Friendship and memories mean more than ribbons
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Annette Lamb, 18, has participated
in a variety of 4-H programs during her 10-year involvement in
Kosciusko County (Ind.). The Wawasee High School senior plans
to enroll at Purdue University this fall. Photo by Tom Campbell
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Editor's Note: Annette Lamb, 18, accumulated a closet
full of honors and awards during an exemplary 10-year career in Indiana
4-H. But in her personal reflections about 4-H, Lamb says the rewards
of friendship far outweigh and outlast the honors of her 4-H achievements.
By Annette Lamb
At age 10, 4-H meant baking dozens of cookies until I found six that
were perfectly round and uniform. I was a wide-eyed 4-H'er, just hoping
the judge would place the big, purple ribbon on my project. 4-H was
all about the number of ribbons or trophies I collected at the end of
the fair.
Today, at age 19, I have a much different view of our 4-H program.
Trophies have collected dust on shelves, and my shoeboxes full of 10
years' worth of ribbons and plaques have been tucked away in a closet
and long forgotten.
My most treasured 4-H memories and experiences revolve around my family
and the wonderful extended family I found through our local, county
and state 4-H programs.
How many 4-H'ers, many years after their 4-H days, still smile as they
recall all of their own family moments during county and state fairs?
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