This was 10-year-old Grant Prather’s first year showing at his county 4-H fair. Grant has Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus and is bound to his wheelchair. His mom, Stephany says they didn’t want Grant’s medical conditions to limit his participation in 4-H. And it hasn’t. At the Carroll County 4-H Show in Indiana Grant exhibited the 3rd Overall Market Lamb. “Grant is just proof that whatever you can set your mind to you can do,” she says.
She tells Brownfield 4-H has helped her son in more ways than
one. “4-H kids are always so inclusive,”
she says. “I take that back to the 4-H
bones of things – they just teach kids to be good people.”
Grant uses a special attachment for his motorized wheelchair to be able to compete in the sheep show. And his mom says that in itself is another life lesson Grant has gained from his 4-H participation. “We worked with those lambs and Grant was out in the barn at a minimum of two hours a day,” Prather says. “It not only taught him to see something through and be dedicated to something – it taught him to take care of the animals and what it takes to do things right.”
AUDIO: Stephany Prather, Walton, IN
The judge that day was Luke Wechter. He tells Brownfield Grant is the epitome of
what it means to participate in 4-H. “He
is an example of a good sport and work ethic,” he says. “His mother says he’s the bravest person that
she knows and I totally believe it. It
can be scary to have to show with other people and I commend him on that.”
Wechter says the competition aspect of 4-H is a great life
lesson for those who participate. “The
competitiveness is great in 4-H,” he says.
“Be competitive – it makes other people better, it makes yourself
better. But then never lose sight of the
real goal of 4-H.”
And Wechter says – that is bigger than the banner.
AUDIO: Luke Wechter – Indiana
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