820-Uncaster Firming, Saturday, February 21, 1998 LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Fanning Staff LANCASTER (Lancaster Co.) —Some people always know what career they want to pursue. Others find life steers them into unex pected places—rewarding positions. Katina Showman falls into both these categories. “1 always wanted to be a teach er,” she said. She pursued an elementary teaching degree with a minor in volleyball coaching at Wilson College. While there, she participated in a scholarship prog ram similar to the work/study program. Instead of working on campus, Katina worked as a volun teer with the Franklin 4-H Exten sion program in exchange for scholarship money from the school. As a 10-year 4-H member, Kati na was well acquainted with exten sion services. But instead of being a 4-H’er. Katina learned what it’s like to lead 4-H clubs, plan presen tation night, and perform other staff duties. “As a member, I never imagined all the time, money, energy, crea tivity, and patience that agents and leaders contribute to the program,” Katina said. Later, Franklin County hired Katina as a summer assistant “As much as I liked 4-H, the thought never occurred to me to have a career in extension,” Katina said. The fust year after college gra duation, Katina worked as a substi tute teacher and coached volley ball at her alma mater. During the summer months, she worked in the Wilson College Alumni office. When a framer coworker at the Franklin County Extension office heard about the opening for a 4-H agent in Lancaster County, she encouraged Katina to apply. In October, Katina was named 4-H agent coordinator for the county. Working with her is Lori Little, who is the 4-H agent in charge of animal projects. The two replace former 4-H agent Zoann Parker, who was appointed Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary. Katina is excited about the Katina was a 4-H * Franklin County Extension for 2V4 years before coming to the Lancaster Extension Office. New 4-H Agent For Lancaster County change in her career plans. She said, “Although my job isn’t the same as teaching a classroom, my training in elementary education is suitable for this job. I’m in a posi tion to influence youth and help them into a positive growth experi ence and to gain goals—that’s what my heart was set upon.” Katina steps into a position that has one of die strongest 4-H prog rams in the state. Concerning the responsibility of overseeing 4,000 members and 600 volunteer leaders, Katina said, “I feel confident because of the helpfulness of the other agents in the county and in surrounding counties. Martha Gregory, 4-H agent in Lebanon County Exten sion, is my mentor,” Katina said. Planning and organizing arc vit al in her position, but it’s seeing the events unfold that is most exciting to Katina. One of the major events is the 4-H Benefit Auction scheduled for today. “The auction raises lots of money for the 4-H program and helps keep costs down,” she said. Katina wants to tackle the myth that 4-H is only animal projects. When she worked at an informa tion booth at the state Farm Show, Katina said, “Again and again, people would say, “But I don’t live on a farm....” “You don’t need to. Neither do you need a sewing machine. 4-H has something for everyone,” Katina tells potential members againa and again. Katina said that stepping into her position was greatly eased with help from Lori Little, who after working as a 4-H assistant for sev eral months, was named 4-H extension agent in charge of ani mal projects. Lori, too, has a background rich in 4-H experience. She was a 4-H’cr in horse, judging, beef, and community clubs. She studied ag education at Delaware Valley Col lege with the intention of becom ing either an ag teacher or a 4-H agent Lori especially is fascinated with embryology projects that she takes into school classrooms. Teaching embryology in the classroom offers her the best of both worlds, she said. “I am the star of the show, but I don’t have the responsibility to displine the students. I can leave.” Lori also enjoys working with horses and dairy projects and see ing the kids excel in them. It was through showing cows about six years ago at the Farm Show that Lori met her husband to-be Christopher LitUe. They married this past June and live on five-acres in Nottingham where they raise a pampered puppy named Sierra. Lori is in the process of helping develop a curriculum with the Dept, of Environmental education and Penn State. “We want to present a factual curriculum without a slant,” she said. Livestock Club Recaps Successful Year LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Farming Staff MOUNT JOY (Lancaster Co.) —Members, families, leaders, and buyers associated with the 4-H Woolies and the Red Rose Beef clubs celebrated at the annual livestock banquet held recently at the Country Table Restaurant The combined banquet is held because many of the members belong to both clubs. Throughout the evening members reflected on the past year of hard work, the suc cesses in winning ribbons at com petition, and even on the lessons that can be gained from disappointments. Excitement mounted as mem bers waited to hear the names of the recipients of the most coveted awards. For the sheep club, the most pretigious award is the She pherd of the Year award. “I am totally shocked,” Travis Donough, 17, said after he was named the recipient As a reminder of this achievement Travis, who is president of the sheep club, was given a hugh traveling trophy for one year. Next year, when he returns the trophy, he will be giv ing what is called a retiring trophy. The most coveted beef club award is the Jason L. Weaver Memorial Leadership Award. Jill Hoffines, president of the beef club, received the award for show ing outstanding leadership quali ties. Jill, 17, was also the recipient (Turn to P«fl« B 21) Recognized for outstanding performance In taking first place In state competition for meat Judging are team members, from left, Radell Peters, Jessica Schmidt, Sara Strickler, and Dale Uvengood. The Lancaster 4-H is led by co-ordlnator Katina Show man, left, and Lori Little, who oversees animal projects. Top awards at the 4-H Livestock Club banquet go to Tra vis Donough, who holds the Shepherd of the Year trophy, and Jill Hoffines, left front, recipient of both the Jason Weaver Memorial Award and a scholarship. From back left are Stephanie Kauffman, Novice Shepherd of the Year; Amanda Grube, Go-Getter Award; and Katie Nolt, Red Rose Rookie Award.
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