I would like to introduce myself; my name is Jade McNeill, I am the NEW 4-H Program Assistant with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, and I am so excited to be back in 4-H!
A little bit about myself; I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management and a Minor in Commercial Photography. I have worked from the mountains to the sea, and now I am back working in my hometown. I am excited to bring my skills to this position. I hope to further my education at NC State University so I can gain more knowledge with N.C Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center.
I am a 4-H alum from Robeson County, how cool is that? I have previous work experience in 4-H. I grew up surrounded by agriculture and farm life. One of my favorite 4-H memories as a child would be raising and showing a beef heifer from my family’s farm at the Robeson County Fair. Fun fact – I still have my ribbons from the fair, and they are displayed in my 4-H office! Raising and showing the cow, which I named Fiona, taught me a lot of responsibility at such a young age. My dad and I had to catch the heifer in the pasture; we had to halter break her; then she had to learn to trust us, so I could walk her around. We kept her in a fence at my house. I fed her twice a day and had to clean her pen. I had to walk, train, wash, and brush her. While raising her, I also had to do a project record book. You may be wondering what a project record book is. The 4-H program has a long history of record keeping. In 4-H, young people track their activities, events, skill development, learning experiences, and much more using the 4-H project record book. I showed Fiona in the fair and it was a great experience. I came in 3rd, Fiona came in 3rd, and my Project Record Book came in 1st.
When I was younger, I used to sell blueberries and honey at the Robeson County Farmers Market on the corner of 8th and Elm Street During the summers, I would pick blueberries on a one-acre field, put them in containers and set up at the Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday. I did this from the age of 10 to 18. Blueberries and honey helped pay for college and gave me a great appreciation of the farmers market.
I am married to my best friend Lucas, and we have two beautiful children together. Family means the world to me. I love traveling, exploring new places, and photography. I hope to teach a photography program in the future.
My goals for my position are to gain more 4-H members, come up with new programs, and learn what the community would like for the youth. So if you read this article, I challenge you to email me with your thoughts and ideas. I am here for the youth and community.
I will be concentrating on 4-H Clubs and county programs. If you are interested in 4-H Clubs, programs, or volunteering please reach out to me, I will be glad to assist you!
For more information, contact Jade McNeill, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Jade_McNeill@ncsu.edu, or visit our website.
