Megan Miller has a passion for 4-H and all the opportunities the organization has provided her.  She is an energetic 16-year-old junior at Tattnall County High School (TCHS).  She is now in her eighth year as a 4-H member, beginning in the fourth grade when she was nine years old.

“My cousin, Julie Bacon, was in 4-H, and I saw all these cool things she was able to do in 4-H.  This really sparked my interest, and I wanted to be as active as Julie,” said Megan.

Megan’s first District Project Achievement (DPA) competition was as a fourth grader in the performing arts area. Even though she did not place that first year, she has continued to compete in Performing Arts, in dance, every year for her DPA. Megan has continued to excel in competition since that first year.

Since she was three years old, Megan has been dancing with Dancin’ Divas, under the instruction of Lindsey Renfroe.  Last year, she also began working part time as an assistant at Lindsey’s dance studio.

“I have been blessed to be encouraged by 4-H Agent Mrs. Rebekah Greene, who has been my mentor and motivator throughout my 4-H career,” said Megan.

Megan has served as a 4-H Ambassador in the Healthy Living area for the past three years.  She attends training each year at Rock Eagle, and then she must submit at least six learning activities and six sharing activities throughout the year as a 4-H Ambassador.

Another plus in Megan’s 4-H journey has been on the Clovers & Company entertainment team.

“I have been on the Clovers & Company production crew for two years.  This past summer, we traveled to Virginia Tech and performed at their State Congress. We sang the National Anthem at a Braves game, too,” said Megan.

She also was honored to be selected to attend the Southeast Region Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC) just this past month of September in Tennessee. Representatives from seven states attended the conference.

“I was selected through an application process to be one of three Georgia 4-H members to help on the Planning Committee for SRTLC.  I met with 4-H’ers from the represented states through Zoom meetings to plan the event.  During the conference, I taught a class on Georgia line dancing, led a round table discussion, and performed in the talent show, among other participation,” said Megan, with this her second time attending SRTLC in Tennessee.

In addition, Megan has served on the Junior Board for the Southeast 4-H District.

Megan lives in Reidsville with her parents, Sean Miller and Melissa Miller, the latter who is a sixth grade math teacher. Her siblings include Nicholas and Katie.

“My mother was a Master 4-H’er in the Fashion Revue project area. She is still active in the 4-H program as a Certified Volunteer,” said Megan.

Also, Nicholas, who is now a student at Georgia Southern University, was very active in 4-H during high school. Younger sister Katie is in fifth grade and has already started her activity in 4-H, competing in DPA, attending 4-H camp, and participating in judging teams.

“Four-H has given me an amazing opportunity in learning leadership skills and meeting people from all over Georgia and other states.  I realize that 4-H has helped me ‘come out of my shell’, and I appreciate what this has meant in my life and all the enjoyment 4-H has brought to me,” said Megan.

She is a busy teenager.  In addition to the time that she devotes to 4-H, Megan is also a member of Future Georgia Educators (FGE); Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Key Club; Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA); and the TCHS golf team. She also performs with the State Prison Cloggers in events all over Southeast Georgia, and Megan is a G Marie’s elite model.

This energetic TCHS student sings in the Praise Team/Choir of her church of Reidsville Baptist.

Her plans after graduation are to attend college and become a teacher.

Megan Miller is just one more example of young people in our community whose lives have been positively shaped by their involvement in 4-H.  She sees a life ahead of her in community service and encouraging other students in middle and high school to sign up for 4-H, with opportunities for all.

MEGAN MILLER'S RECIPES

PEANUT BUTTER PIE

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8-oz.) container frozen whipped cream

1 chocolate cookie pie shell

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Add peanut butter and beat until well combined. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until blended.  Add whipped cream and beat thoroughly.  Pour mixture into pie shell.  Cover and refrigerate until set, about 1 to 2 hours.

STRAWBERRY PIE

Frozen pie crust, thawed (or you can use a graham cracker pie crust that does not have to be baked)

4 cups strawberries, sliced

1-1/2 cups water

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 (6-oz.) box Strawberry Jello

Prepare pie shell by baking and cooling it.  You can choose a graham cracker crust shell that would not need to be baked.  Slice strawberries.  Combine the water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cook 2 minutes.  Add Strawberry Jello and stir until dissolved.  Allow the mixture to cook and then add the strawberries.  Pour mixture into the pie crust and refrigerate until it sets.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

2 cups sugar

1 cup Canola oil

3 large eggs

3 tsp. vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup baking cocoa

2 cups shredded, peeled zucchini

chocolate chips (optional)

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.  Combine the flour, cocoa, and cinnamon and beat into the sugar mixture.  Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.  Transfer to two 8”x4” loaf pans coated with cooking spray.  Bake in a preheated 350-degree F. oven for 50 to 55 minutes.