Press Release
University of Wyoming Extension, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources
4-H leader, Jessica Paul, was inducted into the Carbon County 4-H Hall of Fame for 2023, joining her grandmother Marylin Mills (1993) and aunt, Lorraine Howieson (2001).
Jessica started her 4-H career in 1988 because “Grandma and Mom [Traci Newberry] said I had to; it was a family thing,” says Jessica. “I was most involved in the dog and horse projects and when I was older, Jr Leaders. We ran club meetings, presented on our projects, planned 4-H camp and the 4-H Fair Dance.”
Grandmother Marylin started the 4-H dog program in Carbon County and was instrumental in getting it started at the state level too. Jessica went straight from 4-H member to 4-H leader in 1999 and has been the dog project leader, the Carbon County Fair Dog Show superintendent, and a 4-H horse safety certifier and leader for 21 years. She also serves on the 4-H Horse Council and has been instrumental in planning Equine Fun Day in Rawlins for many years.
“I have so many memories of 4-H growing up. I think the most influential ones were with Jr Leaders all over the state. I still have friends to this day that I met in 4-H through that program. Fair, of course, was always a good time; spending the week there, getting to see friends you didn’t see at any other time.
Dog practices of course were a big part of my 4-H years. We used to practice twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and after, we got to go play at McDonalds! I also have painful memories of writing record books, haha! We would all sit down as a family and get them done together.”
What does 4-H mean to you?
“Oh that’s a hard question! Responsibility, first and foremost. No matter whether it’s raising livestock, sewing, cake decorating; learning how to reach your goals within those projects is the main thing it taught me. If you give your word to something that you are going to get a project done or be the president of your club, you learn how to follow through on your responsibilities and how to reach goals. Projects are individually based; you have to teach yourself not to fail yourself. You have to own up to your individual responsibility.”
What is your goal as a 4-H leader?
“At the end of the day, I want to be able to show up for other people and help others meet their goals. I have all this knowledge now and I want to take it and share it with someone else, let them run with it. If you don’t pay it forward what do you do with all this knowledge you have?”
“I think everybody should try 4-H! I think you can find a way for it to fit everyone, there’s no limit. If you are trying to find something to fill your life, 4-H can fill those spots!”
Jessica grew up in Rawlins and is the owner/operator of JD’s Dog Spa. Her husband is Brian Paul and she has a son who was in the U.S. Marine Corp. 4-H continues to be a family affair as Jessica’s sister, Michelle, still judges dog shows along with their mom, Traci, and family members and 4-H graduates Sydney and Darby Thayer. When she is not doing dog and horse stuff, Jessica loves to golf and travel.
We cannot thank her enough for her years of service and dedication to the youth of Carbon County! Congratulations Jessica!
