One hundred years. What an achievement. And, what a birthday!

The North Carolina 4-H Program celebrated 100 years during the state 4-H Congress held in Raleigh July 20-24.

From humble beginnings in northeastern North Carolina as corn growing clubs, N.C. 4-H has grown into the largest youth development program in the state. Today's 4-H is a mirror image demographically of the youth living in North Carolina between the ages of 5 and 19. It now serves more than 239,000 young people and 20,000 adult volunteers.

4-H Congress is the biggest 4-H event of the year. During the four-day educational event, over 800 delegates ranging in age from 9 to 19 and representing all 100 counties participate in competitions, workshops, assemblies, recreation, fellowship and service to the community.

Most of the events are held on N.C. State's campus at the Jane S. McKimmon Center, with some events taking place at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. 4-H members, adult volunteers and 4-H agents with North Carolina Cooperative Extension from across the state gather for the annual event which is the high point of the year's activities for North Carolina 4-H'ers.

On Tuesday evening, July 21, 1,500 4-H'ers, parents, congressmen and 4-H alumni celebrated 4-H's Centennial Anniversary at the Expo Center on the N.C. State Fairgrounds, with dinner and entertainment.

Attending from Moore County were: Darren Lefler, Evelyn Monroe, Amie Howie, Sen. Harris Blake, Nick Clegg, Craven Hudson, Brandon Harrell, Charlotte Gore and Linda Gore, extension 4-H agent.

Competition winners were: Evelyn Monroe, 17, daughter of Cedric and Angela Monroe, of Robbins, and Brandon Harrell, 11, son of Michael and Sharon Harrell, of Pinehurst.

Monroe competed in the chicken barbecue and won gold with her "Asian Twist on Chicken." She will be competing at national competitions to be held in Kentucky in November. Harrell won gold in beef outdoor cooking with "Brandon's Sizzling Ribeye Steak. Each received a plaque and medal.

4-H is a United Way-sponsored agency.

Linda Gore is a local 4-H extension agent.