SR senior gains confidence with 4-H
SR senior gains confidence with 4-H
“To make the best better,” is the 4-H motto, and Butler County’s Rebecca Masterson puts the words into action each day.
The 18-year-old daughter of Mike and Nancy Masterson is a busy Slippery Rock High School senior and a 4-H member.
The president of two 4-H clubs, Butler Bunni Bunch and Unionville Sewing, and a member of the county Youth Council, Becky is a true teen leader and reaps the benefits of belonging to the organization.
“I feel like I can do anything thanks to 4-H,” she said. “You work really hard but it’s worth it because I’ve gotten more confident and responsible.”
The Mastersons moved to Butler County from near Buffalo, N.Y., when Becky was 13 and she jumped into 4-H membership. She owns 14 rabbits that she loves raising and showing, saying “they are such a big part of my life, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
She is also a member of the state and national rabbit breeders associations and has exhibited locally, regionally, statewide and nationally.
This fall, she competed at the national rabbit show held for the first time at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
“I never thought I could have placed fifth at nationals, but I did and I was so happy,” she said.
As the newly elected president of the Bunni Bunch, Becky led her club in holiday community service events, one of the goals of the 4-H program. It donated food for needy families for Thanksgiving, and for Christmas members donated gifts for children in need.
In the summer, club members take rabbits to visit with those living in a care center.
With the Unionville Sewing Club, Becky made mastectomy pillows to donate to residents in a nursing home. Becky’s mother, Nancy, is as involved as her daughter, serving as a leader for the Bunni Bunch and volunteering time with the sewing club.
Becky is committed to the 4-H Youth Council’s efforts as well. The council consists of teen members elected from all the other clubs, so there is mix of interests and ideas.
“One of the best things of Youth Council is meeting people from all the other clubs,” said Becky. “It’s great to take their ideas and use them in your own 4-H club.”
Youth Council also takes the lead on many of the countywide activities, helping with key events such as Kids Day America, the Butler Fair petting zoo, a benefit auction and an achievement banquet, among others.
She’s also represented Butler County at many regional and state 4-H events like teen leader events and State Achievement Days at Penn State.
Among all these 4-H activities, Becky still finds time to keep good grades, run cross country and swim on the Slippery Rock team as well as work at an Eat ‘n’ Park restaurant. She’s also planning for college, hoping to study interior design.
The saying “if you want something done, ask a busy person,” applies to Becky. She is always willing to pitch in at 4-H events with good cheer. Not just at the holidays but all year long.
For information about Butler County 4-H, contact Jean Kummer at the Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 224.
