Caleb Millican, the Chattooga County 4-H Extension Office’s educator, announced yesterday that he will be stepping down from the position. In an open letter to the community posted on his personal Facebook page, Mr. Millican added that he will be transferring to the Catoosa 4-H Office to take a new position as that office’s agent.

He expressed his gratitude to the local community, as well as his pride in his accomplishments and those of his colleagues. But most of all, Millican’s letter focused on his fond memories of working with Chattooga’s many 4-H students.

“I hope every student and child that I’ve spent time with knows how much they mean to me. You are all special and I hope you never forget that.”

Read Millican’s full open letter below.

“PLEASE SHARE:
“This is my open letter to Chattooga County students, parents, teachers, and the community.

“First of all, I want to thank every one of you for helping to shape the person I am now, teaching me to love the place that I will always call home, and allowing me to be a small part of your lives.

“Four and a half years ago, I started a job. That job soon gave way to what I hoped was a career. That career soon became a mission. A mission to be the best 4-H program in the state and today, I believe that we have accomplished that mission.

“We have accomplished more in the last few years that I could ever write in a letter. I could talk about taking 48 kids to Junior/Senior DPA, having 10 students attend State Congress, 2 State Board Officers, a Master .22 Rifle Team, a State Runner-Up team by 1 point, a state Leadership in Action winner, a district champion BB team, having 5 students on the 8 person NW Junior Board of Directors, 3 4-H Scholarship Winners, a National Dairy Conference delegate, one heck of a Poultry Judging state team experience, and many, many more.

“I grew up a sports kid, so winning is a pretty big deal for me. But, winning awards and accolades is not my favorite memories of the last several years. My favorite memories are all the little moments between this award or that event. It’s the smiles during Breakfast with Santa, breaking down on the side of the Interstate during my first DPA at Rock Eagle, rocking out at Lip Sync Battle, 2017 Cloverleaf Camp, 7th grade trips to Wahsega, the Poulty Project auction positively affecting a whole family, laughing at whatever Mrs. Conley just said, singing Little Red Wagon at 5th grade awards day, and holding back tears every time a student tells you how much you mean to them because they know you care. These are the moments that matter. These are the reason I do what I do.

“We have genuinely good kids here. If given a chance, they can change your world. They are smart, caring, and sometimes overly honest. I have considered myself the luckiest person in the world to know them. I hope as a parent, grandparent, or teacher that you realize just how special these kids are. Take the opportunity to know them, to love them, to spend time with them, because that’s really all they want; your time. I’ve spent the last 4 and half years getting to know our kids here. I’ve given all the time I could to that endeavor. And now it’s time that I pass the baton.

“As of next week, I will be taking over as the 4-H agent in Catoosa County. I did not come to this decision lightly by any means. I’ve had some long days and sleepless nights. However, at the end of the day, I have to do what’s in my best interest.

“I wish I could thank everyone and name them individually, but the list would be far too long. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing individuals in my time here. From school administration to teachers and office staff, I’ve been treated like a part of the team at every school I’ve worked in. From the County Office and Commissioner to the Chamber of Commerce and Paradise Garden, each community leader has helped grow my knowledge and awareness of rural Georgia issues and how to help my small town the best way I could. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Kendra, and Mrs. Rebecca. Thank you all so much for not only being great co-workers, but also my friends. Thank you Mrs. Rebecca for teaching me everything I know about 4-H and letting me run wild and try new things with this program. You have not only been my mentor, but also my hero. Don’t worry; you’ll still get random phone calls and questions from me…often!

“I hope every student and child that I’ve spent time with knows how much they mean to me. You are all special and I hope you never forget that. You are what made this the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. You are why I fell in love with my job. You are why I’m taking on this new challenge. You are why 4-H in Chattooga County is the best 4-H program in the state. I hope you stay in 4-H. I hope you keep winning events and awards. I hope you don’t ever forget the last few years. I hope you know that no matter where I work, you always have a friend and supporter in me.

“Thank you for everything Chattooga County. This is my home and will always be my home, not because it’s where I was born and where I came back to, but because of each and every one of you. Thank you and God Bless.

“Sincerely,
Mr. Caleb”