Beaver Local High School junior and longtime 4-H member Justin Bailey poses with Columbiana County Commissioners after telling them about his experience at the recent Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C. From left are Commissioner Roy Paparodis, Justin Bailey and Commissioners Mike Halleck and Tim Ginter. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — Beaver Local High School junior Justin Bailey shared what he called a “pretty cool” experience with Columbiana County commissioners this week, telling them about his recent participation in a 4-H leadership event in Washington, D.C.

Bailey was one of 1,800 participants at Citizenship Washington Focus from March 24-29, but the only one from Columbiana County.

“I gained a much better understanding of how government works,” the 16-year-old said.

Bailey attended the commissioners’ meeting this past Wednesday to talk about what he learned, along with Ohio State University Extension Educator Agriculture and Natural Resources Haley Shoemaker and OSU Extension 4-H Educator Audrey Dimmerling.

“I got to step out of the classroom and see our government in action,” he said.

One of his favorite parts was an activity called Lead to Change when members of his delegation had to choose a real life problem and create a solution. Their idea was to create a bipartisan foundation with a goal to eliminate political violence stemming from disputing opinions. Their goal was to publicly debate and discuss real world issues with citizens to find out where people’s beliefs originated in order to work together toward a viable solution.

“It was very interesting to see other people’s ideas,” he said.

He had an opportunity meet a lot of people from all over, to build friendships and also met with both Sen. Jon Husted and Sen. Bernie Moreno and Congressman Troy Balderson of the 12th District. There was also some sightseeing. Without 4-H, he said he would have never had an opportunity like this.

“It opened doors I never would have been able to walk through on my own,” Bailey said.

He had lots of thanks for all involved and to everyone who supports 4-H. There were a lot of workshops on government, how it relates to the constitution and citizens’ roles in government. He learned a lot with the Lead to Change activity.

Dimmerling, who nominated Bailey for the opportunity to attend, said the biggest takeaway was probably how government works in the community and affects everyday life.

“It’s part of us every day,” she said.

Bailey is the son of Sheryl and Jason Bailey and is a member of the Country Critters 4-H Club. He’s from Rogers and his sister, Sara, was the Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year last year. She’s now attending Ohio State University veterinary school.

Bailey also wants to attend OSU to major in aviation and political science. He’s president of Junior Leadership and at school, he’s active in varsity swimming, cross country and track, Varsity B and choir. He said he wants to start small and get into local politics.

Dimmerling was excited to report there are increased numbers in 4-H this year, increasing from 720 to 745 youth taking part with three new clubs. The number of volunteers has also increased from 170 to 180. There are 29 4-H clubs in the county.

She said they’re always looking for volunteers and new clubs, especially in areas of the county where there aren’t any, such as Wayne, Yellow Creek, Liverpool and Perry townships.

“We’re seeing our youth do more and more,” Dimmerling said.