By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
As a 4-H member in Haldimand, Joyce Fox has accomplished many things, from completing 30 clubs to competing at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to being named an Outstanding Member. Fox continues to seek new opportunities and will now share her enthusiasm for 4-H throughout the province as she has been selected as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador for 2023.
Fox explains that up to six ambassadors are selected each year. She applied so that she could share her 4-H experiences on a broader platform. She says, “In this role I will be able to use my skills to promote 4-H…. I also really like the idea of being able to learn more about different aspects of agriculture while connecting with others throughout the province.”
Fox looks forward to promoting the many positives of 4-H to new members. She says, “Being able to put into practice the skills I’ve learned in my local 4-H association will be an amazing opportunity. Learning about the experiences of those in 4-H across the province, and connecting with other ambassadors, will fuel my passion for 4-H.”
That passion has been felt by Fox for 10 years. She says, “I’ve had the opportunity to learn about a variety of practical skills and agricultural topics which can be applied to many aspects of life.”
HALDIMAND—Joyce Fox (second from right) was the 2021 Outstanding Senior Member for Haldimand 4-H, presented at the 2022 Awards Night with Cindy Murphy, 4-H volunteer; Gabriela Kott, 2021 Outstanding Junior Member; and Renee Hedley, 4-H volunteer. —Haldimand Press photo by Sheila Phibbs.
She credits the program and the leaders for demonstrating the benefits of taking a risk and trying something new, along with learning to persevere in spite of difficulties.
Renee Hedley is one of those leaders. Looking back to when Fox was a new member, Hedley says, “It was evident from the beginning that this young girl was going to leave her mark in the world. Joyce was keen to learn all that she could, she was friendly and wanted to meet new friends, and she was a willing participant.”
Hedley continues, “I am so proud of all that Joyce has accomplished in her 4-H career and in the many facets of her life. Joyce has always worked hard, is continually motivated, she respects others and their feelings, she is kind and caring. It has been a pleasure to watch Joyce grow into a confident young woman.”
Haldimand 4-H Association President Marie Stoneman concurs, saying, “On behalf of Haldimand 4-H, we would like to congratulate Joyce Fox on becoming a 4-H Ambassador. She has always been an eager and enthusiastic participant in her 4-H clubs and activities and those qualities, along with her outgoing and friendly manner, make her well suited to her new position. We wish her much success and hope she has great experiences … as an ambassador.”
According to Fox, 4-H is an opportunity to learn practical life skills. She explains, “From the food you eat to caring for animals, if you have an interest, there will be a club about it!”
The 4-H motto – “Learn to Do by Doing” – provides members with hands-on experience. She asserts, “You can learn skills including critical thinking and public speaking, which can be used in all aspects of your life.”
Those skills have been an asset to Fox in her first year at Queen’s University, where she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program. Her long-term goal is to pursue a law degree. She is also a member of the varsity fencing team, which includes 10 hours of training a week to prepare for competition.
That team commitment is just one of the ways that Fox is demonstrating what she has learned through 4-H. She values the personal connections she has found and is looking forward to making many more as a 4-H Ambassador. She says, “Being part of this supportive community, and having experienced a tremendous amount of personal growth, makes me proud and grateful to be a 4-H participant…. Being involved in this opportunity will help me inspire and assist others to always be open to a lifetime of ‘Learning to Do by Doing.’”
