Cooper Joines, a Virginia 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador from Montgomery County, recently visited Richmond as part of Virginia 4-H's Day at the Capitol program. 

Cooper Joines's reflection on his experience:

"In January I had the opportunity to attend  4-H Day at the Capitol with the Virginia 4-H Livestock Ambassadors. A lot happened that day! We started with meeting Delegate Michael Webert and Delegate Chris Runion, we were then introduced to the House of Delegates. That afternoon was the 4-H Rally where we heard from the Virginia 4-H Cabinet and Katie Frazier, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry."

Group of people stand in an office on a decorative rug, and a man with a suit stands in the middle.
Virginia 4-H Livestock and Horse Ambassadors met with Delegates Michael Webert (pictured center) and Chris Runion, who took time to talk with the youth and learn about their future plans. Photo by Katherine Carter for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Was there anything new or interesting you learned?

"I learned about the inner workings of the Virginia Legislature!  It was amazing to see what goes on behind the scenes to make things work in Virginia."

How did this experience affect you?

"It was amazing to see so many kids in 4-H from across the state in one place, and to hear from everyone that spoke at the rally. It has given me a greater appreciation for not only 4-H and agriculture in general, but for the people in government that help to make things better for us all."