Menu
Local 4-H'ers continue leadership tradition
A leadership project started by a pair of local 4-H'ers last year is carrying on.
Last summer, then 18-year-old Haleigh Leisure joined forced with Alaina Hardin to raise funds for park benches to be placed throughout the Vernon County Fairgrounds. The duo initially aimed to raise enough money for one bench, but greatly exceeded their goal, raising approximately $7,000 — resulting in three brand new benches being placed at the Fairgrounds. The benches are stylish, as they were fashioned after the ones located at Katy Allen Park — but with a Youth Fair flare.
Through additional fundraising efforts, they're hoping to dot the Fairgrounds with more benches.
Leisure and Hardin worked diligently last year to amass monetary donations, holding an event dubbed "Pie in the Face," that tied in with Youth Fair board members, and also held a bake sale, as well as a raffle auction.
In an interview last year with the Daily Mail, both girls say they have learned a lot of leadership skills through their participation in 4-H and that they have made friends with others whom they may never have met if not for their 4-H membership.
“It’s opened my eyes with so many new experiences,” Leisure said. “It is literally for everybody. It’s not just animals and being a farm kid like a lot of people think. You can do sewing, crafts, you can make jewelry - you can do anything. It’s a great opportunity for people to get to know others, the community and make new friends.”
With this potentially being Leisure's final year of involvement, a third 4-H'er has teamed up with her and Hardin — Stella Fast, of West Point 4-H Club. The trio has been out at the Youth Fair all week selling raffle tickets for a large variety of items. The money raised will go towards additional benches at the Fairgrounds.
Additional info related to the project can be found at the Facebook page "Brilliant Benches Leadership Project."
Editor's note: Leisure is a member of Walker 4-H Club, and Hardin — Timberline 4-H.