TITLE: Recognizing February 8, 2017, as 4-H Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 8, 2017, as 4-H Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Many proud students in the 4-H program are gathering in Austin on February 8, 2017, in celebration of 4-H Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Established as an agricultural club in Jack County in 1908, 4-H is now the largest youth development program in the state, with more than 550,000 students from every Texas county taking part each year; the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program administer the program and are assisted by more than 30,000 trained volunteers; and WHEREAS, The organization's name stands for Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, reflecting different aspects of an individual's personal and social responsibilities; guided by the motto "to make the best better," today's clubs emphasize leadership, citizenship, and strong character, help members to acquire valuable life skills, and foster readiness for college and the workplace; participants can engage in projects related not only to agriculture but also science, engineering, technology, natural resources, and healthy lifestyles; in Texas, the most popular programs are foods and nutrition, agriculture awareness and education, gardening and horticulture, and veterinary science; and WHEREAS, According to a longitudinal study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, 4-H participants are four times more likely than other youngsters to contribute to their communities; they are also twice as likely to make healthier choices and to participate in science programs outside of school; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, 4-H has enriched the lives of countless youths across the Lone Star State, and the program's alumni have gone on to make a lasting, positive difference in their communities and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 8, 2017, as 4-H Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for a memorable and productive event. Bailes Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 192 was adopted by the House on February 8, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House