Bailey named Ohio’s 4-H Teen of the Year
COLUMBUS -- 4-H began in the 1800s as a simple corn-growing contest. Today, it is considered the largest youth development organization in the United States. As President Woodrow Wilson once put it, in America, achievement is the one title to nobility and 4-Hers have already won that title.
For Sara Bailey, a Beaver Local graduate and the 2023 Columbiana County 4-H Queen, her participation in 4-H has led to a long list of achievements. Her latest is being recognized by the very organization she credits for both her past and future successes as she was recently named the Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year.
"Being a 4-H member has shaped me into the person I am today," Bailey said. "Involving myself to the fullest through the plethora of opportunities offered has pushed me to be the best I can be, and further prepared me for future endeavors."
According to the OSU extension office, Ohio 4-H honors one outstanding teen who has had great accomplishments in the past year. The award was created to honor a select individual for their performance, dedication, and passion for the 4-H program. Nominees must be between the ages of 13 and 18 as of Jan. 1 the year they are nominated.
Bailey, who will be recognized at the Ohio 4-H Conference on March 8 in Columbus, stood out among the pack.
"Sara has done an amazing job promoting and growing the 4-H program in Columbiana County through her leadership in her club and Junior Leaders as well as being the 4-H Queen," the OSU Extension Office said. "Sara strives to learn new things and meet other 4-Hers across Ohio, nationally and soon internationally. Her passion is sharing her love of 4-H and her experiences with others in hopes that they too will challenge themselves and explore new adventures."
Bailey, the daughter of Jason and Sheryl of Rogers, has been in 4-H for over a decade as a member of the Country Critters 4-H Club as well as the Columbiana County 4-H Junior Leaders, serving as president of both. She attended the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. this past April and has also attended 4-H Leadership Camp and participated in multiple 4-H state activities.
As fair queen, Bailey made the most of her reign, using it as a platform to advocate for the benefits of 4-H. In a personal essay, penned by Bailey and published on moderfarmer.com, the now veterinary student explained that she "made it a priority" to continue educating the community about 4-H long after the fair season ended. She passed out candy at trunk-or-treat events, read books at local libraries, took part in veteran events and visited local nursing homes (with baby rabbits and a baby goat in tow) to not only volunteer her time to good causes but use that time to discuss 4-H and the benefits its membership offers.
"All of these experiences helped 4-H project a positive image onto the local community," Bailey wrote. "Prior to my visits, many of the people I met didn't even know what 4-H was, but I left them knowing more and feeling good about it. Keeping 4-H present in the community is essential to its survival."
Bailey was literally born for 4-H. Her family established Diamond B Farms in Rogers over 40 years ago. That business is still thriving. She feels fortunate to have grown up on her family farm and is "proud to be the next link in the chain" for her family's agricultural business.
While Bailey's love of livestock is hereditary and made her participation in 4-H inevitable, she believes 4-H has something to offer for every child whether or not they share her innate passion for agriculture. She discussed both the organization's history and evolution in her essay.
"Established in 1912, 4-H was originally conceived to introduce youth to agricultural work through after-school programs. More than 100 years later, it's grown to encompass so much more," she explained. "Each regional 4-H club hosts a variety of programs, with a focus on hands-on learning. You can raise animals, like I do, but you can also learn about all sorts of things, such as photography, public speaking, sewing or technology."