Local 4-H delegates Kathryn Cavener, Kelci Cliffman, Dominic Habjan, Teryn Greer and Katherine Kerbs attend a conference in Washington, D.C. --submitted photo

Five Vernon County Youth attended the 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus held in Washington, D.C., from June 21-30. Those attending were Dominic Habjan, West Point 4-H; Katherine Kerbs, Bronaugh 4-H; and Kathryn Cavener, Kelci Cliffman, and Teryn Greer, all of Lone Star 4-H. They were among 41 Missouri 4-Hers and 330 4-Hers from across America to attend this conference, held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md.

While on the trip local delegates attended workshops on civic engagement, bill writing, and community issues. A mock congressional session, derby, talent show, and town hail meeting were among the things the delegates planned them selves.

While focusing on how to become better citizens, the Missouri delegates toured many national landmarks and monuments including: Mount Vernon, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington Ceme-tery, Iwo Jima Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Hol-ocaust Museum, the Smith-sonians, the Spy Museum, National Cathedral, and Twilight Tattoo performed by the U.S. Army.

The Missouri Delegation also visited Capitol Hill and Vernon County delegates were able to visit with Rep. Ike Skelton about issues concerning our area.

The delegates also enjoyed dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and a performance of "Mamma Mia!" at the National Theatre.

The delegation came home via New York City, where they enjoyed a day spent sight-seeing at Ground Zero, Rockefeller Center, China Town, Central Park, Empire State Building, Times Square, and a boat ride around the Statue of Liberty.

For more information on the CWF program, visit www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org.