Youth 4‑H members and staff highlight fair participation, camps and reentry work

Clara Simmons, a Summit County 4‑H member, told council she has participated since age 9 and that "I've loved being in 4 H" and that she cares for five pygmy goats and market chickens for fair competition. She said 4‑H taught her responsibility and planning, and that involvement in the junior fair board improved her organizational skills.

Rachel Chapman, introduced by Imani Scruggs of Summit County 4‑H, told council the program had 148 members show animals at the fair and 64 participants in non‑livestock judging, with 29 selected for the Ohio State Fair. Chapman said their camping and outreach work reached 232 youth this season through county camps and partnerships with groups including the Akron Urban League, Boys & Girls Club, and new Summit Fresh Mobile Market. Imani Scruggs also described ongoing work at the Dantree Jumelle correctional facility focusing on ag‑science, financial literacy and life skills, and said the program contributed more than $1,500 in books and helped keep three families from losing housing through a diversion initiative.

Council members thanked the presenters and had no follow‑up requests; the presentation occupied the public comment/presentation portion of the agenda before council moved to caucus.