Essay

The awards that require a completed essay are: 

•	"I Dare You " Award
•	 Heard and Heart Award
•	 Ambassador Award
•	 County Medal
•	 State Award

The Awards Committee uses the essay to see how you feel about what you have done so far in 
4-H.  YOUR 4-H STORY MUST BE WRITTEN IN YOUR OWN WORDS.  Write or print clearly; typing is OK but if you have someone else type it, the story itself still has to be composed by you.

If you are applying for more than one county medal and/or state award nomination, your 4-H stories must be different and emphasize the particular project areas you are applying for.

Be clear and specific:
	"I learned a lot" doesn't say as much as "I learned to read and follow a recipe, measure liquid and dry ingredients, different mixing methods, and how to test for doneness."

	"4-H is great" doesn't say as much as "Being in 4-H has helped me be confident, meet new people, and learn responsibility."

The following outline may help you develop your 4-H Story.  It is divided in parts simply to help you outline what you might want to say about yourself; do not identify these parts when you write your Story.

	PART 1 - tell when and why you got involved in 4-H
	PART 2 - tell about the project area that you are applying in 
	PART 3 - describe how being in 4-H has helped you

The Essay Requirements are:  
	  500 words or less
	  computer generated, font size 12 - 14;  typed or handwritten in blue or black ink
   	  use 8 ½ " x 11" size paper
	  double space (use every other line)
	  use one side of the paper
	  do not use your name or any other identifiers
	  do not put your name on the page/s of your essay
	  do not put graphics or photos with your essay