Sonya Furgurson

There is nothing more valuable to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia than our children.  4-H gives our youth the opportunity to master skills and self-discipline, while practicing leadership as they give back to their community both individually or collaboratively.  The mission of 4-H is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential – becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences.  In Halifax County I accomplish this by ensuring our youth fun, safe, learning experiences in clubs, competitions, and camps. 

Each fourth grader in Halifax County participates in an in-school 4-H club throughout the school year.  Additionally, all youth ages 9-18 are encouraged to join one of our local 4-H clubs which typically meet monthly; Halifax Teen Honor Club, Trailblazers – horse club. The Halifax County 4-H Honor Club is for youth at least 14 years old and have displayed a love for 4-H and a drive to be positive influences for younger 4-H’ers. For more information on these clubs or how to start a 4-H club of your interest or in your neighborhood contact me at (434) 476-2147 or sonyaf@vt.edu.

Education

• Master of Science Education – Reading Specialist, May 2000, Longwood College
• Bachelor of Science – General Studies: Teacher Certification, May 1993 Liberty University
• Associate in Arts & Science – General Studies, May 1989, Central Virginia Community College

Licensure

• Commonwealth of Virginia Postgraduate Professional Teaching License - Certified: Early Education NK-4, Middle Education Grades 4-8, Reading Specialist

Certifications

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: Early and Middle Childhood/Literacy:  Reading –  Language Arts, 2012-2022
• American Canoe Association: Instructor – Level 2 Essentials of River Canoeing Tandem, 2012-2016
• First Aid, CPR & AED: American Red Cross, 2012-2014

Employment

• VCE Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Halifax County, August 2011-present
• Instructional Coach, Halifax County Public Schools, 2004-2011
• Adjunct Instructor – American Sign Language, Developmental Reading, Developmental Writing, Southside Virginia Community College 2001-2011
• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Halifax County Public Schools, 2001-2004
• Fourth Grade Teacher, Halifax County Public Schools, 1995-2001

Professional Organizations

• National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA)
• Virginia Association of Extension 4-H Agents (VAE4-HA)
• VESA