NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — An impressive group of 25 delegates representing 12 New Jersey counties attended Citizenship Washington Focus during the week of July 8 where they learned about government processes. This intensive 4-H civic engagement program for high-school youth used the nation’s capital as its vibrant, living classroom.
The delegates attending this year’s conference included:
Burlington County: Brenna Beebe
Camden County: Savannah Brannan, Emily Perex and Sara Weist
Essex County: Hunter Halliwell and Sophie Moutis
Gloucester County: Claudia Harding and Kaylee Luckiewicz
Hunterdon County: Elizabeth Coppola, Philip Frey, Zach Majorossy, Ryan Mallea, Avery Schaefer and Leah Urmston
Monmouth County: Colin Loch
Morris County: Johanna Pipoli
Ocean County: Hunter Morgan
Passaic County: Zachary Van Der Velden
Salem County: Talia Piore
Somerset County: Laura Amerman, Michael Clerico, Kate McHale, Zachary Menendez and Surya Pillai
Sussex County: William Teitsma
During CWF, youth get a behind-the-scenes look at the nation’s capital while meeting with Members of Congress to learn more about how their government works. At the end of the program, youth develop action plans to address important issues in their communities.
“CWF is a great opportunity for young people to come together, discuss the problems they see in their communities and identify solutions to make their communities stronger. The experiences that young people gain during CWF gives them the proper tools and confidence to become successful, articulate leaders in the future.” said Jeannette Rea Keywood, State 4-H Agent, Department of 4-H Youth Development.
For the past 59 years, the National 4-H Youth Conference Center has invited 4-H members from across the country to travel to Washington, DC and participate in civic workshops, committees and field trips before returning home to make positive changes in their own communities. CWF not only strengthens young people’s understanding of the government’s civic process, but it also boosts their leadership skills, communication skills and overall confidence.
— Rutgers University
