The annual joint meeting of the Emanuel County 4-H Club Foundation and the Emanuel County 4-H Club Volunteer Leaders Council was held Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Varner 4-H Center.
The meeting was called to order by Laura Moore, 4-H Foundation President. President Moore welcomed everyone to the 76th annual foundation meeting. Emanuel County 4-H member, Terralyn Brinson, led the Pledge to the American flag. The invocation was given by Yasmin Rios, Emanuel County 4-H member. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by Ware’s Bar-B-Que.
Minutes from the 2025 meeting, prepared by Secretary Martha Anders, were presented. A motion was made and seconded to accept minutes. The minutes were approved. The treasurer’s report was given by Dr. Denise Warnock, Treasurer. A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report. The report was approved.
President Moore gave the President’s Report: The following projects were completed by the Emanuel County 4-H Foundation and the Emanuel County Commissioners. This includes:
Install new paper towel dispensers in the restrooms and kitchen.
Install a baby changing table in the women’s restroom.
Refinishing the floors in the center.
President Moore thanked both the Foundation and the County Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the Varner 4-H Center to our Emanuel County 4-H program and the community.
President Moore also shared the following accomplishments. The Varner 4-H Center continues to be rented. The rental price continues to be $150.
President Moore recognized Emanuel County 4-Her Scout Hall as a Southeast District Board of Directors and a member of Clovers and Company.
Old Business
The 4-H Foundation funded 10 camp scholarships last summer. Summer camp was a success.
Funds were provided for one-half of the registration costs for 4-Hers who participated in DPA to participate in state-wide leadership conferences.
The Emanuel County 4-H Foundation scholarships were awarded to Peyton Lee, Spencer Lawrence, and Nataleigh Belcher last year.
Financial support was provided for Junior/Senior DPA.
New Business
4-H Camp Scholarships – A motion was made and seconded to provide ten camp scholarships to 4-H members who need assistance with camp expenses. The 4-H Foundation will provide ten camp scholarships to 4-H members for 2026.
4-H State-wide conferences - A motion was made and seconded to provide one-half of the registration costs of state-wide conferences, such as State Council and Junior Conference, with a leadership development focus for 4-Hers who have participated in District Project Achievement. This funding will include any 4-Hers who take on leadership roles at these state events, such as exhibits, service projects, and workshop teachers.
Financial support for Junior/Senior DPA- A motion was made and seconded to provide $1,500 to offset DPA expenses for 2026.
Varner 4-H Center financial assistance – A motion was made and seconded to provide funds not to exceed $ 15,000 for the following projects:
Landscaping of the grounds around the building
A new sign for the front of the building
Foundation Board of Directors & Executive Board –
The following board of director positions were approved. 1. Savannah Tanner, 2. Connie Page, and 3. Carl Tankersley. These directors will serve a 1-year term (2026)
The following were approved by executive board members as members at large for a 2-year term; 1. Lynn Torrance, 2. Mary Elam, and 3. Whitney Lawrence
4-H Hall of Fame & 4-H Scholarships
The following Hall of Fame awards were presented:
Distinguished 4-H Alumni Award – Whitney Lawrence
4-H Club Appreciation Award – Seth Thompson
The 4-H College Scholarship recipients were recognized. The recipients of the Emanuel County 4-H Scholarships included:
Bryan Beasley – Alfred McKenzie Agricultural Scholarship
Terralyn Brinson – Pat Daniels-Williams Endowment Scholarship
Yasin Rios – Emanuel County 4-H Volunteer Leaders Scholarship
Maddox Robertson – Parker-Brown Endowment Scholarship
Lauren Sapp – Tina L. Welch Scholarship
Since the beginning of the 4-H College Scholarship program in the 1980s the Foundation has given a total of 173 scholarships to Emanuel County 4-Hers.
Lynn Torrance introduced the program for the evening. The program was former Emanuel County 4-Her Spencer Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence highlighted his journey in 4-H from the beginning in 4th grade and throughout high school. He continues to be a part of the Emanuel County 4-H Program by serving as a Volunteer for the Shooting Sports programs.
President Moore introduced the officers’ nomination committee representative, Lynn Torrance. The officers nominated are as follows:
Laura Moore, President
Phil Torrance, 1st Vice President
Shari Watt, 2nd Vice President
Martha Anders, Secretary
Denise Warnock, Treasurer
A motion was made to accept this slate of officers. The motion was seconded and approved.
Martha Anders, President of the 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Council gave the Volunteer Leaders’ report and encouraged new members to join the Council. The 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ meeting is on the 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center. Next meeting will be on March 10,2026
With no further business, the 76th Emanuel County 4-H Club Foundation meeting was closed with the Pledge to the 4-H Flag led by Sam Lawrence, Emanuel County 4-H member.
