Keleigh Hoffman joined over 1,200 4-H members, 4-H leaders, agents and affiliates from across the nation to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., from November 23-27. “Become a Catalyst of Change” was the theme of the 91st National 4-H Congress. Colorado was represented by several 4-H teens including Hoffman. Hoffman is an 11 year 4-H member from the Lads n Lassies 4-H Club. Her parents are Mark and Vickie Hoffman of Fort Morgan, Colo.

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. Since 1922, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality, educational and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent and caring citizens.

The program is built upon the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation especially those affecting youth. The program combines plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups and a service learning experience. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present the most current and timely information available.

Community service, tours, workshops and an evening of culture fill the days and nights of National 4-H Congress. Some of the tours available to the delegates are the Atlanta Zoo, CNN Center, The Atlanta History Center, The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Cyclorama, The World of Coca-Cola, the Carter Presidential Library and the Martin Luther King Center.

Each participant, youth and adults, were asked to bring $20 and help to raise enough money to build the third “Clover House.” In cooperation with the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter, 4-H members have provided the money in the past to build a “Clover House.” Youth will also participate in several other service projects.

Keleigh Hoffman’s trip is sponsored by the Morgan County 4-H Leaders’ Advisory Committee, Morgan County 4-H Foundation and the Colorado 4-H Foundation. Hoffman received the opportunity to participate in National 4-H Congress when she won the senior grand champion award in home environment at the Colorado State Fair.

Hoffman has focused her 4-H project interests on baking, breads, cake decorating, child development, decorate your duds, entomology, foods, home environment, horse, catch-it swine, outdoor adventures, photography and leadership. She has had projects selected to be exhibited at the Colorado State Fair several times. She has been a 4-H pacesetter, club officer and the current vice-president of Morgan County 4-H Council and vice-president of District I 4-H. Hoffman has been a State Fair Teen Clerk, Morgan County Fair Superintendent and has assisted with Investigate 4-H Night. She has attended Leadership Development Conference and State 4-H Conference where she represented Morgan County on the consumer choices judging team. ❖