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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 6, 2015)
10 community august6 2015 4-H Teaches Confidence, Service and More By Jeana Gump Once a year in counties all over the State of Oregon, people come together at local fairs to share the successes and results of the hard work they’ve completed during the year. Everything from agriculture to food preservation is placed on display to be judged and awarded, allowing for nearly all to participate. Columbia County is no exception and this year, in particular, was a special one. This year we celebrated 100 years of Columbia County Fair and Rodeo. 4-H clubs came together to compete and the National Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA) came to town to entertain in this 100 th year of celebrating Columbia County. For kids participating in 4-H, fair is more than just rides and fair food. Many of them have worked since last October to prepare for this week. They have raised and cared for animals, everything from rabbits to horses, in order to show what they can do. The members of All About Horses 4-H club, Makayla McCord, Jordan McCord and Sadie Gump, participated in Showmanship, Western Equitation, and Trail, each of them bringing home blue and red ribbons for their efforts. For the second time, Sadie Gump gave a public speech, this one, about Mustangs, which she put together by herself. 4-H teaches kids to believe in themselves and do things they might not otherwise try. It can also lead to greater heights. As a leader and parent of a 4-H ra th Health Se l Pa r lo ca tio ces vi Na tu ne w Dr. Carol McIntyre Naturopathic & Chinese Medicine 503.429.3928 cccmnd@yahoo.com naturalpathhealthservices.com 758 Weed Avenue Vernonia, OR, 97064 n! “It helped me become the rider I am today along with the help of great leaders.” McCord ran for rodeo court for the first time in 2014, which was a learning experience for her. Most importantly she learned to not give up on her dreams. This year, she ran again and was selected as a 2016 Rodeo Court Princess. The process is not easy for the contestants or their families. Nicole Glass (above) and Nick Costley (below) There are high expectations of with their 4-H projects. the young women who chose to compete. Not only must they be good riders; they also need to have knowledge of NPRA rules and county history, as well as interpersonal and public speaking skills. “I was feeling a little overwhelmed, because of all the preparation before Sadie Gump and Cruiser every event, especially given the horse group, I saw my daughter learn heat,” said McCord, who kept her cool and grow with her horse, succeeding despite temperatures that soared into the in things she was upper 90s throughout unwilling to try a year the week. The young ago. Most importantly, women competing I’ve watched her had to look and be at confidence expand their best during each over the last two years. portion of the contest, NPRA rules, 4-H book, and tons of rodeo M a k a y l a which was difficult lingo, as well as modeling, speech, and McCord is a recent given the hot weather mock TV interviews. You have to be the graduate of Vernonia and the reality of living best of the best to ride in rodeo and don’t High School. She out of a trailer during forget to be proud of your partner. You began participating guys are a team and you work as one.” fair week. in 4-H in 2007 and The Court definitely can’t go on M c C o r d credits the program for without their best friends, and these best suggests to anyone giving her the skills to wanting to be in the friends are indeed their horses. run for rodeo court. McCord is proof of what Rodeo Queen world “4-H helped me learn determination and belief can get you. that they, “have a horse the ins and outs of a She did not give up and in the process 2016 Columbia County Rodeo that can get you there Princess Makayla McCord horse,” says McCord. and study everything, of running for rodeo court, she gave her time to assist the younger members of her team. That attitude of service VERNONIA COMMUNITY WIDE is what 4-H is really Saturday, about; teaching youth to give back to those August 22 around them. 9 am - 5 pm Vernonia’s horse 4-H For more info call club is transitioning this Helen Bateman year. We hope to have 503-429-6203 more members for fair in 2016 when McCord will be reigning as princess. Regardless, if we remain a small club, Vernonians can expect to see these kids out in the arena next year, competing for more 503-704-7837 ribbons, and becoming better riders and citizens. sunny2008vhs@yahoo.com 503.429.7408 (503) 449-3591 www.CabinInVernonia.com 59229 Nehalem Hwy. South www.spiralzsalon.com Weddings & Receptions Birthdays/Anniversaries Baby/Bridal Showers Reunions/Retreats Meetings/Corporate Events Grey Dawn Gallery Visit US today for all your financial needs! 879 Bridge St. (503) 429-2787 Photography - Bronze Jewelry - Glasswork Pottery - Custom Framing www.greydawngallery.com Featuring the finest in northwest art $30/hour $250/full day $25/full kitchen Josh, Teresa, Juli, Teresa, Josh, Nola, Davia Margy & Stepheny 905 Street 905 Bridge Bridge Street (503) (503) 429-6271 429-6271 usbank.com Member FDIC We saddle shoe. Do you? 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