N.C. Cooperative Extension of Henderson County did not have to look far to find its next 4-H Agent. Hannah Worrell has served as the Henderson County 4-H Program Assistant since April 2019. On January 15, she was promoted to 4-H Agent in the Henderson County office. Hannah replaces Denise Sherrill who retired at the end of 2020 after 22 years of service.

Our new 4-H agent is no stranger to the program. Hannah grew up in Henderson County 4-H along with most of her family. Her parents, Chip and Renae Worrell are volunteers and club leaders in our 4-H program. Hannah was a standout 4-H'er and was tapped into the 4-H Honor Club her senior year which is the highest honor bestowed on a 4-H'er in North Carolina.

A native of Tuxedo, Hannah has lived in Henderson County all of her life. She was homeschooled and then went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management from Lenoir Rhyne University in 2020. She is currently working on her master’s degree in the same field of study.

As the 4-H Program Assistant, Hannah had the opportunity to continue to learn the Henderson County 4-H program under the direction of Ms. Sherrill. She was responsible for special programs including sewing, the FRESH program at the Carl Sandburg home, summer day camp, the 4-H Fashion Revue at Farm City Day, and other programs. She was also in charge of our annual 8^th Grade Agricultural Field Day.

It is unique to be able to turn the program over to a 4-H'er that grew up in the program and knows the history of excellence that the program enjoys. Her experiences in 4-H have ingrained in her the importance 4-H plays in shaping the lives of young individuals. She will no doubt utilize her own experiences to shape the lives she touches for many years to come.

Hannah often finds reminders of her time in 4-H around the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Henderson County Center. Her picture is on the wall as a member of the Honor Club. However, beyond that is a picture of a little red-headed girl in the middle of a pumpkin patch. This

dates back to the days when 4-H'ers had a pumpkin patch at Bullington Gardens. Not that long ago for most of us.

Hannah had the opportunity (she might use another word) for being in 4-H along with her three siblings and having her parents as volunteers and Club leaders. Kind of like the preacher’s kid, she had to excel and behave, or it would get noticed. She managed to do both.

Hannah first came to N.C. Cooperative Extension of Henderson County as an Ag Intern in the summer of 2018 and served in that capacity until October of that year. During that time, our former 4-H Program Assistant, Sue Janowiak was stricken with cancer and passed away later in the year. Hannah filled in as interim program assistant during Sue’s absence and after her death until being appointed to the position on a permanent basis.

As a 4-H'er, Hannah was a member of the Young Naturalists Club and participated in shooting sports and wildlife which are still loves of hers to this day. Sewing is another area in which she excels and enjoys passing along to others. Her patience makes her an excellent teacher and she has developed excellent leadership skills no doubt from her experience in 4-H.

N.C. Cooperative Extension of Henderson County is fortunate to have Hannah lead our 4-H program into the future. Her preparation for this position could not have been more thorough and the 4-H program will be in good hands for many years to come under her leadership.