Opinion

Keeping the score

Monday, September 14, 2009

Record keeping is not a favorite of many people. Some forms of record keeping, like having the winning football score or scrapbooking, provide enjoyment. This is especially true when individuals can reflect back on great memories. The 4-Her learns and is responsible for many different types of record keeping that in some cases is project specific while in other cases it involves the entire 4-H career.

All 4-Hers should complete and submit "My Record of Achievement" forms to the Extension office as soon as possible. These forms allow the Extension staff to tally points based on the activities of the 4-Her during the year. These points continue to accumulate during the career of the 4-Her, which may potentially encompass 10 years. This is the end of the year, so to speak, in the Extension office as many reports are being compiled and completed. These data, though, are not simply for the office staff to report activity, rather they are important for the 4-Her to be eligible for awards and to accurately document activity on resumes, applications and other communication mechanisms.

Awards given to 4-Hers at the upcoming Nov. 7 4-H Achievement and Leader Recognition night will be one reflection of reporting 4-H activity. One of the most coveted 4-H awards, won by Megan Criss in 2008, is the "Spirit of 4-H" award. This award is based on the total number of activities, projects and etc. that one accumulates during his or her entire 4-H career.

When completing a scholarship application, a complete and current folder containing all submitted "My Record of Achievement" forms is a good place to start to summarize all of the activities and projects where learning occurred. Being in 4-H is certainly not a requirement to get into college. However, showing dedication by being a 10-year 4-Her and participating in the learning activities of projects is a help. For example, students who desire acceptance into vet school or nursing school, being able to state that they were in livestock and vet science or health projects, respectively, reflects very positively for these students.

The office has received numerous My Record of Achievement forms. While the due date has passed, these forms will continue to be accepted the rest of this week. Anyone with questions is welcome to call. The form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website.

Check out www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. Also all interested in the Putnam County 4-H program are encouraged to join the Putnam County 4-H Facebook group. One may alos contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 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

September 14: Extension Homemaker Lesson-"Rice is Nice", 1 p.m., Extension Office

September 15: Energy Issues for Homeowners, Rockville, 6 p.m.

September 19: Nature Walk in Clay County, Morning, Contact 653-9785

September 24: Ext. Homemaker Achievement Night, 7 p.m. at Fairgrounds

September 28: Ext. Homemaker 2009-2010 Lesson Conference in Terre Haute

September 28: Fair Board Annual Meeting/Pitch-In Dinner, 6 p.m. Fairgrounds

October 8: Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana, Contact 494-4268