By Amanda Collins

Leigh Ann Hazelwood was tapped to serve as the new 4-H extension office agent in Patrick County — a role that will oversee 4-H camps, food challenge groups, 4-H Club meetings within the school division, shooting club, public speaking competitions, and share the fun talent shows.

Hazelwood, 38, said the food challenge group is open to youngsters in grades fourth through seventh. Participants learn about food safety basics, how to prepare and present food. They also learn how the food they prepare fits into the “My Plate” by USDA, a program that provides information about nutrition as well as the cost per serving. The group usually starts in August and ends in March, she said.

The shooting club, for ages 9-19, is geared at teaching participants basic gun safety, with club members using BB guns, air rifles, archery, and muzzle-loaders. Members also may participate in state competitions.

The 4-H group also offers public speaking contests and share the fun talent shows, which are held at each school. After winners are determined at individual schools, those who net first and second place wins go on to compete at the Patrick County High School. Talent shows are scheduled for March 23 at 7 p.m.

Hazelwood said she also has a few ideas about additional programs that may be added to those currently offered.

Before any are added, Hazelwood said she plans to conduct a needs assessment with students and teachers so that she can better plan the timing of the meetings and what is done during the meetings to hopefully better align with the teachers’ curriculums.

At present, the 4-H Club meets once a month, with public speaking or STEM (science, technology, English and math) related projects available to members.

Hazelwood said one of her goals is working to ensure the clubs offer programming similar in content to what students are currently working on in class.

Another program Hazelwood said she is exploring is called “Character Counts,” a program that is anti-bullying and anti-drug.

Hazelwood said she also would like to partner with others and do special events, such as an entrepreneur type project in which students plant a crop or make a craft and then visit the local farmer’s market to sell their product.

Hazelwood said she would like to revive the “Health Rocks” program, which teaches children the dangers of drug and tobacco use.

Teen Cuisine is another program that Hazelwood would like to revive. The program is geared for high school students, and is an introduction to culinary classes. Participants learn basic cooking lessons, which Hazelwood said is an important skill for them to have.

She also said she is looking forward to continuing partnership with local schools and agencies, and noted all 4H programs also are open to home schooled students.

Hazelwood, who formerly was employed with the Patrick County Adult Education office through Patrick County Public Schools, holds a degree in business management from Virginia Tech.

Hazelwood and her husband, Mike Hazelwood, have two daughters, Lilly and Lauren Hazelwood.