4-H Stories....
Mark Gateley
Mark Gateley, executive director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, relates the following 4-H story:
My 4-H experience began at Indian Mound Elementary School in Stewart County, Tennessee in 1970. I was in the 5th grade and Mr. Jesse Franklin was my 4-H agent. Mr. Franklin was very persuasive. He talked me into giving a speech and I ended up at the county contest. I'll never forget how scared I was. The speeches were being given in the courtroom of the Stewart County Courthouse, which was a very intimidating place -- after all, I had seen Perry Mason on TV!
My mother went with me to the speech contest. As we waited for my turn to speak, my nervousness sent me out of the room about four times. Mama thought I was going to pass out. Finally, it was my turn to speak. I got up and words came out is about all I remember. I finished in last place, but the experience was priceless.
After my speech, Mr. Franklin told me how great a job I had done and how proud of me he was. With his encouragement, I kept giving speeches. I was never to place first in a speech contest, but the confidence I gained has served me well in later life.
Mr. Franklin passed away many years ago, and I was never really able to thank him for what he did for me. I have spent my career of 20 plus years in youth education (FFA and 4-H). If I can't pay Mr. Franklin back, I can at least pass on what he did for me to others.