Lexington, SC 07/13/2021 (Erika C. Hwang) – The contingent from Lexington County’s 4-H program returned from the 2021 South Carolina 4-H State Congress on July 10th. The South Carolina 4-H State Congress is the premier event for South Carolina 4-H clubs and their members.
The State Congress is an annual four-day personal development event that is held at Clemson University in the foothills of the state. Senior 4-H members (ages 14-18) experience college life by staying in the dorms and eating at the college’s dining halls.
During the event, Clemson University personnel and resources are utilized to provide quality hands-on workshops that expand knowledge and leadership skills in the youths that attend. An essential part of this event is celebrating and recognizing teens who “make the best better.” This event includes the South Carolina 4-H Achievement Banquet.
During the Achievement Banquet, 4-Her’s who submitted a 4-H Portfolio are recognized. 4-H Portfolios are designed to help Senior 4-H members prepare a comprehensive summary of their involvement in the 4-H Program and the impact it has made on their life. A portfolio is a collection of items and information that documents growth and achievement over a specific period of time. The 4-H Cover Letter and Resume will help Senior 4-H Members highlight their overall 4-H achievements as they continue on their paths to higher education or a career.
The 2020 winners were also recognized this year since last year’s banquet was cancelled due to the Worldwide pandemic. In 2020, Lexington County 4-Her Aliza Allison was a state winner for her portfolio. She won a scholarship and a trip to National 4-H Congress.
4-H graduate Hailey Williamson brought home a scholarship and the Presidential Tray, the highest award a South Carolina 4-Her can earn. Everyone was so proud of her accomplishments!
For 2021, there was even more success in store. Aliza Allison won another scholarship and a trip to 4-H National Conference. Abigail Newman also won a scholarship and a trip to National 4-H Congress, and Kimberly Williamson brought home the Glen Krohn Award for Volunteerism. Mrs. Williamson has dedicated her talents and time to the 4-H organization for many years and continues to do so even though her children have aged out.
After the State Congress had concluded, Erika C. Hwang of the Clemson University Extension Service and the county’s agent for the 4-H program said, “We are so thankful for the volunteers and 4-Her’s who continue to make the best better in Lexington County.”
Photo from left to right: Erika Hwang (4-H Agent), Aliza Allison, Abigail Newman, Hailey Williamson, Kimberly Williamson, Haley Collins

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