Matthew Kawamura of Kaua‘i has been selected to represent Hawai‘i at the 2011 National 4-H Conference, “Elements 4 Ur Future” to be held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md. Kawamura has been in 4-H for
Matthew Kawamura of Kaua‘i has been selected to represent Hawai‘i at the 2011 National 4-H Conference, “Elements 4 Ur Future” to be held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.
Kawamura has been in 4-H for eight years and is a member of the Garden Island 4-H Ranchers, a news release states. He is enrolled in the market animal agricultural project and in total has raised five steers, six lambs and four hogs.
Kawamura has served on a county 4-H Livestock Judging Team and participated in the State Farm Fair for four years. In addition to his livestock projects, Matthew has participated in the Aha‘olelo 4-H Teen Leadership conference at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa for three years to broaden his learning opportunities and develop his leadership skills, the release states.
He also served as a member of the Kaua‘i Health Rocks! Leadership Team and helped give elementary school children tools needed to avoid peer pressure and allowing them to choose healthy habits.
This year’s conference theme will bring 4-H members, ages 15 to 19 from across the United States and its territories, to the nation’s Capitol from April 2 to April 7, a news release states. Participants will engage in personal development experiences that will increase their knowledge, resources, and skills.
This selection was based on their significant accomplishments and leadership in the Hawai‘i 4-H Youth Development program, the release states.
Conference participants will have an opportunity to discuss topics affecting youth and 4-H programming nationwide and empower and mobilize 4-H youth to create positive change in their communities. Youth will engage in hands-on educational activities in which they will explore, practice, and master existing and newly developed skills/knowledge in civic engagement, civic education, and personal development.
Scholarship support for this national recognition event has been provided by the Hawai‘i State 4-H Foundation and the Kaua‘i 4-H Livestock Committee.
4-H is conducted through the University of Hawai‘i, 4-H Youth Development Program, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. For more information on 4-H programs, call 274-3471.
