Baxter County 4-H members visit state Capitol

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Baxter County 4-H members recently joined over 500 youth from across Arkansas for 4-H Day at the Capitol in Little Rock. The event, held every other year when the Legislature is in session, gives participants a chance to meet lawmakers, learn about the legislative process, and showcase 4-H’s impact.

The Baxter County delegation included Olivia Butterfield, Violet Butterfield, Hannah Dooley, Brooklyn Evans, Josie Hueter, Parker Saric, and Brinlee Swann. They were accompanied by 4-H Agent Amanda Rychtarik, Ag Agent Paige Barrett, and parents Tiffany Saric and Carissa Butterfield.

During the day, members attended a Tribute to Arkansas in the Capitol Rotunda, where state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge and Attorney General Tim Griffin, addressed the crowd. Griffin called the 4-H group “the single largest” he could recall assembling at the Capitol.

The delegation also met with local State Representatives Stetson Painter and Jason Nazarenko, who read a resolution in the House proclaiming March 4 as 4-H Day. Former State Representative Jack Fortner gave the group a special tour inside the Treasurer’s vault, where they held a brick of $100,000.

For many of the 4-H members, it was their first time inside the Arkansas Capitol. The experience highlighted 4-H’s focus on civic engagement and leadership, encouraging youth to become active, well-informed citizens.

For more information about Baxter County 4-H, contact Agent Amanda Rychtarik at 870-425-2335 or visit the Baxter County 4-H Facebook page.

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