By Lori Carr
InkFreeNews

Colton Baker is shown with his 4-H award. He showed New Zealand and meat pen rabbits at the Fulton County 4-H Fair this year. Photo by Lori Carr.

AKRON — Founded in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, 4-H was established in Indiana in 1948. The four Hs in 4-H stand for: head, heart, hand and health. “These are the four values members work on,” according to the 4-H National Council.

Local 4-H’er Colton Baker is a sixth grader at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. He is the son of Ryan and Aleshia Baker, Akron. He began his 4-H journey at an early age, joining the mini 4-H division. Baker gained some valuable experience in mini 4-H. This year, he completed his third year of 4-H. It is his goal to complete 10 years. His father was also a 10-year member.

“I enjoy being with my friends. It is teaching me valuable life experiences, and I am learning how to take care of my animals,” Baker said.

Baker began caring for rabbits at a young age. His grandmother, Renee Baker of Akron, raised rabbits. He showed New Zealand and meat pen rabbits at the Fulton County 4-H Fair this year. He received grand champion for his meat pen. Baker has learned how to take care of them and is also involved in showmanship at the fair.

When asked what the hardest part of caring for the animals he stated, “The hardest part is doing the chores, especially when it is hot outside” he said, of caring for the animals. Baker also shows pigs.

“(It is) a long-standing tradition in our family”, he stated. His grandfather, Mark Baker, Akron, and his father both raised and showed pigs.

Baker’s projects include posters for rabbits and zero-turn lawnmowers. He became interested in the lawnmowers when his parents purchased their first mower. Baker completed the poster and received grand champion. He also completed an obstacle course for safety.

“It was really nerve wracking,” he stated. He had to demonstrate how to safely start and operate the mower, and received a first place ribbon in his age category.

Another interest Baker has is the tractor pull for youth. This year he placed first in his division. The tractor pull consists of each participant pulling twice, with the highest pull winning in their division. He placed first in this category pulling with the same tractor his father used in 4-H.

Rounding off his 4-H projects are his interest in LEGOs, collections and bottle rockets. Baker constructed a large LEGO car with moving parts with his entry.

“I have put together LEGOs for a long time and my collection is well over 100,” he stated.
He brought in an arrowhead display for his collection entry, which includes arrowheads his great-grandfather found while farming.

The final project is bottle rockets.

“I have always found bottle rockets fascinating and it is a lot of fun building them,” he stated.

It has been a very successful year for Baker. He was very excited to show his meat pen rabbit at this year’s Indiana State Fair.

Baker has a sister Brynlee, 5, and brother Oliver, 3.

“I love math, history and gym class,” he said when asked about his favorite subjects.
His hobbies include basketball, soccer and video games.

Baker would like to attend Purdue University and major in engineering.