North Carolina 4-H Congress is the high point of the 4-H year, bringing young people from across the state to the North Carolina State University campus and Raleigh for the week of activity. This year's Congress was held July 17-21.

Charity Haskins, 15, daughter of Al and Yvonne Haskins of Aberdeen, was honored on Wednesday, July 19, at the annual Awards and Scholarship Luncheon held during 4-H Congress.

She was awarded a first place gold medal at a reception preceding the luncheon for her work on her Family and Consumer Science and Clothing cumulative record.

This award is provided through the efforts of the North Carolina 4-H Development Fund and is sponsored by the Eloise Cofer 4-H Family and Consumer Science Endowment Fund, the Frankye Susanne Ebert Memorial Fund, Ellen Willard Haenlein, and Charles and Lucille Carter.

Haskins was chosen to sing at the awards luncheon. She chose to sing "God Bless America."

Haskins also participated in the 4-H Fashion Revue, on Monday night, placing third overall. Haskins also won the preliminary award for "Best Overall Appearance," which gave her a $100 savings bond and a trophy.

She wore a pink satin ball gown, which she made and redesigned from an old pattern. She also made her matching jewelry.

During the spring, Haskins competed in the 4-H County and District Talent shows vying for a spot on the State Talent show.

She was one of 10 acts chosen across the state out of some 200 acts to perform at the opening ceremony and Talent show. Haskins sang the song "Popular" from the Broadway musical "Wicked."

Haskins is one of several sisters who have been active in the 4-H program over the years. All have won awards for their sewing as well as in other events.

Approximately 700 4-H'ers, volunteer leaders and North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents attended 4-H Congress. The 4-H program is conducted by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State Universities.

More than 199,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 24,000 adult and youth volunteers.

For more information about 4-H, call the Moore County Agricultural Extension Service.