When eight ninth graders at Cairo High School joined 4-H this year, they didn’t realize they were creating something special. None of them had been in 4-H before, and together they formed the high school 4-H Club at Cairo. They’re proud to represent their school and community, and they’re already talking about sticking with it all four years.

The group includes Khiari Booth, Na’Kirah McAllister, Zah’Karri Levy, Er’Rihanna Harris, Aleeyah McGowan, Jamariel Lattimore, Jasmyne Cornelius, and Cherish Green. Each one of them has a story to tell, and all of them agree on one thing—they love being part of 4-H.

“We joined because we want to be leaders,” says Na’Kirah. “It’s about learning, helping others, and setting an example.”

“It gives us a bigger opportunity to get where we want to be,” adds Er’Rihanna. “I want to inspire younger kids and show them what they can do.”

Their sponsors, Hope Green and Steve Tarver, have guided them through their first year with energy and encouragement. Together, they’ve already checked off some big experiences—traveling, meeting new people, and learning skills they didn’t expect to pick up so soon.

Earlier this fall, the group took part in a three-day trip to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It was amazing,” says Zah’Karri. “We went to a dairy farm, a slaughterhouse, and a vet clinic. We even got to go to the planetarium to learn about space.”

They didn’t have to pay for the trip, which made it even more meaningful. “We were so grateful,” says Jasmyne. “The school covered the cost, and Ms. Holman made sure the school got the money reimbursed. We were thankful because some schools had to pay.”

The students even got to ride a train from Carbondale to Champaign. “For most of us, it was our first time,” says Aleeyah. “It was really smooth, except on the way back when it rained. That made it a little bumpy, but it was still fun.” They stayed at a Hyatt Hotel—another first for several of them—and returned with a new appreciation for just how big the world can feel when you step outside your usual routine.

Back in Cairo, their excitement for 4-H hasn’t slowed down. “We’ve already learned so much,” says Khiari. “Things about animals, agriculture, leadership, and even astronomy. It’s like there’s always something new to learn.”

What stands out most to the group is how 4-H combines learning with doing. “Every time we go to a meeting or an event, we pick up something new,” says Cherish. “And then we get to teach it to other people.”

That opportunity to teach came recently when the students visited Cairo Elementary School to work with third graders. “We read to them and taught them how to make s’mores,” says Jasmyne. “They loved it because it was hands-on and fun—and they got to eat what they made!”

The ninth graders are already planning their next visit in December. “We haven’t decided what we’re teaching yet,” says Na’Kirah. “We’ll talk about it when we go to Shawnee Community College for our next meeting.”

The students take pride in the 4-H motto—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—and each of them interprets it in their own way. “Head means learning new things,” says Zah’Karri. “Heart means caring about people.” “Hands are about doing,” adds Khiari. “And health is taking care of yourself and others.”

Those four words have already made an impact on how they see themselves. “I feel more confident now,” says Aleeyah. “Before 4-H, I didn’t talk much, but now I’m not scared to lead or speak up.”

For Jamariel, the experience has opened up new possibilities. “I didn’t know 4-H was about more than animals,” she says. “You can learn about everything—space, science, even careers. It’s kind of like you never stop learning.”

The students have also learned the power of teamwork. “We’re all different, but we work together,” says Cherish. “When we help each other, everything goes better.”

And for these eight freshmen, that beginning is already making a lasting impression. “I didn’t know I’d love 4-H this much,” says Er’Rihanna. “It’s something that helps you grow—and it makes you feel proud of yourself.”

They may still be new to the organization, but their commitment and enthusiasm make it clear that Cairo’s 4-H Club has a bright future ahead—led by eight young people who are learning to lead with their heads, hearts, hands, and health.