The Hot Spring County 4-H program received the first Community Organization of the Year award from the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce, according to a May 8 announcement. The recognition highlights the organization’s role in youth development and its longstanding presence in the county.
The new award was created in 2026 to honor organizations that make significant contributions to their communities. Lance Howell, executive director of the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce, said, “The first winner of this award has a legacy as one of Hot Spring County’s most historic and impactful youth programs. Each year, young participants are involved in a variety of service projects that benefit all areas of the county.”
Howell said that Hot Spring County 4-H stands out for its impact and involvement, with both children and families actively participating. He highlighted activities such as participation in local livestock sales, food contests, and various community events: “Not only do you see the individuals that make up our extension office out and about in the community on a regular basis, but you can also see the work they put in when you interact with the kids that are a part of the many organization chapters in the area. 4-H really stands out in their impact and involvement, how the kids are engaged with the program, and how parents and families are also involved.”
Rachel Bearden, staff chair for Hot Spring County Extension at University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said there are eight clubs with more than 100 active youth members supported by about 20 adult leaders. In 2025 alone, members contributed over 3,700 volunteer hours to community service projects.
“This is an incredible honor for the Hot Spring County Extension program,” Bearden said. “The 4-H program has been leading county youth service projects for several years… The Hot Spring County 4-H program is grateful to be recognized as the first organization to receive this award.” She noted ongoing collaborations with local government on events such as Back to School Bash and Christmas on Courthouse Square.
Howell described how members served tables at this year’s awards banquet: “Participants in this program are introduced to healthy competition at county, state and national levels… Program leaders work tirelessly on projects…to teach current and future generations not only agriculture but life—and skills necessary to navigate it,” he said.
Hot Spring County 4-H operates within Arkansas’s broader Cooperative Extension Service network—a part of University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture—which delivers research-based programs through offices across all counties according to its official website. The Cooperative Extension Service supports social cohesion by offering programs tailored for rural through urban communities; it is funded through federal grants from U.S. Department of Agriculture along with state appropriations according to its official website.
