About eight years ago, young Parker Murphy of Round Lake decided to join 4-H. “We were friends and neighbors to the Cunningham family,” he recalled, “so I decided to join 4-H.”
The Paul and Miriam Cunningham family youngsters, Thomas, Sarah and Benjamin, were involved with the Indian Lake Progressives 4-H Club. Miriam also served as a day care provider for Parker.
Thomas, Sarah and Benjamin were involved in many projects, and were especially involved in showing beef cattle which the family raised. “They gave me an opportunity to come out and use the calves they were raising, and I knew Ben was showing, so I wanted to do it, too,” Parker explained.
As a Cloverbud, just after his kindergarten year, Parker began learning about beef cattle with the help of the Cunninghams. As he learned to show, Ben was by his side, helping and teaching along the way.
“I want them to gain the knowledge that I learned, and help them apply it,” Ben said of helping younger 4-H members. He pointed out the best part is “they have fun with it, too!”
Parker is now entering the eighth grade at Round Lake-Brewster School, and continues to be involved with the Indian Lake Progressives 4-H Club, serving as the Club Treasurer this year.
In addition to helping Parker as he learned to show, Ben continues to help other club members out as they learn. He has helped Haley Ruesch, also a member of the club, and continues to help Parker and others to this day.
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