Jan Walker

Jan Walker serves as the sponsor of the Danville High School 4-H Club. For the past five years, Walker has encouraged leadership and civic responsibility within the setting of community service. This after-school club continues the membership of twenty-five tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students. They juggle athletic events and practices with jobs and class work along with family responsibilities. And they keep their promise of service to Walker. Even if they cannot attend the scheduled meeting, the 4-H members bring in projects and reports. They volunteer for events and activities. They share themselves with younger students.

One of their fun activities centers on Halloween. The elementary students enjoy the high school students coming to the classrooms. The 4-H members are divided into small groups that read stories to the elementary students. These deal with the history of Halloween and its adventures. Before they leave the classroom, the 4-H members present the elementary students with “Trick or Treat” bags sponsored by The Optimist Club of Decatur. These bags have reflective tape so that the “little guys” can be seen safely during the dusk hours.

The 4-H Club also salutes the high school teachers. Cards and flowers were presented to teachers as a thank you for the encouragement received. Many of the teachers were surprised when this small remembrance appeared in their classroom. Walker also hosts a Holiday Party at her house. The High school 4-H Club combined their party with the Student Council. Many of these students had been involved in the canned food drive and other activities around the holidays. They enjoyed the holiday spirit, reported on the successful activities, and planned spring events.

More than twenty-five of the 4-H members have participated in county, district and state 4-H events. They have developed leadership skills at Mid-Winter 4-H Teen Retreat. They have also competed in breads, lawn tractor, public speaking, automotive and bicycle at county, district and state levels. They were participants in the Prudential Youth Leadership Institute Class I, II, III and IV. They encouraged younger 4-H members to work hard so that they are eligible for the Danville High School 4-H Club. It is a selective group requiring an adult endorsement.

The Danville High School 4-H Club brings its muscle, as well as its leadership, to hose the Morgan County 4-H Round Up in the spring. An excess of 200 youth participate in eleven different areas of 4-H demonstrations, public speaking, exhibits and outdoor activities. This is held at the Sparkman Civic Center in Hartselle. The Danville High School 4-H Club is the backbone of this event.

Walker is an integral part of the 4-H, but her community work also includes serving at the church, with scouting and with education.