What does 'commitment' really mean?

Commitment is certainly a term that seems to be losing ground in too many areas of society. Employee, employer, parental, spousal, friend, financial... the list goes on where most individuals have some sort of need for commitment. 4-H teaches life skills and one key life skill it gives the opportunity to not only develop but to experience and demonstrate is "commitment" in one's youth.

One measurable level of commitment is the number of 10-year 4-Her's from year to year. Putnam County has consistently had more than 40 of its 4-Hers in this prestigious category. In 2011, the potential exists for 47 Putnam 4-Hers to obtain this special commitment milestone which can be stated on scholarship, employment and other applications giving the applicant more probable odds of being selected.

Another measurement of commitment is the number of enrolled 4-Hers who actually complete. During the past ten years, anywhere from 87 to 92 percent of Putnam 4-Hers completed at least one project after enrolling in the program. Putnam 4-Hers also enrolled in 64 different projects in 2010, and 26 of these projects saw a completion rate of more than 75 percent. These numbers represent the county, but the 4-Her can use personal statistics like this to demonstrate his or her own level of commitment in power statements.

Speaking of scholarships, the deadline approaches for two opportunities. Many Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships are awarded each year. For information about these scholarships go to http://www.four-h.purdue.edu and at the search menu find the category of "scholarship" to find forms, requirements, eligibility and other information. These scholarships are due January 14 to the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office.

The Putnam County 4-H Scholarships that are administered locally by the Putnam County Community Foundation can be applied for using the Putnam County Community Foundation scholarship form this year. Go to http://pcfoundation.org and click on the scholarship tab. Note that this is a change from the past as these will also be due January 14! The need to move the date earlier coincides with meeting federal reporting requirements necessary for the Putnam County Community Foundation and facilitates award recipients receiving funds in a timelier manner for their respective college or university. Also this will streamline applications so that 4-Hers can apply for many scholarships besides 4-H with one application form. The 4-H scholarships include the Brookshire 4-H Scholarship, the Darrel Thomas 4-H Scholarship, Putnam County 4-H Livestock Scholarship, and the Putnam County General 4-H Scholarship.

Check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 12 -- 4-H Volunteer and Leader Meeting, Monicals, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 -- Monicals's Pizza 4-H Fundrasier

Jan. 17 -- Office Closed for ML King Holiday

Jan. 18 -- Junior Leader Meeting, Fairgrounds, 7-8 p.m.

Jan. 18-20 -- Indiana Horticulture Congress

Jan. 26 -- Monical's Pizza 4-H Fundraiser

Feb. 3 -- Extension Homemakers Council Meeting 11:30 a.m., Courthouse Annex

Feb. 7 -- EH Leader Lesson "Healthy Women-Living Well" Extension Office, 1 p.m.

Feb. 8 -- Indiana Forage Council, state meeting/program, Fairgrounds, 4-9 p.m.

Feb. 19 -- Putnam 4-H Beef Weigh-in, Fairgrounds