By Matt de Simone
Iain Graff is a native of Fincastle who’s making waves within the local (and national) 4-H community. He’s currently a senior at James River High School and is a member of the school’s marching band.
Graff was recently tapped as a 4-H All-Star, will attend this year’s 4-H National Congress, and is a member of the Team Leadership Council. He’s developed quite the resume since first becoming involved with Botetourt’s 4-H program.
He began his 4-H experience when he attended 4-H Camp when he was 9 years old.
“I decided to join the 4-H Shooting Education Club and the Kids and Critters Club because I had such a good time at 4-H Camp,” Graff recalled in a recent interview.
Before finding 4-H, Graff had yet to find a place where he “fit in.” Once attending 4-H Camp, he met like-minded individuals who accepted Graff, making him feel more comfortable as an individual and as a leader.
Graff found out about 4-H All-Stars during his first trip attending 4-H National Congress. He knew a lot of friends in the clubs but didn’t realize the other organizations he had the opportunity of joining.
“Becoming a 4-H All-Star is one of the most challenging things I’ve done,” Graff continued. “It’s a long application process that requires a very diverse 4-H portfolio.”
To become “tapped” as an All-Star, a 4-H member must accumulate a specific number of points. Attending 4-H Congress or Camp as a counselor can earn points. Committee planning and other projects such as public speaking, exchange programs, livestock shows, and awards won in those projects allow a 4-H member a much more diverse range of activities and achievements (and points) that gain traction within the organization, leading to being potentially “tapped.”
“Each category has a maximum amount of points that you can achieve,” Graff stated. “Even if you have 50 blue ribbons (in a category), you could only have four points because that is the maximum amount for said category. It forces you to be diverse and experience 4-H in its entirety.”
“Becoming a 4-H All-Star is akin to, like, becoming an Eagle Scout,” Graff explained.
The 4-H State Congress is all about making decisions about 4-H. State Congress elects the cabinet (state president and vice president, secretary, historian, etc.). The National Congress makes decisions on more of a national level.
Graff excels in public speaking and has competed in events on both the regional and state levels.
The Team Leadership Club provides opportunities for its members. Graff discovered the club prepares 4-H Camp counselors and prepares members for State and National Congress. 4-H Extension Agent Tyler Painter provides information to club members who wish to broaden their horizons within 4-H.
“Iain is an exceptional young man and someone that has been incredibly active in the 4-H program for many years,” Painter said in a recent interview. “He continues to impress us with his excitement, energy, and overall outlook on 4-H and the programs that are offered locally and throughout the state.
“Iain is a great ambassador for 4-H as a whole, and he has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication. From being tapped as a 4-H All-Star this past summer to being selected to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, to a variety of boards, committees, and club officer positions that he has been involved in, we could not be more proud of the young man that he has become,” Painter said.
Kate Graff, Iain’s mother, is very proud of her son’s impressive work in 4-H. She’s seen his growth from the time he started and now can’t wait to see what the future holds for her son. She mentioned Iain’s willingness to experience just about every club 4-H offers.
“The W.E. Skelton Educational Conference Center (at Smith Mountain Lake) is his favorite place in the world,” Kate said, “He says it’s better than Disney World.”
The center works with the Virginia Cooperative Extension developing 4-H youth programs, other youth programs, and adult organizations, professional groups, and businesses benefiting from the educational programs and services offered by and through the 4-H Center.
More importantly, 4-H provides an outlet for students like Graff looking to find their place within a community. Graff mentioned 4-H increased his confidence. Before joining the organization, Graff felt like he often second-guessed himself in certain situations. Now, Graff finds himself engaging with the community in many ways and doing anything he can to make 4-H a positive experience for newer members, much like the organization did for Graff.
“Without 4-H, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today,” Graff added.
After high school, Graff plans to attend Virginia Tech as a physics major and marching band member. He also plans to apply for a staff position at Skelton.
For more information about the 4-H National Congress, visit National4-Hcongress.com.
