Recap from a sweet celebration of our Sussex County 4-H Family which took place on September 25, 2016. View photos of this event on our Delaware 4-H Flickr Site
JOY SPARKS SPIRIT OF 4-H AWARD
Rita Lofland is a former 4-H member, Club Organizational Leader and former Sussex 4-H staff member. She has been involved with Delaware 4-H for most of her life. Rita was chosen for this award because of and her continued involvement and dedication to 4-H activities as a leader and staff member.
Rita Lofland joined 4-H at the age of eight when she became a Peach Blossom 4-H’er in Kent County. Her parents, Bobby and Ruth Ann Messick were the club leaders. She was active in the Fashion Revues, Ready Foods, Talent Shows, Camp and even showed sheep and ponies at the State Fair. After graduation and marrying her husband, Donnie, they moved to Greenwood. When their two children joined the Greenwood Hi-Flyers, Rita became a Sussex County Leader in 1987. As the children got older, she applied for a part-time position in the Sussex 4-H office and was hired by Mary Argo in 1996.
Now, 20 years later, Rita is still an active Leader of the East Coast 4-H Riding Club and organizes Breyer Paint Nights, Breyer Horse Shows, and Horse Bowl teams. Her family’s love of horses led Donnie and Rita to chaperone the 1st Delaware Appaloosa youth team to attend the National Show in Oklahoma in 1998. They still own two Appaloosa horses and four pet miniature donkeys.
As a staff member Rita had a variety of responsibilities. From helping with the monthly newsletter, balancing the county bank account and a variety of other activities. She was always looking for ways to help promote 4-H. Her positive attitude and smile were always welcoming to staff, members and volunteers.
Rita was awarded the NAE4-HA Award for Support Staff by Mary Argo and the Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Leader Award for Sussex County. Rita is looking forward to retirement and plans to be able to travel a little in the future, hoping to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, Dollywood and Nashville. We will be sure to see Rita helping with county 4-H events as well as the Delaware State Fair!
Please join me in thanking Rita for her dedication to Sussex County 4-H. There is little doubt that Rita will continue to inspire “To Make the Best Better!”
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 2016 Friend of 4-H Award is Donna Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell was chosen for this award because of her support and involvement and with 4-H activities.
Donna first came to learn about 4-H during her time as the Director of Camp Barnes during the late 1980’s through the mid-1990s. Working closely with 4-H Program Leaders like Joy Sparks and Mary Argo, Donna incorporated many of 4-H teachings into her own camp. When Donna became the Property Manager at the Hickory Tree Delaware State Housing Authority Site in Selbyville in 1995, she felt that the youth in her community would benefit tremendously from a program like 4-H. As a result, Donna Mitchell became a founding leader of the Hickory Tree Bluebirds 4-H Club in 1996. Hickory Tree 4-H became the first club chartered at a Delaware State Housing Authority Site and paved the way for countless other 4-H programs housed at Delaware State Housing Authority sites throughout Sussex and Kent Counties. Over the past 20 years Donna’s commitment to 4-H has not wavered. She has collaborated with the Indian River School District and 4-H Program to secure multiple 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants that have helped keep the Hickory Tree 4-H running and led to its expansion to include afterschool and summer programs. In addition, through her efforts the Indian River School District has consistently provided on site teacher tutors to help Hickory Tree 4-H students with their academics.
We thank Ms. Mitchell for sharing their time and knowledge in so many ways. We wish her well in her future retirement!
NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTICIPANT
Mr. Doug Crouse, along with Representatives Ruth Briggs-King and Dave Wilson, presented a certificate to the National Congress participant, Rebecca Arpie. She will travel to Atlanta, Georgia November 25- November 29, 2016 to attend National 4-H Club Congress.
New Inductees to the Sussex County Order of Links
Amy West, President of the Sussex Order of Links conducted the induction ceremony.
New inductees are: Shannon Bradley, Clyde Mellin, Kimberlyn Scott, Erryn Smith, Paige Vincent, Nathaniel Vincent, Dustin Waller and Laurie Wroten.
Club Awards
BRIDGEVILLE MUSTANGS
1 AWARD
Reagan Clark: Exploring 4-H
Josie Gilces: Exploring 4-H
Jace Goff: Small Engine
Austin Jewell: Demonstration
Kyle Kerr: Foods
Avery Kerrick: Demonstration
Riley Taylor: Exploring 4-H
Annika Teagle: Foods
Paul Webb: Small Engines
2 AWARDS
Holly Calloway: Foods and Food Science
Erin Carey: Citizenship and Health
Rachel Carey: Citizenship and Health
Mallary Cummings: Citizenship and Health
Tanner LeCates: Citizenship and Small Engines
3 AWARDS
Carter Bradley: Citizenship, Foods and Public Speaking
Gerald Carroll: Dairy, Goats and Poultry
Ryan Cummings: Shooting Sports, Citizenship and Leadership
Wesley DeFord: Citizenship, Outdoor Adventures & Demonstration
4 AWARDS
Alexia Carroll: Goats, Horse, Poultry & Demonstration
Carley DeFord: Archery, Foods, Outdoor Adventures & Demonstration
Paige Taylor: Foods, Horse, Rabbit & Demonstration
5 AWARDS
Meredith Carey: Community Service, Foods, Health, Leadership & Public Speaking
10 AWARDS
Jenna Anger: Shooting Sports, Arts & Crafts, Citizenship, Clothing & Textiles, Foods, Horticulture, Leadership, Performing Arts, Demonstration & Public Speaking
CLOVER KNIGHTS
1 AWARD
Thomas McCabe: Public Speaking
Emily Phillips: Demonstration
Tommy Warren: Demonstration
COUNTRY CLOVERS
1 AWARD
Abigail Hurley: Demonstration
Kaitlyn Johnson: Demonstration
Madison Johnson: Demonstration
Connor Smith: Public Speaking
Hailey Smith: Public Speaking
CYPRESS HEART & HANDS
2 AWARDS
Rebecca Arpie: Archery & Arts & Crafts
DUBLIN HILL
1 AWARD
Blake Allen: Exploring 4-H
Travis Allen: Exploring 4-H
Shawn Mitchell: Leadership
Alexandria Nechay: Sheep
Alanna Vanderwende: Public Speaking
Jarrett Williams: Leadership
2 AWARDS
Aydan Vanderwende: Photography & Public Speaking
Taylor Wroten: Arts & Crafts and Citizenship
3 AWARDS
Devon Allen: Exploring 4-H, Demonstration and Public Speaking
4 AWARDS
Gabriella Morra: Citizenship, Foods, Photography and Public Speaking
HARBOR LIGHTS
1 AWARD
Ben Ockels: Public Speaking
3 AWARDS
Dakota Carmona: Demonstration, Clothing Showcase & Public Speaking
Destiny Carmona: Demonstration, Clothing Showcase & Public Speaking
Diamond Carmona: Demonstration, Clothing Showcase & Public Speaking
HICKORY TREE
1 AWARD
Sage Dismuke: Demonstration
Machi Jernigan: Demonstration
Sachi Jernigan: Demonstration
Zimir Lopez: Demonstration
Tonaya Santiago: Demonstration
2 AWARDS
Nizair White: Demonstration & Public Speaking
Jasmine Simmons: Demonstration & Public Speaking
Breoja Dixon: Demonstration & Public Speaking
HOLLYMOUNT
1 AWARD
Jordan Elmer: Public Speaking
Shelana Elmer: Public Speaking
Aaron Elmer: Public Speaking
Lily Koster: Dairy
Anna Lopez: Public Speaking
Kyle Morris: Foods
Matthew Rieley: Public Speaking
Miguel Rodriguez: Public Speaking
Rileigh Wilson: Demonstration
2 AWARDS
Colleen Anderson: Citizenship & Leadership
Gianna Joella: Exploring 4-H and Public Speaking
Beth Krajewski: Dairy & Demonstration
Sarah Krajewski: Dairy & Demonstration
Katie Kuhlman: Demonstration & Public Speaking
Sundene Lodge: Horse & Public Speaking
Trey Lodge: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
Samantha Messick: Dairy & Public Speaking
Taylor Messick: Dairy & Public Speaking
Daniel Tull: Leadership & Public Speaking
5 AWARDS
Bailey Fletcher: Outdoor Adventures, Performing Arts, Public Speaking, Sheep & Demonstration
9 AWARDS
Ainsley West: Archery, Clothing & Textiles, Foods, Horticulture, Poultry, Public Speaking, Small Animal, Clothing Showcase & Demonstration
LORD BALTIMORE HELPING HANDS
1 AWARD
Maggie Ford: Photography
Kylie Ucman: Photography
Lexi Ucman: Photography
Miranda Ucman: Photography
2 AWARDS
Bryan Ucman: Photography & Microwave Magic
ROSSAKATUM
1 AWARD
Evan Short: Vegetable Gardening
SEAFORD BLUEJAYS
1 AWARD
Amelia Boyer: Exploring 4-H
Shannon Bradley: Foods
Ivy Genshaw: Exploring 4-H
Seth Genshaw: Exploring 4-H
Hannah Henderson: Photography
2 AWARDS
Alexis Boyer: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
Jill Koski: Foods & Public Speaking
SUNSET BRANCH
1 AWARD
Ryleigh Cunnane: Public Speaking
Emily Hudson: Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Kieran Probert: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
Zoe Probert: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
Benjamin Warren: Exploring 4-H & Public Speaking
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: Destiny Carmona, Collin Cunningham, Ryan Cummings, Hannah Henderson, Jill Koski, Abigail Krams, Elizabeth Krams, Madison Rice, Evan Short, Garrett Smith and Layne Smith.
LEADER PINS:
Receiving their 1st year Leader Pin:
Angela Arpie, Paul Arpie, Susan Bibb, Jennifer Bradley, Mandy Croll, Rebecca DiGiovanni, Mike Goff, Shante Hastings, Carey Hocker, Crystal Hickman, Tonya James, Rebecca Johnson, Celeste Jones, Rebecca Jones, Melissa Layton, Robin O’Day, Dana Probert, Nicole Ruscavage, Eddie Sparpaglione, Jaime Swartz, Corey Taylor, Noell Warren, and Paul Webb
Receiving a 5 year Leader Pin:
Jeff Allen, Neil Anger, Tom Carey, and Tammy Williamson
Receiving a 10 year Leader Pin:
Heather Records
Receiving a 15 year Leader Pin:
Jodie Gravenor and Melissa Mitchell
Receiving a 25 year Leader Pin:
Gil & Roxanne Hense
Cloverbuds
There were 39 Sussex County Cloverbuds. In recognition of their fine efforts Cloverbuds received a 4-H bracelet.
Exploring 4-H Project: This project is designed for 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. One hundred forty nine first year members were enrolled in this project. Eighteen 4-H’ers completed the project record that was judged for this event: Blake Allen, Devon Allen, Travis Allen, Alexis Boyer, Amelia Boyer, Reagan Clark, Ivy Genshaw, Seth Genshaw, Josie Gilces, Gianna Joella, Trey Lodge, Kieran Probert, Zoe Probert, Jake Shultie, Janet Shultie, Riley Taylor, Logan Uibel and Benjamin Warren.
Exploring 4-H Award Winners
Winners: Zoe Probert & Seth Genshaw
Honorable Mention: Ivy Genshaw & Kieran Probert
Diamond Clover Awards
Level 1 Award Winners (Amethyst pin)
Brady Cunnane, Ryleigh Cunnane, Tegan Cunnane, Bailey Fletcher, Ivy Genshaw, Seth Genshaw, Kaitlyn Johnson, Kyle Kerr, Caleb Lecates, Kieran Probert, Aidan Ruscavage, Connor Smith, Hailey Smith and Benjamin Warren
Level 2 Award Winners (Aquamarine pin)
Carter Bradley, Dakota Carmona, Destiny Carmona, Diamond Carmona, Carlyn DeFord, Madison Johnson, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Autumn Lenhart, Rebecca Lenhart, Sundene Lodge, Zoe Probert, Paul Webb and Ainsley West.
Level 3 Award Winners (Ruby pin)
Holly Calloway, Rachel Carey, Destiny Carmona, Jace Goff, Paige Taylor and Bryan Ucman
Level 4 Award Winners (Sapphire pin)
Erin Carey, Tanner LeCates, Kyle Morris and Alyssa Thawley
Level 5 Award Winners (Emerald pin)
Wesley DeFord, Hannah Henderson and Miranda Ucman.
Shooting Sports—Archery Awards
Recurve Bow
Junior Division: Austin Weldon, Clover Knights
Intermediate Division: Katie Ekholm, Bridgeville Mustangs
Sr. Division: Madison Rice, Clover Knights
Compound Bow
Junior Division: Connor Smith, Country Clovers
Intermediate Division: Megan Wilson, Clover Knights
Senior Division: Rebecca Arpie, Cypress Heart & Hands
Horse Bowl
Beginner Team 1st Place – Magic Mares, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club. Team Members included:
Dakota Carmona, Anna Lopez and Tori Smith.
Intermediate Team, 2nd Place– Equinators 3.0, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs. Team Members included: Jenna Anger, Cheyanne Bowman, Alexia Carroll and Paige Taylor.
Intermediate Team – East Coast Boots N Spurs, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club. Team Members included: Logan Layfield, Layne Smith and Autumn Lenhart
Intermediate Team, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs. Team Members included: Riley Taylor, Josie Gilces, Carley DeFord and CJ Carroll
Senior Team – East Coast Buck & Beauties) Whitney Records, Rebecca Arpie, Mikayla Ockels, Garrett Smith, Katelyn Records (alternate).
Judging Trophies
Dairy Trophy – Lily Koster, Hollymount & Dairy Club. Trophy sponsored by Mr. William Vanderwende and sons
Wildlife/Conservation Trophy – Rebecca Lenhart, Clover Knights. Trophy sponsored by the Conservation District and presented by Joel Wharton.
Horticulture Trophy – Jenna Anger, Bridgeville Mustangs. Trophy sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. John Hukill.
Foods & Nutrition Trophy – Laurie Wroten, Dublin Hill
Clothing & Textile Trophy – Rebecca Arpie, Cypress Heart & Hands
Photography Trophy – Shannon Bradley, Seaford Blue Jays
Wood Science Trophy – Garrett Smith, Milford 4-H
Horse Trophy – Haley Reynolds, 4-Hoofbeats
Livestock Trophy – Garrett Smith, Milford 4-H
Poultry Trophy – Madison Johnson, Country Clovers
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 Rebecca Arpie and Daniel Tull.
Links Scholarships
The recipients of this award received a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend Camp.
Male Winner: Bailey Fletcher; Seth Genshaw, Alternate
Female Winner: Dakota Carmona; Beth Krajewski, Alternate
Phyllis Hill Memorial Award
Colleen Anderson and Taylor Messick presented the Phyllis Hill Memorial Award on behalf of the Hollymount Club. The recipient of this award was Shannon Bradley. Shannon is a member of the Seaford Blue Jays 4-H Club.
Barbara Taylor Memorial Award
Jill Koski presented the Barbara Taylor Memorial Award. This award looks at overall participation in events, especially Public Speaking and Demonstrations. The recipient of the award was Sarah Krajewski of Hollymount 4-H Club. Alternate was Devon Allen, Dublin Hill. The winner will receive a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend.
Day Camp Counselors: Zach Adams, Colleen Anderson, Jenna Anger, Rebecca Arpie, Meredith Carey, Brittany Carpenter, Cody Coleman, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Morris, Madison Rice, Matthew Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Matison Smith, Alyssa Thawley, Daniel Tull 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 “Family Game Night.” The Junior Leaders were: Colleen Anderson, Rebecca Arpie, Shannon Bradley, Meredith Carey, Brittany Carpenter, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Morris, Madison Rice, Rachel Robb, Erryn Smith, Matison Smith, Alyssa Thawley, Paige Vincent and Jarrett Williams.
Sussex County Farm Tours: Jenna Anger, Gary Brown, Meredith Carey, Grace Hopkins, Jacob Hopkins, Luke Hopkins, Michael Hopkins, Rachel Jones, Samuel Jones, Lily Koster, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Trey Lodge, Sundene Lodge, Samantha Messick, Taylor Messick, Kyle Morris, Matthew Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Evan Short, Savannah Stewart and Tommy Warren.
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. The 2016 Winner is Nathaniel Vincent. Nathaniel is a member of the Rossakatum 4-H Club and outgoing President of Sussex 4-H Jr. Council. He currently attends Harvard University.
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. Five youth and one adult will receive this award each year.
This year’s Head award recipient is Madison Johnson. Madison used her knowledge of 4-H projects and activities to excel in a variety of areas in and out of 4-H. She also strengthened her leadership skills by helping younger members in her club.
Austin Jewell is receiving the Heart Award. This young man has participated in a variety of events at the local and county levels. Whenever Austin attends an event you can be sure to see his smiling face and even get a hug. Anyone can tell that Austin loves 4-H and being around a variety of people. Austin puts his heart into everything he does.
The Hands Award is presented to Matison Smith for her hard work and dedication as a Jr. Council member. From helping at Younger Member Weekend and Day Camp to the DE State Fair, Mattie can always be counted on to help. She even designed and built new benches for her Moon and Stars People Group at State 4-H Camp!
The Health Award goes to Daniel Tull. I have watched this young man become a great leader. Whether helping at Jr. Council events or Day Camp, Daniel is always polite and willing to help wherever needed. This year, he led the Foods Class at our Day Camp and did an excellent job putting lesson plans and posters together. Daniel may come across to some as quiet, but I have seen him come out of his shell and develop many important life skills.
Colleen Anderson is receiving the Member Spirit Award. This young woman has brought many new ideas and excitement to the 4-H program. Throughout the year, Colleen has attended almost every county event. For many years, she has organized the Holiday Card Party for Heroes event and is an excellent role model for younger members. She did an excellent job as One Voice for events such as Younger Member Weekend and Day Camp. Colleen 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. Bo Waller, Clover Knights Club Leader, has been a valuable asset to Sussex 4-H for many years. He is always willing to help wherever he can and always does it with a smile on his face and sometimes even a joke or two. Bo helps out at county events such as Pumpkin Contest, Jr. Leader Weekend, Younger Member Weekend and the Spaghetti Dinner. Bo has been an excellent club leader for many years, always making his members feel comfortable and encouraging them to try new things. He makes the program fun for all who come in contact with him!
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Special thanks to our distinguished guests for attending and helping present awards: Representative Ruth Briggs-King, Representative Dave Wilson and Mr. Wayne Hudson, DE 4-H Foundation.