FAYETTEVILLE — Kacie Clark of El Paso is the third member of her family to be a finalist for the Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, and on July 24, she clinched the highest honor awarded in Arkansas 4-H and received a $3,000 scholarship.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Clark, 18, as the winner in a recorded message played during the Arkansas 4-H Awards of Excellence ceremony at the University of Arkansas.
More than 250 4-H members from across the state are convened on the campus for the annual Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama. During the week-long event, 4-H members elect new officers and participate in more than 30 competitive events, ranging from archery and ATV safety to public speaking, poultry judging and performing arts.
“I feel like I’m going out with a bang,” Clark said of her 13 years in 4-H. “I feel very honored. All of us have done so much in 4-H. Any one of the other finalists would have deserved it.”
Three other 4-H members were finalists for the award with Clark: Connor Henry of Arkansas County; Josiah Lillard of White County; and Zach Gardner of Washington County. They each received a $1,000 scholarship.
“All four of you have achieved amazing things for yourself and your communities,” Gov. Sanders said. “I’m proud of each of you.”
Finalists are chosen based on their accomplishments in leadership, citizenship, community service, 4-H projects and activities, and overall contributions to Arkansas 4-H. The four scholarships are sponsored by 4-H alumni Dr. Joel Anderson, chancellor emeritus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The 4-H Governor’s Award winner’s silver tray is sponsored by former 4-H member and agent Darlene Millard.
A winning spirit
“I am struck by the level of passion and excitement each of our finalists demonstrated,” said Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president for 4-H and youth development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “They are amazing examples of the spirit of 4-H, and Kacie truly embodies that spirit.”