Ten year 4-H'er earns trip to National 4-H Congress & teaches county 4-H Cloverbud program

Published: 2022
By Hadley Barbie and Lisa Terry

Cut Bank High School senior Hadley Barbie is no stranger to MSU Extension. Her grandfather was an agricultural Extension agent in Pondera County for many years, and her mother was a 4-Her before her. The Picard & Barbie family have a long history of accomplishments in 4-H and MSU Extension, so it’s not surprising that Hadley Barbie was selected to represent Montana 4-H in the 2022 National 4-H Congress’s Career Communications Contest. Here is how 4-H has impacted her life: "As a fourth-generation 4-H'er, I was excited to attend this year's 4-H Congress in Bozeman. This is my 10th year in 4-H, and I am proud to be a junior leader and ambassador in Glacier county. I have found rewarding experiences through 4-H as well as lifelong friendships. I also just finished my third 4-H camp as a camp counselor, easily one of the highlights of my 4-H year. I will graduate in May and attend Montana State University in Bozeman in the fall, where I will obtain a degree in nursing. Montana 4-H Congress offers a wide range of topics to learn about, which excited me. The event I competed in was Career Communications. This event required me to create a cover letter and resume, and I had to prepare for the interview portion of the contest. As this year’s 2022 Montana 4-H Congress Career Communications winner, I have earned a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Membership in 4-H has proven time and again to provide me with opportunities to improve myself, build life skills, travel, and create friendships. I also thank everyone who helped me fundraise for this fantastic trip. At this year's Marias fair, we held a Kiss the Pig contest, and with the help of my generous community voting for their lucky contestant, I could fund my trip completely. As someone active in the 4-H leadership project, I am very excited about the opportunity to fine-tune my leadership skills and acquire ideas for use on a local and county level. I plan to bring the ideas and 4-H energy I gain to help me lead the Glacier County 4-H Cloverbud program. This is where it all starts! Being able to share my love for 4-H with these young members and hopefully provide an opportunity where they are eager to learn more, build friendships, and have a memorable experience are my ultimate goals."