4-H youth are beyond ready
Dallam, Hartley counties join national celebration of leadership, learning, service
By Maggie Meeks
Special to the Dalhart Texan
Dalhart — 4-H youth in Dallam and Hartley Counties are proving they’re not just ready for the future, they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, local clubs shared how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. Youth ages 8-18 are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects such as livestock, photography, food and nutrition, and even robotics. There is truly a place for everyone in 4-H, no matter your interests and passions. In the local counties, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to lead community service projects, learn important life skills, and find their passions.
The 4-H program in Dalhart is making a difference not only in the community, but in Texas as a whole. The Texas 4-H Ambassador program gives high school age 4-Her’s the opportunity to grow their leadership skills while learning more about their passions and mentoring younger members. Dallam County 4-H is home to a Livestock Ambassador (Sam Gustin), Photography Ambassador (Maggie Meeks), and a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador (Kirsten Foust). Hartley County’s Blaine Dahl is a National and State Shooting Sport Ambassador. In addition to this, Maggie Meeks and Brandis Beavers are representing Dallam County on the District level as District 1 Council Second Vice President and Treasurer respectively. Baiden Beavers, Emmery Meeks, and Kinsey Thomas will also be serving on the district level as District 1 Ambassadors.
Dallam and Hartley Counties and their team of educators, volunteers, and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. Whether it is sending birthday cards to CASA kids or donating canned foods to The Good Samaritan, youth are learning the importance of compassion, resilience, and communication. These skills will serve them in their lives and future careers. The Dallam County 4-H Council and the 4-H clubs all make a positive impact in the local area by completing community service projects for the Good Samaritan, CareNet, Meals on Wheels, CASA Kids, The Lincoln Street Food Pantry, and the Ronald McDonald House as well as serving The Legacy Assisted Living Center, Coon Memorial Nursing Home, Brick Street Community Center, the Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department, and others on a regular basis.
“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain realworld skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”
During National 4-H Week, local 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters wore green, participated in community service projects, and shared their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
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