4-H Creative & Expressive Arts has been a great opportunity for students in the Albion community for over 25 years, but what effect has it had on the students? There is a great love from the leadership for the program, but how do the students feel?
I had the opportunity to talk with some of the student leaders and participants in the 4-H summer program this year, and the student response cannot be any more positive. The common thread between all students may not be what you expect. When asked “what is your favorite part about 4-H?”, it wasn’t the dancing or the opportunity to perform. Nearly every student I spoke with from participants like Jaypri Williams who has been in the program for two years to leaders going on five years like Zymari Jones, they all commented on how 4-H has given them the opportunity to meet new people and create new connections. The singing, dancing, and performing is a bonus. Fifth year participant Jonnathan Clawson could not have responded any quicker with that what brings him back every year being “the people here. How diverse it is. There’s no judgement here.”
4-H has proven itself to be the safe space for growth and connection that many students want. Leader Ella Lattimore has been a part of 4-H in some way for the last eight years. Lattimore exclaimed that the program “has helped me grow my voice, grow as a person, and feel a lot less small.” Participants feel the same way. Alayah Robinson shared that 4-H has given her the safe space and opportunity to get out of her comfort zone. The leaders themselves love to watch their mentees and peers grow, Breanna Ridley reflected. Students and mentors build relationships that extend outside of the six-week summer program into a community bond.
Ridley also explained that 4-H has given “me more doors, and people to connect with for other things I might want to do.” 4-H students have gone on to be on Off-Broadway, performers on American Idol, and so much more.
At the root for the students, it’s the opportunity of connection. With the Covid-19 pandemic being just a few years ago, everyone lost the sense of personal connection for months. For students especially, interaction is a crucial part of development. Leader Azaria Cummings shared that “4-H has helped me grow because it has shown me that there is more to life than just being at home not doing anything with your summer and time.” With 4-H in full swing this year, the students are getting prepared and excited for their upcoming performance.
Through my time spent at 4-H, I saw the complete joy that each student has for the program. They shared their passions of singing and dancing. This year’s play is about the history of the Festival of the Forks. Students have done research and interviews to write the play in a cohesive voice that will express the history of this annual event through song, dance, and acting.
To read more about 4-H Creative & Expressive Arts, check out the hyperlink. The 2023 play will be Saturday, August 12th at 7PM at the Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion. You won’t want to miss out as Cummings shared “it’s going to be one to remember!”
