4-H is a family affair in Knox County

I don’t often write about 4-H programs in our area. A lot of their program is family-centered, with much work done individually. Out of sight, out of mind, until it is completed and we see what all has been accomplished, sight unseen by non-members.

There is one name that came up frequently during the recent state 4-H Roundup: The Earthman family from Knox County.

There were three girls: Corrie, 17 and just graduated from high school; Shawn, 16; and Morgan, 14. They are three of six siblings who are home schooled by their parents, Larressa and Eric Earthman of O’Brien.

Corrie and Shawn have been regulars on the 4-H scene and at the state Roundup, placing in several events over the past few years. Morgan appeared at state for the first time this year.

The girls combined to win the musical/instrumental event at state, which included performing for a crowd of more than 2,000 at the closing gathering. 

They added teammate Bryanne Cude to take top spot in the Food Challenge; that team will compete later this year in a similar event at the State Fair of Texas. The same four were also fourth in the state Food and Nutrition Quiz Bowl.

I’m not through with Corrie, though. In 2017 she won the state Fashion Show with a dress she constructed. The win qualified her for a national contest, which she chose not to attend.

Besides the achievements already mentioned, she received a $20,000 scholarship sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She plans to attend Texas Women’s University in Denton to study pediatric registered nursing.

Upcoming events

• Food and nutrition camp, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Taylor County Extension office, fairgrounds. $15; $5 for 4-H members (includes lunch). For youths who have completed second through 11th grades. Registration deadline has passed; check for availability. 325-672-6048.
• Boy Scout popcorn sale kickoff meeting, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, First United Methodist Church, 1000 N. Main St., Cross Plains. Lunch provided; register by Wednesday. 325-677-2688.
• Kindercamp, 9 a.m. to noon July 29-30, The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St., Abilene. For children entering kindergarten. $70; $50 for Grace members. 325-673-4587.
• “Expedition Animal,” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 29 to Aug. 2, Abilene zoo. For youths entering sixth or seventh grade. $170; $150 for zoo members. 325-676-6487 or zoo.education@abilenetx.gov. 
• Pop-up Make ‘n’ Take, each Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (come and go activity), The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St., Abilene. Standard admission prices apply. 325-673-4587.
• National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St., Abilene, offers art activity for pre-schoolers first Friday of each month. Pre-registration required. 325-673-4586.
• National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St., Abilene offers art activities each Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at no charge. 325-673-4586 Tot Spot, for children ages 3-5 (and an adult), 9:30 or 11 a.m. first Thursday and Friday “of each month, The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. (Check at www.thegracemuseum.org under “Upcoming events” for holiday scheduling.) Free for museum members, $5 for non-members. Reservations required; 325-673-4587 or online. 

Contact Carl Kieke at 325-673-3552; kiekec@suddenlink.net. Deadline is Monday for publication the following Monday.