Of head, heart, health and hands, the St. Paul 4H Club ofBrookhaven is primarily devoted to using its head.

The club, while still participating in some of the traditionalagricultural aspects of 4H, focuses mainly on civic works. Part ofthe reason, leaders said, is that the St. Paul club lacks the meansto pursue the agricultural ends and part of the reason is that ithas had great success in its civic pursuits.

In 2005, five members of St. Paul 4H represented Lincoln Countyin statewide leadership positions by serving on the StateLeadership Awareness Team. Three of those went a step further andwere awarded the bright green coats of the State Green Jackets. Allfive of the students have since moved on to college.

This year, the club followed up on its successes by sendingthree students, Eboni Andrews, Jasmine Sterling and Oceanna Self tocompete for the State Leadership Awareness Team, and Sterling iscurrently in possession of a green jacket. Sterling has representedthe St. Paul club at Mississippi State Club Congress and theMississippi State Fair.

Most recently, the club was awarded for its participation in theFresh Air Community Pride Grant Program. To earn fresh airrecognition, the club planted close to 100 plants at areapreschools, day cares and nursing homes. For its work on thisproject, the club was recognized by the Chevron Corporation with ablue ribbon and is now eligible for an award presented by the statelegislature in February.

If the 4H club wins the state award in February, it couldreceive something more than just satisfaction: money.

“The 4H club operates out-of-pocket from its members,” said St.Paul 4H Leader Jackee Laird, who along with several club membersdiscussed activities with Lincoln County supervisors during arecent board meeting. “The parents help out as much as they can. Idon’t know how much, but if we win that award in February, we willreceive some outside funding.”

Laird said any funding awarded to the club would go back intothe club for projects.

The 4H club has been helping with the Brookhaven Area Toys forTots. The club will also soon embark upon the “Warming Your FeetDrive,” in which new pairs of socks will be distributed to anunnamed nursing home in the community.

Civic projects such as these are the strength of the St. Paul 4HClub.

“The civic part of 4H is what builds character in the students,”Laird said. “It’s all about building character. We’re teachingthese students to become better people.”