PAUL MCLAUGHLIN

Paul McLaughlin is a Morgan County youth volunteer. He is involved in the 4-H and is a Teen Leader. He works with the 4-H Wildlife Club, the County 4-H Round-Up, and citizenship and leadership activities.

Paul joined 4-H in the fourth grade and was very active that first year. The next three years found him in an area where there was not an active 4- H Club. A friend who included him in after-school activities drew him back to 4-H. From there his leadership abilities have translated into activities where he now leads younger 4-H members in their projects.

Teen leaders serve as role models for younger 4- H members. Paul has encouraged his brother, several friends, and a group of younger members in the 4-H Wildlife Club to learn, study, and put into practice those pieces that make a difference.

Paul has expanded his knowledge base to include foods, compact tractor, aerospace, wood science and environmental programs. He has shared this knowledge with adults and youth across the southeast region.

Paul has served as President of the 4-H Wildlife Club. Presently he is program leader and active in determining the activities that the club members will enjoy. He also participates in the 4-H Wildlife Judging Teams. As team leader he is responsible for motivating the other members to do their best.

The 4-H Wildlife Club is only about five years old Paul has shaped the history of that club as they worked with the Wheeler Wildlife Visitors Center. The members help with management practices around the Visitors Center. They also have learned about the birds and animals, as well as the wildflowers that make up the area. Paul also was one of the first members of the Decatur 4-H Teen Club. These are very active youth who meet once a month in the evenings. They work on their leadership skills and develop programs for younger 4- H members.

Paul challenges himself to find innovative ways to relate to other youth. What information, skills and abilities Paul learns as a result of his involvement, Paul shares with others, especially his Teen Club. He works to solve problems and make changes in the school and community alike.

Paul is also active in his church. He teaches Bible School in the summer and works to maintain an honor roll average in school each semester. Paul has learned from the people he has met during his service and also learned to accept people for who they are and where they are in life.