Students From St. Mary High and Manning’s Win Top 4-H Awards

St. Mary High School and Manning’s School, in Westmoreland, have copped the top prizes for the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Boy and Girl of the Year, respectively.

At the recent National Expo of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, held at the Denbigh Agricultural Showground, in May Pen, Clarendon, Reynaldo Dallas (St. Mary High) was crowned Boy of the Year, while LeChone Redwood was crowned Girl of the Year.

Mr. Dallas, who wishes to become a Veterinarian or a Marine Biologist, said the 4-H top award will help in his studies going forward.  “I have learned a lot over the past few months,” he said, adding that his success came through “hard work and dedication.”

He encouraged his peers to get involved in agricultural activities. “This will benefit you a lot in the future, and build the economy,” he said.

For her part, Miss Redwood said the award will enhance her dreams to do positive things for her country.

She informed that part of her project to win the competition had to do with developing a garden project for senior citizens in her community, and making a cocoa bun for her club.

The Manning’s student, who is desirous of becoming a medical doctor, said for young people to achieve meaningful success in the organization, “you have to be devoted to your 4-H Club, and be willing to make a positive contribution to your nation.”

She urged others who participated in the various competitions to continue doing their best.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the 4-H Clubs, Ronald Blake, said the two top awardees will be examples for thousands of members to emulate.

“These are two excellent youngsters and they have several years of 4-H experience. The Boy of the Year competed last year and was a good competitor. The Girl of the Year is a very good public speaker, and understands the 4-H Club. She is very committed to agriculture. They both are going to have an excellent one year reign,” Mr. Blake said.

With the Movement placing much emphasis on its achievements over the last 75 years, the Executive Director said the exposition was the largest he had seen in his 20 years as a member.

“The level of corporate support was tremendous, the 4-H community came out and participated, the quality of the parish pavilions was a big highlight, as well as our 75^th Anniversary Village, and the technologies developed by our students,” he noted.