Recap from a musical celebration of our Sussex County 4-H Family

JOY SPARKS SPIRIT OF 4-H AWARD
This year’s recipient is Pam Eskridge who is a former 4-H Organizational Leader and a member of the Sussex County Links.  She has been involved with Sussex County 4-H for over 18 years.

As Organizational Leader of the Stateline 4-H Club, Pam has been involved in 4-H at the local, club, and state levels.  Over and above her activities as the club organizational leader, she also organized Stateline’s Consumer Bowl team and helped with the club’s Avian Bowl team when her son, Ben, was a participant.  Pam also led the Window Display committee as well as the Seaford Christmas parade float committee. Pam has been a great advocate for project books and has done many special sessions with club members and their families to help get them completed.  She has also played a large role in planning and implementing the club’s annual fundraiser selling hot dogs and drinks at the Apple Scrapple Festival.

At the county level, Pam served as President of the Leaders Association and is a member of the Sussex Order of Links.  Pam has been a big help with the food booth and as book for our annual Horse Show and helped coordinate Sussex Leaders to help with the Farm Bureau Booth at the Delaware State Fair.  Although both of Pam’s children, Ben & Emily are 4-H alumni, she is always willing to help wherever needed whether it’s manning the snack table at Favorite Foods or giving input to improve county programs. There is little doubt that Pam will continue to inspire “To Make the Best Better.”

FRIEND OF 4-H AWARD
The Friend of 4-H Award is given to organizations, businesses and individuals who have supported Sussex County 4-H through the years.  4-H is a nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity and support of these groups.  This year’s winner was Mr. Michael Love.

Mike works for UD Cooperative Extension as a Community and Occupational Safety Agent. Many of you know Mike for the variety of ways he contributes his time to 4-H.  From providing tents for the Pumpkin Contest and Horse Show to organizing the Tractor Driving and Small Engine Event, Mike puts his heart, soul and “love” into everything he does.  Working with small engines, he has served as a chaperone for 4-H’ers who attend the National Engineering Event at Purdue University.  For many years, Mike has provided a Bike Rodeo, Seat Belt, or Water Safety assemblies for our annual summer Day Camps.  Hundreds of children have learned important safety tips and life skills while having fun. Mike is always willing to provide CPR Training for our Camp Counselors each year.

One of his most notable contributions to Sussex County 4-H has been his leadership in recent years with our annual 4-H Hopkins Spring Farm Tours Thousands of children have been impacted by this event.  Over the past few years, Mike has used his safety knowledge and skills to help the tours run smoother.  He has incorporated new parking procedures and signs and also brought more agriculture safety education as part of the program.

Through his involvement with 4-H and his safety knowledge, Mike started the Pedal Pushers Bike Club.  This specialty club is open to any Sussex 4-H member.  Mike teaches the group about bike safety and encourages members and their families to join him for bike trail rides throughout Sussex County and all of Delaware.

We thank Mike Love for sharing his time and knowledge in so many ways.  The next time you see Mike Love, please be sure to thank him for his commitment to the Sussex 4-H Program!

NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS
Ernie Lopez presented certificates to the National Congress participants.  They are:  Colleen Anderson and Nathaniel Vincent. These youth will travel to Atlanta, Georgia November 28- Dec. 2, 2014 to attend the National 4-H Club Congress.

 

New Inductees to the Sussex County Order of Links
Amy Webb West President of the Sussex Order of Links conducted the induction ceremony.

New inductees are Jackie Arpie, Jodie Gravenor, Krista Scott, & Meredith Tipton

CLUB AWARDS
4-HOOFBEATS
1 AWARD
Alexis Blockson:  Judging
Hailey Reynolds:  Judging
Hannah Ziccareli:  Judging

BRIDGEVILLE MUSTANGS
1 AWARD
Hayley Bender:  Dairy
Rachel Bollinger:  Judging
Cheyenne Bowman:  Judging
Mallary Cummings:  Demonstration
Jaycee Kerrick:  Dairy
MacKenna Kerrick:  Dairy
Brianna Morris:  Arts & Crafts
Ronin Mozingo:  Poultry
Walker Mozingo:  Poultry
Kaleb Parsons:  Judging
Connor Vincent:  Judging
Paige Vincent:  Judging
Kaitlin Willin:  Foods

2 AWARDS
Cody Coleman:  Archery & Health
Donna Mullins:  Demonstration & Judging

3 AWARDS
Gerald Carroll:  Goats, Poultry & Judging
Rachel Carey:  Demonstration, Public Speaking, & Judging

4 AWARDS
Alexia Carroll:  Public Speaking, Poultry, Goats, & Judging
Paige Taylor:  Demonstration, Foods, Horse, & Judging

6 AWARDS
Ryan Cummings:  Demonstration, Archery, Foods, Horticulture, Community Service & Health

7 AWARDS
Erin Carey:  Dairy, Demonstration, Bicycle, Foods, Community Service, Health, & Judging

9 AWARDS
Tanner LeCates:  Demonstration, Archery, Consumer Savvy, Dog, Outdoor Adventures, Small Engines, Community Service, Judging, & Woodworking

10 AWARDS
Meredith Carey:  Judging, Archery, Demonstration, Arts & Crafts, Bicycle, Dairy, Foods, Horticulture, Community Service, & Health

14 AWARDS
Jenna Anger:  Demonstration, Wood Science, Clothing, Judging, Horticulture, Health, Archery, Performing Arts, Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Foods, Rabbits, Fashion Revue, & Public Speaking.

BUTTONWOOD
4 AWARDS
Ike Wharton: Judging, Archery, Goats, & Wood Science

CLOVER KNIGHTS
1 AWARD
Autumn Lenhart:  Judging
Thomas McCabe:  Public Speaking
Madison Rice:  Judging
Amanda Towers:  Foods
Dustin Waller:  Judging

2 AWARDS
Travis Waller:  Fashion Revue & Judging

COUNTRY CLOVERS
1 AWARD
Angela Lagano:  Judging
Andy Duvall:  Judging

CYPRESS HEART & HANDS
1 AWARD
Katelyn Records:  Horse
Zoe Probert:  Public Speaking

2 AWARDS
Abigail Krams:  Foods & Clothing
Elizabeth Krams:  Foods & Clothing

3 AWARDS
Jackie Arpie:  Fashion Revue, Demonstration & Judging

7 AWARDS
Rebecca Arpie:  Judging, Demonstration, Arts & Crafts, Clothing, Foods, Photography & Fashion Revue

DUBLIN HILL
1 AWARD
Emma Rider:  Judging
Rachel Robb:  Judging

2 AWARDS
Jarrett Williams:  Judging & Community Service
Alanna Vanderwende:  Demonstration & Public Speaking
Aydan Vanderwende:  Demonstration & Public Speaking

3 AWARDS
Erryn Smith: Archery, Goats, & Judging
Matison Smith:  Archery, Goats, & Judging

4 AWARDS
Alexandra Nechay:  Public Speaking, Foods, Sheep, and Community Service
Gabriella Morra:  Public Speaking, Foods, Photography, & Community Service

7 AWARDS
Laurie Wroten:  Judging, Demonstration, Arts & Crafts, Sheep, Foods, Photography, & Community Service
Taylor Wroten:  Judging, Demonstration, Arts & Crafts, Sheep, Foods, Photography, & Community Service

9 AWARDS
Shawn Mitchell:  Demonstration, Arts & Crafts, Foods, Horticulture, Photography, Sheep, Community Service, Leadership, & Judging

HARBOR LIGHTS
1 AWARD
Zoe Cunningham:  Public Speaking
David Magee:  Judging
Micah Magee:  Judging
Ben Ockels:  Demonstration

2 AWARDS
Collin Cunningham:  Demonstration & Public Speaking

8 AWARDS
Mikayla Ockels:  Horse, Vet Science, Bee Keeping, Goats, Judging, Demonstration, Photography & Poultry

HOLLYMOUNT
1 AWARD
Joe Anderson:  Judging
Lily Barnett:  Judging
Summer Barnett:  Judging
Sundene Lodge:  Photography
Anna Lopez:  Public Speaking
Samantha Messick:  Public Speaking
Taylor Messick:   Public Speaking
Luke Stachow:  Public Speaking
Daniel Tull:  Public Speaking

2 AWARDS
Sarah Krajewski:  Public Speaking & Dairy
Matthew Rieley:  Public Speaking & Judging
James Rieley:  Public Speaking & Judging

3 AWARDS
Holly Anderson:  Dairy, Leadership, & Judging

4 AWARDS
Colleen Anderson:  Goats, Photography, Leadership, & Citizenship

 

 

 

 

 

 

LORD BALTIMORE HELPING HANDS
1 AWARD
Farris Hauck:  Photography
Kylie Ucman:  Photography
Lexi Ucman:  Photography
Miranda Ucman:  Photography

3 AWARDS
Maggie Ford:  Foods, Photography, & Judging

Milford 4-H Club
1 AWARD
Amanda Kucharzyk:  Judging
Jimmy Kucharzyk:  Judging
Garrett Smith: Judging
Layne Smith: Judging

ROSSAKATUM
1 AWARD
Evan Short:  Horticulture

4 AWARDS
Nathaniel Vincent:  Swine, Foods, Citizenship & Leadership

SEAFORD BLUEJAYS
1 AWARD
Logan Black:  Woodworking
Brittany Carpenter:  Arts & Crafts
Dylan Carpenter:  Woodworking

2 AWARDS
Shannon Bradley:  Foods & Judging
Hannah Henderson:  Photography & Judging

3 AWARDS
Jill Koski:  Judging, Foods, & Public Speaking
Alyssa Thawley:  Demonstration, Photography, & Judging

STATELINE
1 AWARD
Harmony Broussard:  Public Speaking
Emmaly Salkowitz:  Public Speaking

2 AWARDS
Wesley DeFord:  Demonstration & Archery

SUSSEX LIGHTHOUSES
1 AWARD
Crystal Beachy:  Demonstration

INDEPENDENT: SCOTT
2 AWARDS
Kimberlyn Scott:  Judging & Fashion Revue

JUNIOR LEADERS are individuals who volunteer hours of their time to teach, share, and help other 4-Her’s. First year Junior Leader pins were awarded to: Jenna Anger, Meredith Carey, Brittany Carpenter, Elise Goehringer, Jimmy Kucharzyk, Rayne Lawrence, Tanner LeCates, Katelyn Records, Cody Robinson, & Taylor Wroten

LEADER PINS:
1 Year Leader Pins:  David Bracht, Pamela Broussard, Shelly McCarron, Jocelyn Reinke, Carrie Stewart & Heather Taylor
5 year Leader Pin:  Vicki Nechay
10 year Leader Pins:  Karen Bell and Connie Yeary
15 year Leader Pin:  Arlene Baynard
20 year Leader Pin:  Sally Ford
45 year Leader Pin:  Ellen Vanderwende

Cloverbuds
There were 80 Sussex County Cloverbuds.  In recognition of their fine efforts Cloverbuds receive a 4-H pin.

Exploring 4-H Project:  This project is designed for 4-H’ers 8-12 years old.  One hundred and twenty seven first year members were enrolled in this project.  Fourteen 4-H’ers completed the project record that was judged for this event.  In alphabetical order:  Holly Calloway, Rachel Carey, Alyssa Carpenter, Mallary Cummings, Jace Goff, Austin Jewell, Kyle Kerr, Avery Kerrick, Katie Kuhlman, Bryan Ucman, Paul Webb III

Exploring 4-H Award Winners
Honorable Mention:  Katie Kuhlman
Winners:  Rachel Carey, Mallary Cummings and Kyle Kerr

Diamond Clover Awards
Level 1 Award Winners (Amethyst pin):  Holly Calloway, Rachel Carey, Alyssa Carpenter, Alexia Carroll, Gerald Carroll, Cody Coleman, Mallary Cummings, Collin Cunningham, Zoe Cunningham, Jace Goff, Kaleb Parsons, & Paige Taylor

Level 2 Award Winners (Aquamarine pin):  Erin Carey, Dylan Carpenter, MacKenna Kerrick, Rayne Lawrence, & Brianna Morris

Level 3 Award Winners (Ruby pin):  Brittany Carpenter, Ryan Cummings, Hannah Henderson, Jaycie Kerrick, & Tanner LeCates

Level 4 Award Winners (Sapphire pin):  Jenna Anger & Meredith Carey

Diamond Clover (Level 6) Award Winner (Diamond pin):
Mikayla Ockels – Harbor Lights 4-H Club – Project on improving management practices of Indian River High School farm

 

 

Shooting Sports—Archery Awards
Recurve Bow
Junior Division:  Ian Rieley, Hollymount
Intermediate Division:  Meredith Carey, Mustangs
Sr. Division:  Travis Waller, Clover Knights

Compound Bow
Junior Division:  Megan Wilson, Clover Knights
Intermediate Division: Hannah Henderson, Blue Jays
Senior Division:  Travis Waller, Clover Knights

Horse Bowl
Beginner Team, sponsored East Coast Riding Club, 1st place in the state competition.
Team members included:  Layne Smith and Ruby Phillips

2nd place in the state competition, sponsored by the  Bridgeville Mustangs.
Team members included: Paige Taylor, Donna Mullins, Cheyenne Bowman and Alexia Carroll

Intermediate Team 1st place, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club.
Team members included:  Katelyn Records and Garrett Smith,

Senior Team 1st place, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club,
Team members included:  Jackie Arpie, Whitney Records, Mikayla Ockels and Rebecca Arpie

Judging Trophies
Mr. William Vanderwende and sons sponsored the Dairy Trophy.  This trophy was presented to the Highest Scoring Sussex County 4-H’er in the State Dairy Judging Contest.  Receiving the trophy this year was Holly Anderson, Hollymount 4-H Club.

Kaitlin Klair presented the Wildlife/Conservation Trophy on behalf of the Soil Conservation District.  The top scorer in the County Wildlife Contest was Andy Duvall, Country Clovers.

Mr. and Mrs. John Hukill sponsored the Horticulture Judging Trophy.  The Horticulture Contest tested the participants’ knowledge of weeds, bedding plants, vegetables, diseases and insects.  The winner this year was Jenna Anger, Bridgeville Mustangs.

The Foods & Nutrition Judging Trophy was sponsored by the Argo family.  This contest emphasizes dietary and safe food habits and consumer skills. This year’s winners were:  Jill Koski, Seaford Blue Jays, and Matison Smith, Dublin Hill.

The Textile & Clothing Judging Trophy was also sponsored by the Argo family.   Participants need to know fibers, fabric care, construction techniques, terminology and how to select quality garments.  The trophy winner was Angela Lagano, Country Clovers.

The Photography Judging participants need to know equipment and the effects light and equipment have on the finished pictures. The 2014 Photography Judging winner was Amanda Kucharzyk, Milford 4-H Club.

The Wood Science Judging Contest participants rank wood articles, identify tools and wood, perform a woodworking skill and test wood science consumer skills and terminology.  The winner of the Wood Science Trophy was Ike Wharton, Buttonwood.

Diana Goodlavage sponsored the Horse Judging Contest Trophy.  This year, Mikayla Ockels, Harbor Lights, was the trophy recipient.

Diana Goodlavage also sponsored the Livestock Judging Contest Trophy. Livestock judging participants judge swine, sheep, beef, and goats, give oral presentations and are scored on knowledge, terminology, and communication.  Participants compete at the State Livestock Contest.  The winner of the 2014 Livestock Trophy Connor Vincent, Bridgeville Mustangs.

Leaders Association Scholarship
The Leaders Association Scholarship Award is given to outstanding 4-H’ers.  The award takes into consideration:  1) Completing 4-H project work and project book; 2) Participating in county and state 4-H activities; 3) Providing community service; and 4) Demonstration of leadership. 4-H’ers may receive this award only once.  The winners of the 2014 Leaders Scholarships were Laurie Wroten and Shawn Mitchell.

Links Scholarships
The recipients of this award received a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend Camp.
Male Winner: Tanner LeCates; Alternate: Wesley DeFord
Female Winner: Erin Carey; Alternate: Rachel Carey

Phyllis Hill Memorial Award
Holly Anderson and Colleen Anderson presented the Phyllis Hill Memorial Award on behalf of the Hollymount Club. The recipient of this award was Angela Lagano.  Angela is a member of the Country Clovers 4-H Club.

Day Camp Counselors:  Colleen Anderson, Holly Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Jackie Arpie, Rebecca Arpie, Michael Hopkins, Angela Lagano, Kimberlyn Scott, Jonah Vincent, Nathaniel Vincent, Zach Adams, Brittany Carpenter, Taylor Messick, and Maggie Durig.

Younger Member Weekend Counselors:  These youth planned, organized, and implemented an exciting overnight camping experience for 22 younger 4-H’ers 8-12 years old.  The theme was “Let the Magic Begin…Disney!”

The Junior Leaders were:  Jackie Arpie, Jonah Vincent, Kimberlyn Scott, Emma Rider, Angela Lagano, Holly Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Hannah Mayhorn, Shannon Bradley, Whitney Records, Rebecca Arpie, Kaitlyn Willin, Paige Vincent, Dustin Waller, Michael Hopkins, Shawn Mitchell, Jarrett Williams.

Sussex County Farm Tours:  These youth helped at the Hopkins Farm Tours in May – Holly Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Shawn Mitchell, Maddy Kibler, Mikayla Ockels, Matthew Rieley, James, Rieley, Michael Hopkins, Jacob Hopkins, Grace Hopkins, & Luke Hopkins

Ida Layton Award:  The Ida Layton Award is sponsored by the Layton Family in honor of Ida Layton, former 4-H leader and member of the Sussex County Horse Advisory.  Melissa Layton presented the award to Jackie Arpie.  Jackie is a member of the Cypress Heart & Hands 4-H Club and outgoing President of Sussex 4-H Jr. Council. She currently attends the University of Delaware.

2014 Animal Skill-A-Thon
JUNIOR LEVEL WINNERS:
Third Place:   Jenna Anger, Bridgeville Mustangs
Second Place:  Rachel Bollinger, Bridgeville Mustangs
First Place: Matthew Rieley, Hollymount

SENIOR LEVEL WINNERS:
Third Place: James Rieley, Hollymount
Second Place: Paige Vincent, Bridgeville Mustangs
First Place: Connor Vincent, Bridgeville Mustangs

**NEW THIS YEAR** – 4-H SPIRIT AWARDS
The 4-H Spirit Awards are similar to those given at State 4-H Camp.  Recipients will be awarded for how they represented the 4 H’s (Head, Heart, Hands, Health) and  4-H Spirit throughout the year.  5 youth and one adult will receive this award each year.

Head award recipient:  Holly Anderson – Holly used her knowledge of Dairy cattle to train 4-H members from Sussex and Kent counties.  She encouraged younger members to participate in the state judging contest and has most recently started a Dairy Club.

Heart Award recipient:  Autumn Lenhart – This young lady has participated in a variety of events at the local, county, and state levels.  She participated in the Photography, Wood Science, and Wildlife judging contests and was able to compete at the State Fair.  Although Autumn has a quiet nature, she puts her heart into all of her 4-H projects.

Hands Award:  Shawn Mitchell  – for his hard work and dedication as a Jr. Council member.  Males were a minority in Jr. Council this year, but Shawn could be found at almost every event.  From Fall Overnighter, YAP Conference, Younger Member Weekend, and Farm Tour to riding the Sussex Float every night at the State Fair.  Shawn can always be counted on to help.

Health Award:  Matthew Rieley – He is always on the go and willing to help in a variety of ways.  Matthew gave a wonderful speech at our Public Speaking Contest and participated in many events such as Photography Judging, Archery, and Younger Member Weekend.  Matthew was a wonderful help at the Hopkins Farm Tour.  Many teachers commented on his knowledge of animals and polite nature.

Member Spirit Award:  Jackie Arpie – She has brought many new ideas and excitement to the 4-H program this year.  She did an excellent job as President of Jr. Council where she helped plan and implement many county events.  Throughout the year, Jackie would stop by my office to share her thoughts and ideas with me.  Much of the excitement at Younger Member Weekend came from Jackie and her sister Rebecca, who made awesome Disney themed props for the campers and counselors.  This young woman’s love for 4-H shines through in all that she does.

Adult Spirit Award:  Melissa Mitchell, Dublin Hill Leader, has been a valuable asset to Sussex 4-H for many years.  She is always willing to help wherever she can and always does it with a smile on her face plus a hug sometimes.  Melissa helps out at events such as Fall Retreat, Winter Fun Day, Jr. Leader Weekend and the Horse Show.  She was a wonderful help with the Jr. Council and the Sussex Float for the State Fair.  Melissa has been in 4-H since she was young and continues to make the program fun for all who come in contact with her.

Special thanks to our distinguished guests for attending and helping present awards:  Rep. Steve Smyk, Rep. Harvey Kenton, Dr. Mark Isaacs – Director of Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Center and the Gooden Family, Dana Sharpe & Alex Gooden, for presenting the Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Awards.

View more photos of this event on our Delaware 4-H Flickr Site