Recap from a celebration of our Sussex County 4-H Family that made a BIG SPLASH!
FRIEND OF 4-H AWARD
The Friend of 4-H Award is given to businesses, organizations, and individuals that promote youth development and help Sussex 4-H attain their goals and objectives.
The recipient of the 2015 Friend of 4-H Award is Vincent Farms. The Tom & Carole Vincent Family was chosen for this award because of their generous donations and continued involvement and dedication to 4-H activities.
The Vincent Family has been involved in 4-H for over thirty five years. Carole began her 4-H leadership in the Sycamore Club in Laurel, DE and helped guide her three children and many other youth through the 4-H program. Her six grandchildren enrolled in 4-H, and Carole again began attending 4-H activities and events. Carole continued working with 4-H as a Link Member, Delaware 4-H Foundation Member, Judge, 4-H Conversations Project Sussex County Coordinator, County Leader and resource leader. Carole has volunteered to co-chair the Fashion Showcase Contest, work at the Horse Show, Judge project records, State Fair entries, demonstration and public speaking contests and is a member of multiple committees, Treasurer of the Sussex Order of Links, and Past President of the Sussex Leaders Association.
While Carole has been involved in lots of activities, her husband Tom and their sons Raymond and Clay have helped 4-H behind the scenes. Whether providing the hay wagons for our annual Pumpkin Contest, helping with club level activities or purchasing an ad for the Horse Show Ad Book. The family has also contributed monetary donations to fund the Betty Jestice Scholarship, which helps send a young 4-H member to State Camp. For many years, the Vincent Family provided the awards for the Fashion Showcase Honor Court. Carole has also donated handmade jewelry and other items for many silent auctions. This family has helped Sussex 4-H members in a variety of ways.
We thank Carole, Tom and their sons for sharing their time and knowledge in so many ways. The next time you see the Vincents, please be sure to thank them for their commitment to the Sussex 4-H Program!
JOY SPARKS SPIRIT OF 4-H AWARD
This year’s recipient was Dr. William (Bill) Campbell. Bill was chosen for this award because of his Leadership of reviving the Archery Competitions in Sussex County and his continued involvement and dedication to 4-H activities.
Bill was a project leader at Sycamore 4-H Club for photography and then re-opened his childhood club, Mt. Pleasant, and was the Club Leader. He has held various positions including President of the Leader’s Association. He has received the Volunteer of the Year award and in 2013, received the Sussex Friend of 4-H Award. Bill loved any event where he was grilling, such as the Sussex Horse Show or Wednesday night of State Camp. He was State Camp Nurse for 2nd week for about 10 years and has served on several camp committees, including Camp Clean Up and Camp Reunion. Bill has served at the state level serving on committees for the North East Leader’s Forum and has spoken at both North East Leader’s Forum and at the yearly state Leader’s Forum.
He currently judges photography at the DSF and is the county archery leader.
His proudest 4-H accomplishment is raising 2 children, Jonathan and Megan, through the 4-H program who are both Links as well! There is little doubt that Bill will continue to inspire “To Make the Best Better.”
NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS
Mr. Doug Crouse and Representative Dave Wilson presented certificates to the National Congress participants. They are: Shawn Mitchell and Laurie Wroten. These youth will travel to Atlanta, Georgia November 27- Dec. 1, 2015 to attend 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: Holly Anderson, Hunter Baynard, Nathan Bradley, Jenna Hitchens, Emma Rider, Kaleb Scott and Jonah Vincent.
CLUB AWARDS
4-HOOFBEATS
1 AWARD
Alexis Blockson: Judging
Haley Reynolds: Judging
BRIDGEVILLE MUSTANGS
1 AWARD
Cheyenne Bowman: Judging
Carter Bradley: Exploring 4-H
Holly Calloway: Foods
Alyssa Carpenter: Arts & Crafts
Cole Carpenter: Exploring 4-H
Dylan Carpenter: Shooting Sports
Yasmin Cruz: Public Speaking
Austin Jewell: Poultry
Rachel Mordes: Exploring 4-H
Kaleb Parsons: Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Brittany Carpenter: Horticulture & Judging
Gerald Carroll: Goats & Poultry
Mallary Cummings: Foods & Health
Ryan Cummings: Community Service & Health
Carlyn DeFord: Demonstration & Exploring 4-H
Wesley DeFord: Demonstration & Shooting Sports
Tanner LeCates: Community Service & Small Engines
Kaitlyn Willin: Foods & Judging
3 AWARDS
Rachel Carey: Community Service, Foods & Health
Alexia Carroll: Goats, Judging & Poultry
Kyle Kerr: Foods, Public Speaking & Wildlife
4 AWARDS
Erin Carey: Community Service, Foods, Health & Judging
5 AWARDS
Meredith Carey: Community Service, Foods, Health, Judging & Leadership
Paige Taylor: Demonstration, Foods, Horse, Judging & Rabbits
7 AWARDS
Erin Carey: Dairy, Demonstration, Bicycle, Foods, Community Service, Health, & Judging
13 AWARDS
Jenna Anger: Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Demonstration, Foods, Health, Horse, Horticulture, Judging, Leadership, Performing Arts, Public Speaking, Rabbits & Shooting Sports
BUTTONWOOD
4 AWARDS
Ike Wharton: Goats, Judging, Shooting Sports & Wood Science
CLOVER KNIGHTS
1 AWARD
Seth Layfield: Judging
Rebecca Lenhart: Public Speaking
Thomas McCabe: Public Speaking
Emily Phillips: Public Speaking
Ruby Phillips: Public Speaking
Madison Rice: Judging
Dustin Waller: Judging
2 AWARDS
Autumn Lenhart: Hiking & Public Speaking
Tommy Warren: Judging & Public Speaking
COUNTRY CLOVERS
1 AWARD
Kaitlyn Johnson: Demonstration
Madison Johnson: Demonstration
Hannah Passwaters: Fashion Showcase
2 AWARDS
Angela Lagano: Fashion Showcase & Judging
3 AWARDS
Connor Smith: Demonstration, Fashion Showcase & Public Speaking
Hailey Smith: Demonstration, Fashion Showcase & Public Speaking
CYPRESS HEART & HANDS
1 AWARD
Katelyn Records: Judging
3 AWARDS
Abigail Krams: Demonstration, Foods & Clothing
Elizabeth Krams: Demonstration, Foods & Clothing
Zoe Probert: Fashion Showcase, Judging & Public Speaking
8 AWARDS
Rebecca Arpie: Arts & Crafts, Clothing, Demonstration, Foods, Judging, Photography, Shooting Sports & Wood Science
DUBLIN HILL
1 AWARD
Donna Mullins: Horse
Emma Rider: Judging
Rachel Robb: Photography
Matison Smith: Goats
2 AWARDS
Alexandria Nechay: Community Service & Sheep
3 AWARDS
Erryn Smith: Goats, Judging & Shooting Sports
Jarrett Williams: Community Service, Judging & Leadership
4 AWARDS
Gabriella Morra: Community Service, Foods, Photography & Public Speaking
5 AWARDS
Shawn Mitchell: Community Service, Demonstration, Foods, Leadership & Sheep
Laurie Wroten: Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Foods, Judging & Leadership
Taylor Wroten: Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Foods, Judging & Leadership
HARBOR LIGHTS
1 AWARD
Destiny Carmona: Public Speaking
Zoe Cunningham: Public Speaking
Olivia Goehringer: Public Speaking
Ben Ockels: Judging
2 AWARDS
Collin Cunningham: Judging & Public Speaking
Aileen Goehringer: Fashion Showcase & Judging
Elise Goehringer: Fashion Showcase & Judging
Marissa Timmons: Fashion Showcase & Judging
3 AWARDS
Diamond Carmona: Fashion Showcase, Judging & Public Speaking
10 AWARDS
Mikayla Ockels: Bee Keeping, Community Service, Goats, Horse, Judging, Photography, Poultry, Public Speaking, Vegetable Gardening, Vet Science
HOLLYMOUNT
1 AWARD
Anna Lopez: Public Speaking
Dory McCormick: Demonstration
2 AWARDS
Bailey Fletcher: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
Sundene Lodge: Photography & Public Speaking
Samantha Messick: Judging & Public Speaking
Kyle Morris: Foods & Public Speaking
Hunter Severs: Dairy & Judging
3 AWARDS
Beth Krajewski: Exploring 4-H, Judging & Public Speaking
Sarah Krajewski: Dairy, Judging & Public Speaking
Katie Kuhlman: Judging, Public Speaking & Wood Science
Matthew Rieley: Dairy, Judging & Public Speaking
Miguel Rodriguez: Dairy, Judging & Public Speaking
4 AWARDS
Colleen Anderson: Community Service, Dairy, Goats & Leadership (APPLAUSE)
5 AWARDS
Ainsley West: Demonstration, Exploring 4-H, Fashion Showcase, Judging & Public Speaking
6 AWARDS
Holly Anderson: Community Service, Dairy, Demonstration, Judging, Leadership & Vet Science
Taylor Messick: Dairy, Demonstration, Judging, Leadership, Public Speaking & Shooting Sports
LORD BALTIMORE HELPING HANDS
1 AWARD
Bryan Ucman: Photography
Lexi Ucman: Photography
Miranda Ucman: Photography
2 AWARDS
Kylie Ucman: Foods & Photography
3 AWARDS
Maggie Ford: Foods, Judging & Photography
Milford 4-H Club
1 AWARD
Amanda Kucharzyk: Judging
Jimmy Kucharzyk: Judging
Garrett Smith: Judging
Layne Smith: Judging
Victoria Smith: Exploring 4-H
ROSSAKATUM
2 AWARDS
Evan Short: Foods & Vegetable Gardening
SEAFORD BLUEJAYS
1 AWARD
Logan Black: Wood Science
Alyssa Thawley: Foods
2 AWARDS
Shannon Bradley: Foods & Leadership
Hannah Henderson: Judging & Photography
3 AWARDS
Jill Koski: Foods, Judging & Public Speaking
STATELINE
1 AWARD
Cline Broussard: Judging
Claudia VanGessel: Clothing
Gladis VanGessel: Photography
JUNIOR LEADERS are individuals who volunteer hours of their time to teach, share, and help other 4-Her’s. Junior Leader pins were awarded to: Rebecca Lenhart, Taylor Messick, Kyle Morris, Kaleb Parsons, Haley Reynolds, Garrett Smith, Alyssa Thawley, Daniel Tull and Paige Vincent.
LEADER PINS:
Receiving their 1st year Leader Pins were:
Holly Anderson, Ashley Greenhawk, Jackie Arpie, Tameca Beckett, Lori Brown, Rene Diaz, Mary Lagano, Renee Parker, Travis Waller and Amy West
Receiving a 5 year Leader Pin were:
Noel Lenhart, Mike Love and Robin Wroten
Receiving a 10 year Leader Pin were:
Paul Anderson and Bo Waller
Receiving a 20 year Leader Pin this evening were:
Teresa Bennington, Carol Johnson and Wendy Wharton
Receiving a 35 year Leader Pin were:
Debbie Vanderwende and Carole Vincent
Cloverbuds
There were 35 Sussex County Cloverbuds. In recognition of their fine efforts Cloverbuds received a 4-H pin and mini flying disc.
Exploring 4-H Project: This project is designed for 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. One hundred forty five first year members were enrolled in this project. Eight 4-H’ers completed the project record that was judged for this event. In alphabetical order: Carter Bradley, Cole Carpenter, Carlyn DeFord, Bailey Fletcher, Beth Krajewski, Rachel Mordes, Victoria Smith and Ainsley West
Exploring 4-H Award Winners
Honorable Mention: Carter Bradley, Victoria Smith and Ainsley West
Winners: Bailey Fletcher & Beth Krajewski
Diamond Clover Awards
Level 1 Award Winners (Amethyst pin)
Carter Bradley, Dakota Carmona, Destiny Carmona, Diamond Carmona, Cole Carpenter, Carlyn DeFord, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Autumn Lenhart, Rebecca Lenhart, Sundene Lodge, Zoe Probert, Paul Webb, & Ainsley West
Level 2 Award Winners (Aquamarine pin)
Holly Calloway, Rachel Carey, Mallary Cummings, Jace Goff, Ben Ockels, & Paige Taylor
Level 3 Award Winners (Ruby pin)
Erin Carey & Alyssa Carpenter
Level 4 Award Winners (Sapphire pin)
Wesley DeFord & Hannah Henderson
Level 5 Award Winners (Emerald pin)
Jenna Anger, Meredith Carey & Brittany Carpenter
Diamond Clover (Level 6) Award Winner (Diamond pin):
Holly Anderson – Hollymount 4-H Club – Project on forming the Sussex 4-H Dairy Club
Shooting Sports—Archery Awards
Recurve Bow
Junior Division: Ian Rieley, Hollymount
Intermediate Division: Cline Broussard, Stateline
Sr. Division: Rebecca Arpie, Cypress Heart & Hands
Compound Bow
Junior Division: Connor Smith, Country Clovers
Intermediate Division: Megan Wilson, Clover Knights
Senior Division: Rebecca Arpie, Cypress Heart & Hands
Horse Bowl
Beginner Teams, Fearsome Fillies, sponsored East Coast Riding & 4-Hoofbeats Club, won 2nd place in the state competition. Team members included: Tori Smith, Anna Lopez, Kyli Baridon & Alex Herber. 3rd place in the state competition, Mini Stars, sponsored by East Coast Team members included: Logan Layfield, Ruby Phillips, and Emily Phillips. The Magic Mustangs, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs included: Paige Taylor, Alexia Carroll and Cheyenne Bowman.
Intermediate Teams, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club, Team members included: Layne Smith and Autumn Lenhart. Intermediate Team, the Equinators, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs. Team members included: Jenna Anger, Tanner LeCates and CJ Carroll. Intermediate Team, sponsored by 4-Hoofbeats included: Kassidy Brown and Olivia Montgomery.
Senior Team, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club, Team members included: Garrett Smith, Rebecca Arpie, Whitney Records and Mikayla Ockels.
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 Hunter Severs, Sussex 4-H Dairy Club.
The Wildlife/Conservation Trophy was presented on behalf of the Soil Conservation District. The top scorer in the County Wildlife Contest was Madison Rice, Clover Knights.
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 Amanda Kucharzyk, Milford 4-H.
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 winner was Amanda Kucharzyk.
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 2015 Photography Judging winner was Amanda Kucharzyk.
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, Haley Reynolds, 4-Hoofbeats, 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 2015 Livestock Trophy Seth Layfield, Clover Knights.
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 2015 Leaders Scholarships were Erryn Smith & Jarrett Williams. Alternate winner was: Taylor Messick.
Links Scholarships
The recipients of this award received a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend Camp.
Male Winner: Kyle Kerr
Female Winner: Sarah Krajewski; Alternate: Paige Taylor
Phyllis Hill Memorial Award
Amy West presented the Phyllis Hill Memorial Award on behalf of the Hollymount Club. The recipient of this award was Holly Anderson. Holly is a member of the Hollymount and Sussex 4-H Dairy Clubs.
Barbara Taylor Memorial Award
Jacalyn Bradley presented the first annual Barbara Taylor Memorial Award. This award looks at overall participation in events, especially Public Speaking and Demonstrations. The recipient of the award was Ainsley West, Hollymount. Ainsley will receive a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend.
Day Camp Counselors: Zach Adams, Colleen Anderson, Holly Anderson, Rebecca Arpie, Meredith Carey, Brittany Carpenter, Caden Dickerson, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Morris, Kaleb Parsons, Kimberlyn Scott, Alyssa Thawley, Paige Vincent and Jarrett Williams.
Younger Member Weekend Counselors: These youth planned, organized, and implemented an exciting overnight camping experience for 42 younger 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. The theme was “The Wizard of Oz”. The Junior Leaders were: Colleen Anderson, Holly Anderson, Rebecca Arpie, Shannon Bradley, Brittany Carpenter, Jacob Hopkins, Amanda Kucharzyk, Jimmy Kucharzyk, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Amberlie Rice, Emma Rider, Kimberlyn Scott, Garrett Smith, Paige Vincent, Jarrett Williams and Kaitlyn Willin
Sussex County Farm Tours: Holly Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Jenna Anger, Meredith Carey, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Taylor Messick, Matthew Rieley, James Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Evan Short, Tommy Warren, 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 Kimberlyn Scott. Kimberlyn is a member of the Independent: Scott 4-H Club and outgoing President of Sussex 4-H Jr. Council. She currently attends the University of Delaware.
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.
This year’s Head award recipient is Shannon Bradley. Shannon used her knowledge of 4-H activities and events to encourage younger members to participate in a variety of activities. She also strengthened her leadership skills by helping at the Fall Overnighter and Younger Member Weekend.
Wesley DeFord is receiving the Heart Award. This young man has participated in a variety of events at the local, county, and state levels. Whenever there is an event, Wesley is there willing and able to help. Whether at the county events or the Delaware State Fair, Wesley can be seen helping to set-up or take down the events. Wesley puts his heart into everything he does.
The Hands Award is presented to Taylor Messick for her hard work and dedication as a Jr. Council member. From helping at Younger Member Weekend and Day Camp to Hopkins Farm Tours and helping at the DE State Fair, Taylor can always be counted on to help.
The Health Award goes to Zoe Probert. This young woman is always on the go and willing to help in a variety of ways. Zoe gave a wonderful speech at our Public Speaking Contest and participated in many events such as Clothing Showcase, Archery, and Younger Member Weekend. Zoe may come across to some as quiet, but I have seen her come out of her shell and start to develop many important life skills.
Rebecca Arpie is receiving the Member Spirit Award. This young woman has brought many new ideas and excitement to the 4-H program this year. Throughout the year, Rebecca has shared her thoughts and ideas. She is always looking for creative and fun ideas for activities, crafts and themes for events such as Younger Member Weekend and Day Camp. Rebecca is always smiling and willing to help wherever she can! This young woman’s love for 4-H shines through in all that she does.
Last but not least is the Adult Spirit Award. Sharon Anderson, Hollymount Club 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. Sharon helps out at events such as Fall Retreat, Winter Fun Day, Jr. Leader Weekend and Hopkins Farm Tour. She was a wonderful help with the Jr. Council at meetings and events. Sharon is always coming up with new ideas and ways to promote 4-H. She makes the program fun for all who come in contact with her.
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Special thanks to our distinguished guests for attending and helping present awards: Dr. Mark Isaacs – Director of Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Center and Representative Dave Wilson.
View more photos of this event on our Delaware 4-H Flickr Site