Delaware 4-H congratulates all of our 4-H High School Seniors! We are proud of each one of you! All of you have made a positive impact on our program and we look forward to what your future holds! Thank you to all members who submitted Senior Spotlights below!
Jenna Anger – Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club
Jenna Anger is a senior at Sussex Central High School, where she is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program, and ranked 2nd in her class. She plans to attend the University of Alabama to major in Biology, in hopes of becoming a Pediatric Dentist. Currently, she is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the dance team, a member of the varsity girls soccer team, and has been an officer for the Sussex Central FFA Chapter for 3 years. Jenna is the Distinguished Young Woman of Delaware for the class of 2020, and will compete in the national scholarship program in late June.
Outside of her school-related activities, Jenna has been a dedicated 4-H member for 13 years, putting her heart and soul into this organization, which has taught her the most valuable qualities anyone should uphold. Within 4-H, Jenna has attended many national events, such as National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference, participated in numerous county and state contests, and was the Voice of the Bear people group at Second Week State Camp in 2019. Jenna is the current President for the Bridgeville Mustangs Club, the President of Sussex County Jr. Council, and serves as the 2019-2020 Delaware 4-H State Teen Council President. Although her list of 4-H accomplishments may be long, Jenna’s most prized memory is winning the State Public Speaking contest in 2012 with her speech, “Couponing: Extreme or Not”. Overall, Jenna’s 4-H experience has been quite large, but she cherishes every member, leader, and moment along the way that helped her become an incredible young woman. Lastly, Jenna will be forever grateful for the organization that taught her the value of never giving up, achieving your goals, and always making the best better.
Destiny Carmona – Harbor Lights 4-H Club
As Destiny Carmona reaches the end of her senior year, we would like to reflect on all of her astounding accomplishments, and experiences she has done. Destiny is an outstanding student, club member, and athlete who achieved many things. Some of those being on student honor roll all four years, Marching Band Drum Major for two years, and first runner up on the Homecoming Court. She is also a member of the Business Professionals of America, Drama Club and club Historian for National Honor Society. Along with being a superb club member, she is also a former Lacrosse player, and current Indoor Track and Field distance runner. Due to her hard working spirit, Destiny had the opportunity to attend the Delaware Congressional Delegation Youth Conference as well as win “Best Musician” as a senior superlative for all the hard work she put into the band. It was because of her love for the band that they were able to play at the Delaware State fair.
In 4-H, Destiny is just as amazing. She has been Club President of the Harbor Lights for 4 years and an avid club member for six. She’s also a Junior Leader, who had the opportunity to become a Camp Counselor for 3 years. Furthermore, Destiny had the opportunity to become a member of the Delaware Junior Fair Board and participate in National 4-H Congress. In addition to all of this, she is working on obtaining her Diamond Clover.
Through all this, Destiny still manages enough time to stay active and serve at the Church of Christ. Along with being a member, she is a part of the worship band, a Sunday School Teacher and Nursery Assistant. Destiny also volunteered on a mission trip to Vermont, and stands as a Youth Coordinator for the Spanish Bible Conference.
Continuing Destiny’s journey, Lord willing, she will be attending the University of Delaware this fall where she will be majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism. Her parents, friends and family wish her the best of luck and are beyond proud of all that she has and will accomplish.
Maci Carter – Peach Blossom 4-H Club
Maci Carter is the daughter of Shane and Danna Carter from Harrington, Delaware. Maci is a senior at Lake Forest High School, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society. Maci has served her Class of 2020 as Vice President for the past four years by planning and preparing pep rallies, homecoming floats, and prom. She has also been involved as a student athlete; playing for the varsity field hockey, basketball, and soccer teams. Maci is in the Mentor Program and serves as a mentor to elementary students throughout her district. Much of Maci’s passion and time has been spent as a member and officer of the Lake Forest FFA Chapter. She currently serves as the chapter President and has been involved in planning and preparing horticulture and landscaping displays, marketing plans, and speeches for competing at the Delaware State Fair and at National FFA Convention in Indiana each year. She’s worked with her chapter to support their annual mum, citrus, and strawberry fundraiser sales. In the spring of 2019, Maci was awarded the honor of becoming the 2019-2020 Miss Lake Forest and received the 2019 Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards.
Outside of school, Maci has spent the last 12 years as a 4-H member of the Peach Blossom 4-H Club. She started showing goats at the age of five and dairy cows at the age of eight. She has developed her speaking skills by participating in the demonstration and public speaking contests at the county and state levels. She thoroughly enjoys the Young American project in her club that focuses on community service and developing leadership skills. Coastal Cleanup, volunteering at the Food Bank, and countless hours as a Kent County 4-H Day Camp Counselor are just a few examples of her community service. She has served in various officer positions in her club and is currently President of her club. She serves as Vice President of the Kent County 4-H Junior Council and serves as Vice President for the Delaware 4-H State Teen Council. Maci has also had the privileged experience of earning and attending four national 4-H events: National 4-H Conference held in Washington, D.C., National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia, National 4-H Healthy Living Conference held in Washington, D.C., and National 4-H Dairy Conference held in Madison, Wisconsin.
It’s hard to imagine Maci having free time, but in her spare time, she has remained loyal to Manship Chapel where she attends church and weekly youth group meetings, plays on the winter volleyball team, and attends youth retreats at Camp Pecometh.
Maci’s life is an example of the 4-H motto she has practiced, “To Make the Best Better.” She has spent her youth aspiring to make her best better through her ambition, perseverance, and tenacity. It makes no difference what role she takes on as either athlete, friend, student, or volunteer, Maci Carter will remain a leader. She hopes to continue her education at the University of Delaware and major in the degree of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with the intentions of becoming a future Agricultural Educator.
Dylan Carpenter – Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club
Even though we joke that he is our “silent partner” because he tends to shy away from larger activities due to nervousness around crowds, Dylan has enjoyed his time with 4-H!! His very first experience with 4-H was on a chance meeting with Mrs. Mary Argo at a class during an inter-session at his school, Central Elementary. He was around 8 years old and he signed up for a 4-H Rocks class and came home the first day so very excited about what he had learned and how he really wanted to join 4-H to learn woodworking and rockets and to drive a tractor. He still treasures the backpack he was given during this class. That year we joined the Blue Jays 4-H club and transferred to the Bridgeville Mustangs a few years later. Throughout his years in 4-H Dylan explored projects in woodworking, crafts, archery, bore rifle, and outdoor adventures. He spent many hours volunteering in the community for PAWS day at tractor supply, beach grass planting, coastal clean up events, and Apple Scrapple Clean Up to name a few. He has volunteered to help with set up and clean up at community & club events and served Spaghetti at our fundraisers. His all-time favorite event that he looks forward to each year is Operation Christmas Child. His enjoyment from this event compelled him to right about 4-H opportunities in his college essay. Dylan will graduate from Sussex Technical High School where his technical area is CISCO networking. He will be advancing this education by utilizing the SEEDS scholarship at Delaware Tech with plans to then transfer and obtain his Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering.
Maycee Collison – Harrington Sunshine 4-H Club
Maycee is a Senior at Lake Forest High School where she is Vice President of the Business Professionals of America club and a Distinguished Honor Roll student. She was a DIAA student athlete varsity field hockey player and received first team all-conference the past two years.
Maycee is an active member of the Harrington Sunshine Club where she is currently Secretary. She is also a member of the Kent County Interstate Exchange Group. Maycee has shown livestock since she was 4 years old and participated in the projects of arts and crafts and community service. She has also emceed the Clothing and Textile Showcase for many years.
Maycee plans to attend York College of Pennsylvania in the fall and will major in Sports Management.
Liam Noah Gardner-Bowler – Create 2 Learn & 2 Lead 4-H Club
Noah is 18 and graduating from Innovative Learning Academy. He was a dual enrolled student with Delaware Tech and will graduate High School with 14 college credits. He has completed college level courses in Political Science, Art, Photography, Critical Thinking and Academic Writing with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to complete his Associate degree in Multimedia and continue to earn a Bachelor degree in Art with a focus in Animation.
Noah is a member of the Create 2 Learn & 2 Lead 4-H club in Kent County. He has been an active member of 4-H since Kindergarten. He has served as the Reporter, Vice President and President. He has completed 50 or more hours of community service each year since joining 4-H. He attended the 4-H Washington Focus Leadership Conference, the 4-H STEM Makers Conference and National Photography Summit. He was also a member of the Kent County Military Robotics club. Noah was presented with the State 4-H HEALTH Award. He has been active in the clubs Arts, Public Presentations, Photography, Citizenship and Service Learning Project groups throughout High School. He has served as a Jr. Leader for STEM,
Photography and Service Learning and competed in the State Photography Judging competition each year. Noah was the Committee Chairperson for our 2019 “Caring and Sharing” Club Outreach Program that was selected as the Multiplying Good, Jefferson Award State Finalist. Noah has completed 5 levels of Delaware 4-H Diamond Clover program and he plans to complete the Level 6 Diamond Clover Project this coming year.
Noah is also a member of the Delaware’s Youth in Government. He has served as a Senator, Congressman and Lobbyist in the program. He has written multiple bills and had the honor of one making it through to the Governor. Noah was also selected and graduated from the Delaware’s Boys State Program.
Noah also earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boys Scouts of America. His Eagle Scout Project consisted of creating an Educational Learning Center for the Milford Mommy & Me Home. He received the
Multiplying Good Certificate of Excellence for his Eagle Scout Project. As a Scout Noah, earned the Recruiters Strip, Cyber Chip, Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chip, NOVA Awards, the World Conservation Award, Frosty Camper Award, BSA Eclipse Award, the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement with an additional recognition for Camping and Conservation, and the Messenger of Peace Award. He also earned over 55 merit badges.
Madison Johnson – Country Clovers 4-H Club
Madison has served as her club’s president for the past 5 years. She enjoys volunteering in the community with her club and giving back to the church where they hold meetings by helping with chicken dinners. She is currently working to achieve her Diamond Clover Award with Project Linus. Delaware 4-H members have played a major role in her project by sewing blankets for the care packages that she will be constructing for distressed children. Fair projects and judging competitions have been a major part of her entire 4-H career. She has participated in Sewing & Textiles, Poultry, and Horticulture Judging. 4-H has enhanced her public speaking skills through county and state demonstrations. She had the honor of representing Delaware 4-H and Sussex County 4-H this past year at National 4-H Congress in Georgia. It was a very rewarding experience and she met incredible 4-H members from across the United States.
Madison is currently a senior at Indian River High School and a member of numerous clubs. She plays bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and tenor saxophone in concert, marching, jazz, and pit band. This year, she was chosen to serve as the vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also served as the captain of her color guard team which involved leading practices in addition to writing routines for parades and halftime shows. Madison is an active member of the National Honor Society, Leo Club, and Math League. Her biggest passion is robotics, which she has been a member of for six years. She has served as both the president and vice president of the club. Through her school’s robotics team, she has represented Indian River High School at the state and world robotic competitions. Recently, Madison has applied for and received several scholarships that will help further her education as she attends the University of Delaware this fall majoring in mechanical engineering.
Katerina Kourpos – NC 4-H Day Camp Counselor
Katerina Kourpas is a senior from Newark, DE. Katerina attended St. Andrew’s School where she was very active in all aspects of community life. During her junior year, she founded the Adaptive Dance Program where she teaches dance to students with disabilities once a week on her school campus. Additionally, she also got to spread her passion for dance by teaching at local elementary schools in the Middletown area. She was also the head of the Environmental Stewards, a sustainability group on campus; among the big projects she led this year was a school climate strike in support of the national climate strikes that occurred the week of September 20th. Katerina was also the head of Girls Collaborative, served as a Residential Leader in a junior girls dorm, was the only girl in her grade to be elected for Student Council all three years, and was a senior leader on the swim team and crew team.
Katerina was a New Castle County 4H Day Camper since she was 5 years old. It was at day camp that she met some of my life-long best friends, and each day of camp she left with the biggest smile on my face. The past 3 years, she had the opportunity to be a Counselor at day camp. Last year, Brooke Lawrence and Katerina organized a crafts and cooking class, where they led activities like making microwave mug cakes and tie-dying shirts. Overall, some of her favorite memories are from 4-H day camp and C3 meetings, and 4-H will always hold a special place in her heart.
Next year, Katerina will be majoring in Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Neuroscience at Princeton University.
Rebecca Lang – Ponies and Pintails 4-H Club
Rebecca is the Health Advisor for her 4-H Club. She is a Senior at Polytech High School. While in school, she was co-captain of Polytech Marching Band Color Guard and completed the Health Care Rehabilitation Shop at Polytech.
Rebecca has been accepted with scholarships to Randolph College in Virginia where she will major in Pre-Med.
MacKenzie Larimore – Vernon Creek 4-H Club
MacKenzie is a Senior at Lake Forest High School. She the Secretary / Treasurer of the Vernon Creek 4-H Club. MacKenzie has shown a variety of animals at the Delaware State Fair.
She will be attending Delaware Technical College in the fall where she will be majoring in Radiologic Technology.
Brooke Lawrence – NC 4-H Day Camp Counselor
Brooke Lawrence started out at 4-H day camp as a camper for 3 years. This will be her 4th year volunteering as a counselor for Newark Day Camp. She is graduating in the Allied Health pathway at Appoquinimink High School and plans to study nursing at the University of Delaware next year. She has played varsity lacrosse for 4 years and is a member of the National Honors Society. Last year at 4-H day camp, Brooke ran a crafts and baking class and it was so much fun! She can’t wait until camp this summer!
Mckensie Lewis – Lucky Leaf 4-H Club
Mckensie Lewis is a senior who attends Wicomico High School and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career. She played varsity softball as a left fielder and was awarded Minds in Motion. She will be attending Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. She will major in Environmental Science and minor in Secondary Education. Her goal is to become a high school Environmental Science teacher. Mckensie chose this path because teaching has always been a dream of hers and she wants to be an advocate that makes a change in students’ lives.
Mckensie is an active member of the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club where she is currently President. In the past 10 years of her 4-H career, she has completed 11 projects but raising and showing meat goats has and always will be her favorite project area. This 2020 Fair season will be a new adventure showing her beef heifer. Completing her Level 6 Diamond Clover by organizing a Blood Drive/Pajama Drive will complete her 4-H career before she leaves for college in the fall.
Trey Lodge – Hollymount 4-H Club
Trey Lodge is a Senior at Milford High School. His high school activities include business clubs DECA and BPA. For DECA he competed in Orlando last year and qualified to go to Nashville and nationals this year before it was cancelled. With BPA, his team placed 10th in the country in Anaheim, CA last year. He is also in Leo Club, Math League, Science Fair, and National Honor Society and was on the golf team and earned Academic All Conference. He enjoys street hockey and ice hockey. He participated in Academic Challenge and has taken courses at Delaware State this year. He will attend Salisbury University in the fall and major in finance or accounting.
He started his t-shirt businesses, MyRoute Apparel and Delmarva Proud, after attending the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy. He was Milford’s delegate to the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference and also attended the National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University. Trey was proud to have earned the Heart of Sussex County in 4-H last year. He is a counselor for every youth camp 4-H has and is a Bear at state camp. He has been vice president of Hollymount for the past two years, serving as treasurer for many years prior.
Andrew Miles – Just Country Kids 4-H Club
Andrew Miles will be graduating from Smyrna High School. While at Smyrna High School, he was in the JROTC program where he attained the rank of Captain. He has enjoyed this very much and would love to become a pilot. He has been a member 4-H and belonged to the Just Country Kids 4-H Club since he has been 8 years old. He enjoyed the swine, dairy, and shooting sports project areas the most. He has received many ribbons throughout the years and is mostly proud of his Grand Champion Berkshire Boar and Gilt. He has had the most fun breeding and showing Berkshire pigs. His plan for the future is to attend Del Tech and then transfer to another school to study Aviation to become a pilot.
Kyle Morris – Hollymount 4-H Club
Kyle is a senior at Sussex Tech High School where he studies hotel and restaurant management. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Sussex Tech lacrosse team. He takes AP classes and college classes with Widener University. Kyle is also a member of DECA where he placed in the state and went to Nationals twice. He is a member of Bethel United Methodist church in Lewes. He worked at Yarn and Bone in Rehoboth for two years and plans to attend the University of Delaware in the Fall. He is double majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management and History.
Kyle has gone to National 4-H Congress and Conference. He has been to the Healthy Living Summit and has served as president of the Hollymount for two years. He is a Moon and Star at State 4-H Camp and will be Voice this year. He and Hollymount have been awarded a Jefferson Award two years in a row and Kyle takes part in all Hollymount’s community service activities.
Shannon O’Hara – Houston Cardinals 4-H Club
Shannon is a senior at Sussex Technical High School and will be majoring in Business Communications at Stevenson University in the fall. Other than 4-H, her involvements in school have included performing with the Raven Nation Marching Band’s Reflections Color Guard, singing with the Sussex Tech Concert Choir and Bella Voce (advanced women’s choir), serving as the Class of 2020 Vice President, organizing service projects as the Sussex Tech Multiplying Good President, competing in DECA competitions, and staying academically focused through National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.
Outside of school, Shannon has been a part of the Sussex County Youth Philanthropy Board, the Slaughter Beach Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary, and the Delaware State Fair Junior Fair Board. In addition to this, she has served as the 2019-2020 Delaware Farm Bureau State Youth Ambassador. Some high school highlights with 4-H have been attending the 4-H Healthy Living Summit, National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and the 4-H Legacy Awards.
Madison Pete – Rossakatum 4-H Club
These are my highlights from 4-H and the last year of high school. They are moments that I will miss and have enjoyed while it lasted. Trash the Dress Photo Shoot was a photo shoot that had all proceeds donated to a place where young girls could get prom dresses if they couldn’t afford to buy them brand new. We all donated at least $25 and our prom dress that we wore to the shoot, and they were then dry cleaned and donated. At home photo shoots with friends, we used old trucks, tractors, trees, and fields as backgrounds. Awards night for 4-H, along with Fair this year, is something I am very excited about. Our Christmas parade through Delmar, our theme was Whoville and I did Morgan and my hair like Cindy Lou Who. After that we went shopping for the senior citizens at the nursing home and got them their Christmas presents like we do every year. It’s something I really enjoy because it puts a smile on their face when they get what they asked for for Christmas. Then there was cap and gown pictures and drape pictures for senior year, which was nice but I realized it’s really coming to an end. I won first place for the Opioid Addiction Awareness Art Contest last year and have entered a new piece this year. I did many drawings and projects in art this year that I’m proud of. We did paint night for our monthly 4-H meeting and it was very fun and full of laughter as we all tried to mimic the design of our instructor, I think all of our snowmen turned out great. There have also been many dances this year like homecoming at Laurel, Sadies at North Dorchester, Winter Formal at North Dorchester, and then there was supposed to be prom for Laurel and North Dorchester but unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. It was fun to go dress shopping and try on all the beautiful dresses but now it’s all coming to an end and just like that were going be going into the world on our own and doing big things!
Shelby Poore – Peach Blossom 4-H Club
Shelby has been a 4-H’er for 14 years. Through the years, she has participated in the clothing and photography projects. The majority of her time in 4-H has been about livestock and livestock judging. She has shown sheep since she was 3 years old and starting showing swine at the age of 9! She has had many accomplishments with my livestock including the 2019 Grand Champion Market Goat as well as Overall Goat Showman and was able to participate in the Round Robin at the Delaware State Fair.
Shelby’s high school career consist of attending Woodbridge High School, where she was an active FFA Member and an officer for 2 years. She plans on attending Delaware State University to continue her education and further her Livestock knowledge. Shelby aspires for a career in the Livestock Industry.
Austin Stafford – Ponies and Pintails 4-H Club
Austin is a Senior at Polytech High School where he was involved in Auto Tech and played JV lacrosse. He has been an active participant in 4-H and FFA for many years. He won the state tractor driving in 2017 and went on to win 5th in the nation representing Delaware 4-H. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and shows pigs at the fair.
Austin plans to continue with his pursuit of becoming a diesel mechanic.
Kaitlyn Starrett – Create 2 Learn & 2 Lead 4-H Club
Kaitlyn is 17 and a graduating Senior from Starrett Christian Academy. She completed the required credits in February with a 3.98 GPA. Kaitlyn plans to continue her studies and training in Art and Photography. Her long term goal is to have a career working in a creative field.
Kaitlyn is a first year member of Delaware 4-H and a member of the Create 2 Learn & 2 Lead club. She is currently serving as the club Reporter. As a club officer and committee member she was an intricate part in the club’s Caring and Sharing Outreach Project. She was awarded the Multiplying Good Certificate of Excellence and the club was selected as the Jefferson Award Mayor’s Choice award and State Finalist. As part of this project she helped to coordinate service projects to help the Noah’s ARC
Pet Shelter, Code Purple, Milford Food Pantry, the SPCA Pet Pantry and Holiday Meal Blessing Boxes. Kaitlyn is active in the clubs: Art, Photography and Service Learning Project groups.
Kaitlyn is also a very active supporter of the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Through various fundraising events she has raised over $10,000 for the the foundation.
Rachel Taylor – Harrington Sunshine 4-H Club
In high school, Rachel was involved in BPA, FFA, National Honor Society, Youth Philanthropy Board and held a class office. She has qualified for the national BPA conference all four years of high school and she held leadership positions in both FFA and National Honor Society.
Rachel has been a member of Delaware 4-H for 8 years now. She is currently the State Teen Council Secretary. Rachel served as her club president for 3 years. Her project areas include food & nutrition, sewing, leadership, and science.
Rachel will be attending Shenandoah University to major in Occupational Therapy.
Riley Taylor – Harrington Sunshine 4-H Club
Riley has been vice president of his 4-H club for the past two years, Kent County Jr. Council Secretary, State Teen Council Kent County Representative, 2019 Michael Everline leadership Award, and the 2019 Outstanding 4-H’er for Kent County.
Riley is a four time varsity football player, varsity football captain, inaugural Ronnie Hovington award winner, two time varsity wrestling, four time varsity lacrosse player, Member of FFA, and member of Honor society.
Riley plans to attend the University of Kentucky in the fall and double major in equine specialization.
Carter H. Wilkins – NCC 4-H Conservation, Wildlife and Hunting Club
Carter is graduating from Avon Grove Charter School and will be attending State University of NY, Morrisville and majoring in Agricultural Engineering.
Carter has been a member of his club for many years. Carter is a fantastic young man, who’s one of the primary mentors to the other youth in his club and is a very valuable asset to our club leaders as well as the other adult volunteers in our club. Carter is very knowledgeable, in regard to shooting sports, wildlife, conservation and hunting and spends a lot of quality time hunting with his father and younger brothers. Over time his club leaders have given him more and more responsibilities and he now acts as the Lead Shotgun Instructors, under the supervision of a qualified adult 4-H Shotgun Instructor, when they have their shooting sports events in preparations for our hunting activities. Carter is incredibly patient and does an outstanding job working with the other apprentices and the younger new members in our club during our weekend shooting sports activities.
Carter is a 4-H Apprentice Shotgun Instructor and a 4-H Apprentice Conservation and Wildlife Instructor.
Carter is also an avid member of the Boy Scouts becoming an Eagle scout last year.
Gage Williams – Ponies and Pintails 4-H Club
Gage is the President of his 4-H Club. He is a Senior at Polytech High School. While in school, he played saxophone in the Panther Marching Band and completed the Environmental Sciences Shop.
Gage has been accepted to Washington College in their Environmental Science program and has been recruited to Trap and Skeet Team at Washington College.