July 30, 2021
Fritch wins Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Faith Fritch wins Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, $3,000 scholarship
- Award is highest honor in Arkansas 4-H
(390 words)
(Newsrooms: With art of Fritch receiving award at https://flic.kr/p/2mehGK8; additional art at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWi6oZQ)
FERNDALE, Ark. – Faith Fritch of Benton County won the 2021 Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award, the youth development program’s highest honor.
Fritch received the award – and a $3,000 scholarship – on July 29 during the annual Arkansas 4-H Awards of Excellence held at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center. As part of the award, Fritch’s name will be added to a plaque on permanent display at the Arkansas 4-H Center.
The Arkansas 4-H Governor's Award recognizes one outstanding Arkansas 4-H member each year.
“It is always a tough decision for our judges because at this level, they are all so accomplished and have served their communities in such meaningful ways,” said Angie Freel, associate department head for 4-H.
Selection is based on nominees’ accomplishments in leadership, citizenship, community service, 4-H projects and activities and overall contributions to Arkansas 4-H. Four young women were named finalists: Fritch, Eva Berryhill of Leola, Sarah Gaskin of Bald Knob, and Jenna Frederick of Fort Smith. Finalists each received a $1,000 scholarship.
Last month, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and his wife, Susan, hosted a luncheon for the finalists at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.
“Each of this year’s four finalists has enriched the 4-H program in a special way,” Gov. Hutchinson said in a recorded message played at the awards ceremony Thursday night. “I’m proud of each of you and the way you represent Arkansas and 4-H.”
Fritch, who served as the 2020-2021 Arkansas 4-H state president, attends Henderson State University, where she is majoring in psychology and minoring in music. Her main 4-H project is performing arts. She has studied violin for nine years and voice for four years and has competed at the county, district and state levels. In 2019, she performed during the opening ceremonies of the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. She now plays with Henderson State’s strings ensemble and is part of the university’s Chi Alpha worship ministry.
Aside from performing, Fritch is also an award-winning marksman and competed nationally in shooting sports.
“Through 4-H, I’ve had many successes, but my favorite success was having the honor of being elected Arkansas 4-H state president,” she said. “I’ve been able to meet people all over the United States.”
To learn about 4-H and other extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @Arkansas4H.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact:
Tracy Courage
Director, Communications Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu