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Editor’s Note
Dear Readers,
Inside this issue, we are honoring twenty outstanding young people under 20, who have demonstrated academic excellence (See page 4). As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn.
Thanks again for your continual support!
Sincerely,
Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
About Us
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.
Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—
TWENTY SEVENTEEN
UNDER TWENTY
Ariana Archer, 19 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia
Bachelor of Science Public Health
Member, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Chair, Minority Advisement Program (MAP), Vice President, Eta Sigma Gamma, National Professional Health Education Honorary Organization
Thomas Bailey, III, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, GA
Recipient of $500 Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship
Future Plans To attend Savannah State University (GA) and major in Computer Science
Aaron H. Bradley, 18 Hometown: Richland, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Stewart County High School Lumpkin, Georgia
Future Plans to attend University of West Georgia; then enlist in the military for medical school
Marc Causey 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Pataula Charter Academy Edison, Georgia
Future Plans to attend college
Javon Christian, 18 Hometown: Fort Gaines, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Randolph Clay High School Cuthbert, GA
Future Plans to attend Bainbridge State College or Albany Technical College in Georgia
What You Do Matters.
Kayla Edwards, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Valedictorian Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, GA
Future Plans to attend Kennesaw State University
Jaylen Gray, 18 Hometown: Americus, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Americus-Sumter High School (GA)
Future Plans to attend college
Brianna S. Greene, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Pataula Charter Academy Edison, GA
Future Plans To attend Columbus State University (GA) and major in Medical Technology
McKenzie Harpe, 18 Hometown: Edison, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Beta Graduate, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Quad City Scholarship, CTAE Engineering Honor Cord, Ambassador, Secretary State of GA Calhoun Co. High School Edison, GA
Future Plans to attend college
Geornecia Jackson, 18 Hometown: Locust Grove, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Locust Grove High School Locust Grove, GA
State Certification, Early Childhood Education Pathway, Youth Ministry, Love Christian Church
Future Plans to attend University of West Georgia Fall 2017
From Students to Leaders: How today’s Youth are Preparing for the Future
You don’t have to grow crops or raise livestock in order to understand the vital role both play within society, nor do you have to reside in rural America to understand the value of the farmers and ranchers that do. From the food we eat to the health of the local environment, the importance of agriculture is boundless.
But for agriculture to continue to advance, it’s essential to educate and inspire young minds, invest in the next generation, and turn today’s youth into tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.
That’s where youth agricultural organizations come in.
According to Phil Reiter, vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer and a longtime supporter of AG-centric programs like 4-H and FFA, members of these organizations are not only learning invaluable life skills but they’re also having a great time while doing it.
“These programs were designed to be a fun and effective way for students to explore a critically important industry,” said Reiter. “Aside from learning about responsibility and leadership, members also have the ability to form strong, long-lasting relationships with peers that share similar interests and passions.”
Through involvement in youth agricultural programs, students can look forward to the following:
Good Friends
Agricultural organizations give students the opportunity to be actively engaged in projects and events that involve socializing with friends and meeting new people from across the country. From attending local fairs to competing in contests and
career development events, members have the opportunity to travel and work alongside classmates that have similar interests as them.
Growing Confidence
Group meetings provide a fun setting for members to interact with both peers and adults. Throughout the year and during fair season, members are often required to address large crowds. Whether it’s presenting animals to a panel of judges or giving a speech, high-pressure situations like these teach students about preparation, poise and public speaking.
Leadership Opportunities
Both 4-H and FFA focus on empowering young people to take on leadership positions within their respective organizations. While in FFA, members elect their own officers and are responsible for planning and conducting activities throughout the year.
Civic Responsibility
Giving back is a primary component of 4-H and FFA, and throughout the year members spend ample time coordinating various fundraising campaigns to benefit their communities.
Recognition
Participating in youth agricultural organizations means being surrounded by a variety of adult role models. Throughout the year, members attend events and meet executives from some of the country’s top corporations, through which many members form connections and receive recognition for their hard work.
Tractor Supply frequently recognizes individuals who have displayed exemplary service and commit Con'td on page 9
Chadria Jones, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, Georgia
Future Plans to attend Albany State University (GA)
Daikyra Jones, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS 2017 Graduate Randolph-Clay High School
Future Plans United States Air Force
James Milliner, Jr., 16 Hometown: Albany, GA
STATS
Rising Senior (2017-18)
Westover High School Albany, GA
Patriots 3-year pin, Mr. Quality Award, Eagle Eye Award, Most Improved Defense Award, Most Athletic Award, and Scholar Athlete
Future Plans to enroll at Savannah State University and major in Engineering
Alexandria Knighton, 17 Hometown: Freehold, NJ
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Freehold Township High School (NJ)
Harvard University Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, Octofinalist in Duo Interpretation (twice), Octofinalist in Oral Interpretation, Yale University Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, 3rd Place, Oral Interpretation, 4th Place, Oral Interpretation, Princeton University Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament Finalist (twice), 2016 Champion in Oral Interpretation, and 2017 National Invitational Qualifier
Future Plans to attend Lewis and Clark College Portland, OR (Fall 2017)
Jermal Sims, 18 Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
STATS
2017 Graduate E. E. Smith High School Fayetteville, NC
Future Plans United States Army
Kwantavious Threadgill, 17 Hometown: Albany, GA
STATS
2017 Graduate Westover High School Albany, GA
Recipient of TEAM Success Award, Fort Valley State University for Dougherty County; Westover High School's Boys Basketball Team Manager (3 years)
Future Plans to attend Fort Valley State University and major in Family and Consumer Sciences
Ryan McArthur, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Honor/Beta Graduate Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, Georgia
Future Plans to attend
Valdosta State University and major in Nursing; join the Air Force ROTC
Noah McFather, 19 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Salutatorian Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, GA
Wendy's Heisman recipient, Vince Dooley Athletes for a Better World Award, Football Captain's Award, and All Region Honorable Mention for Football
Future Plans to attend
Valdosta State University and major in middle school education and become a high school football coach
Allen Jesse Turner, 18 Hometown: Weston, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate, Cum Laude Terrell Academy Dawson, Georgia
Member, National Honor Society
Future Plans to attend
South Georgia Technical College and major in Computer Science
Chanel Wilburn, 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
STATS
2017 Honor Graduate Randolph-Clay High School Cuthbert, GA
Future Plans to attend
University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
Six Smart, Fun STEM-themed Camps to Keep Kids Learning This Summer
Summer camp season is on the horizon. Are you and your children in agreement on what you want from their summer camp this year? Chances are, you’re hoping for a camp that will keep your kids occupied, active and learning throughout the summer. And your kids ... your kids probably just want to have fun!
“The good news is summer fun and learning don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” says Michelle Cote, president and founder of the Bricks 4 Kidz educational program. “Over the past decade, educational summer camp options have significantly expanded. Now, parents can find camps that foster important STEM skills while delivering the fun kids crave.”
Studies show participating in science, technology, engineering and math-themed summer camps can help kids keep learning throughout summer. In fact, one study of a math camp in Connecticut found that 79 percent of the kids who participated improved their math scores by an average of 31 percent after four weeks. What’s more, research (and parental experience) show kids learn and retain information better when they enjoy the lessons.
If you’re looking for a fun, STEM-oriented summer camp for your children, here are six options to consider:
* Robotics - Automation has transformed manufacturing, and the field of robotics continues to innovate. Kids who participate in robotics-themed camps like Bricks 4 Kidz’s WeDo Jr. Robotics learn
creative thinking skills, teamwork and collaboration, computer programming and problem-solving. The popular program, which uses special LEGO Bricks and components, is geared for children 5-9. An advanced program that uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 software is available for children 9 and older. To find a Jr. Robotics or Advanced Robotics program near you, visit www.bricks4kidz.com.
* Stop-motion animation - Before there was CGI, animators worked wonders using stop-motion animation. Today, summer camps that incorporate stop-motion animation allow children to work with movie-making software, and learn how to plan, script, stage, shoot and produce their own stop-motion animations. Kids 9 and older are sure to relate to stop-motion animation lessons that also incorporate familiar building elements like LEGO Bricks.
* Space adventures - With private companies working toward a new wave of space exploration, a space-themed summer camp can capture kids’ imaginations and inspire interest in a future career. Camps that mix model-building into lessons about space can also teach math and engineering skills.
* Remote Control Mania - Remote-controlled cars have been around for a long time, and they’re just as exciting today. Bricks 4 Kidz Remote Control Mania camp uses LEGO wireless remote controls to engage campers in the fun of designing, inventing and building their own remote-controlled machines.
Cont'd pg. 9
From Students to Leaders, cont'd from page 6 ment to their community. Last year, the retailer presented dozens of hardworking 4-H and FFA members with commemorative certificates during special ceremonies at state and county fairs.
From June 8 to October 22, the company will send its Mobile Fair Tour to 19 fairs across the country where they will continue to acknowledge members of both organizations. This year, honorees have been selected as winners of Tractor Supply’s first ever “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest, which encouraged 4-H and FFA youth to submit a short essay detailing how their participation in these organizations has empowered them to be a better neighbor.
Tractor Supply’s Mobile Fair Tour will offer visitors the “Out Here” experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to lasso a “runaway pig,” test their strength on the high striker bell-ringing game, and attend the special recognition ceremonies.
To stay up to date on the tour or learn more about the interactive experience, follow Tractor Supply Company on Facebook and visit www.TractorSupply. com/FairTour.—BPT
Six, Fun-STEM-Themed Camps,
cont'd page 8
The camp teaches children the basic working principles of many of the automated devices they encounter in their everyday lives.
* Coding - Coding makes computer software, apps and websites possible. Coders help write the programs that power everything from email servers to automated drawbridge gates. They can even stop criminals from harming computer networks and systems with malicious code! In coding-themed camps, such as our Robotics programs, children learn the basics of how to write computer code, as well as engineering skills.
“Summer camp should be about more than just keeping kids busy or even just preventing summer brain drain,” Cote says. “Camp can be an opportunity for children to learn - and fall in love with - STEM subjects that can be the foundation of their future careers.”—BPT What
