By ELLE HUTCHINSON
Barton County Media Consultant
The Barton County Commission celebrated the impact of 4-H and the accomplishments of local youth this week with the adoption of Proclamation 2026-13, recognizing Oct. 4 through 10, 2026, as National 4-H Week.
Michelle Beran, Family Community Wellness Agent with the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County, was joined by new 4-H Youth Development Agent JoAnn Gaunt, Cottonwood Extension Director Jay Harris, and local 4-H members for the presentation.
For generations, 4-H has provided young people with opportunities to learn by doing, develop leadership skills, serve their communities, explore new interests, and build confidence that carries into adulthood.
At the heart of the program are the four H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Together, those values encourage young people to think critically, care for others, serve their communities, and develop healthy habits while becoming “Beyond Ready” for the opportunities ahead.
This year’s recognition also provided an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievement by local 4-H members.
Samantha Negaard, a local 4-H ambassador, was recognized as the Kansas State Project Award winner in Performing Arts, an honor awarded to only one 4-H member statewide in each project category.
Samantha explained that earning the award represented months of work documenting her involvement in performing arts, including forensic roles, dance, orchestra, choir, and other experiences. The process included completing a detailed project record, preparing a resume and cover letter, advancing through regional competition, and producing a five-minute video explaining her work and accomplishments.
As a state winner, Samantha earned the opportunity to represent Kansas and Barton County at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, where delegates will participate in service projects and educational experiences.
Commissioners congratulated Samantha on the accomplishment and praised the confidence and professionalism she demonstrated while presenting her project.
Barton County also celebrated a second state winner, Russell Kern, who received the Kansas State Project Award in the foods project. Gaunt noted that having two state project winners from the area is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication local youth continue to bring to 4-H.
National 4-H Week also recognizes the families, volunteers, Extension professionals, and community members who make these opportunities possible. Their support allows young people to explore their interests, develop valuable skills, and grow into engaged members of their communities.
The Commission’s proclamation encourages Barton County residents to recognize the important role 4-H continues to play in preparing local youth for the future while celebrating the remarkable accomplishments already taking place right here at home.