Now here are the things most important, it's true, your 4-H experience has accomplished for you. You've seen how a business meeting is run. This knowledge will help you in years to come. You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd, you've learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud. Patience you've learned in your projects too. As well as your skills that will always help you. You've learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend a glad helping hand to a stranger or friend. You've learned to cooperate with majority rule, to give in with grace and not be a fool who must always have his very own way, be it in club work, in school, or at play. You've learned how to lose without making a beef, you know the judge judges to her best belief.
You've learned how to win without boasting too loud; a kid can lose friends if he's overly proud.
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These are the things most important to you. You'll remember and use them all your life through.
They'll help you become a mighty fine person, they'll do more for you than a prize or a ribbon.
4-H is much more than the winning of a special prize. 4-H is the knowledge and experience a youth learns along the way.
The Stutsman County Fair runs July 7-10. If you get a chance come to the fair and visit with the 4-H members about their projects, 4-H youth love to tell about what went right and what did not work. This is the highlight of many 4-H members as they can showcase their accomplishments made through the 4-H year.
For more information on this topic, please contact Deb Hatlewick, Stutsman County Extension 4-H Coordinator, at 252-9030 or debra.hatlewick@ndsu.edu . Information on this and many other topics can also be found on the Stutsman County Extension website: www.ag.ndsu.edu/stutsmancountyextension
