2014 4-H Leader Forum

Dear Sussex County 4-H Leader,

Welcome to March and the promise of spring just a few weeks away! I don’t know about you all but my bulbs and daffodils are ready to give the yard some bloom after what has been a long and cold winter!

I wanted to share with all of you the pride each of us on the 4-H staff felt at our annual leader forum which was held on February 1st at Kent Polytech High School in Woodside. Over 100 4-H leaders from around the state came out for a morning of training, recognition and fellowship. In Sussex, we have much to be thankful for and it’s because of the selfless service so many of you provide working with our 4-H youth, day in and day out. This year, Sussex County volunteers were put on a well-deserved pedestal as two of our Salute to Excellence county award winners for volunteer service were also the state winners in their respective categories. Clyde Mellin of Seaford, was the county and state winner for the Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year award, which recognizes 4-H leaders with 10 or less years or service and Sharon Anderson of Lewes, was honored as the county and state winner for the Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes 4-H leaders with 10 or more years of service.

Along with their county and state recognition, both Sharon and Clyde had their names submitted by our State 4-H Office for the regional awards given for each of their respective categories. Announcements on regional awards will be made in late spring. With that said, please take a moment to congratulate Clyde and Sharon the next time you see them at a leader meeting or at a 4-H event. We are blessed to have such wonderful volunteers in the Delaware 4-H program and all of us who have the honor to serve with you appreciate the dedication and commitment each of you brings to this organization!

Yours in 4-H,
Ernie Lopez
State 4-H Extension Specialist