“4-H Rocks” Achievement Event: September 23, 2017
Recap from a rockin’ celebration of our Sussex County 4-H Family which took place on September 23, 2017. View photos of this event on our Delaware 4-H Flickr Site
JOY SPARKS SPIRIT OF 4-H AWARD
The Joy Sparks Award is given in memory of Joy G. Sparks, past State 4-H Program Leader. Joy was a lifelong 4-H member. She embodied what it meant to be a 4-H’er and used her Head, Heart, Hands and Health to better herself and her community. Award recipients are chosen based on their contributions to the 4-H program and keeping Joy’s Spirit of 4-H alive.
This year’s winner is Mrs. Gail Tipton of Laurel. Gail was chosen for this award because of and her continued involvement and dedication to 4-H activities as a volunteer leader.
Mrs. Tipton has been a 4-H leader for 15 years. She has served a co-chair of numerous committees including: Clothing Showcase and the Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. Gail is a member of the Sussex County Order of Links where she has helped with the Pumpkin Contest, Winter Fun Day and Spring Fair. She has been an active member of the Sussex Leaders’ Association, where she currently serves as President. Gail strives to run the meetings smoothly and keeps everyone on task.
Mrs. Tipton has helped revive the Sewing Workshops in Sussex County. Working with other leaders, she helped develop beginner sewing classes and lessons. Gail has also been the monitor during the Foods Judging Contest where she helps keep the members organized and on-task. This past year, she led our Foods Judging Team Training prior to the State Fair and did a fantastic job preparing our members who placed 1st and 2nd in the State!
Gail is always willing to lend a hand and has a lot of great ideas and input! Please join me in thanking Gail Tipton for her dedication to Sussex County 4-H. There is little doubt that Gail 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 2017 Friend of 4-H Award are the Sussex County Master Gardeners. The Master Gardeners are volunteers within the Horticulture section of Cooperative Extension. They have a love for gardening and strive to educate others in the community through a variety of outreach activities.
Sussex Master Gardeners have partnered with Sussex 4-H for many years at a variety of events and activities. Their famous “Peter Rabbit” show which educates children on fruits and vegetables has been a part of our Hopkins Farm Tour for many years. They most recently brought this show to our “Garden” themed Day Camp!
Master Gardeners have also helped judge our County Window Displays for a number of years. They always look forward to seeing what creative ideas our clubs come up with each year.
Who can forget these wonderful volunteers helping judge horticulture exhibits at the State Fair each year? They put many hours into judging Fair entries. This past year, we even talked a few of them into judging Arts & Crafts entries!
Sussex 4-H truly appreciates this partnership! We thank the Sussex Master Gardeners for their time and talents and look forward to continuing our work together!
NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTICIPANTS
Mr. Doug Crouse, along with Representatives Harvey Kenton and Dave Wilson, presented certificates to the National Congress participants, Jill Koski, Matison Smith and Taylor Wroten. These young ladies will travel to Atlanta, Georgia in November to attend National 4-H Club Congress.
NATIONAL EVENT AWARD WINNERS
National Conference – Rebecca Arpie
Healthy Living Summit – Jenna Anger
National Engineering Event – Tanner LeCates
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: Colleen Anderson, Gina Anger, Tammy Schirmer and Jarrett Williams
CLUB AWARDS
4-HOOFBEATS
Cheyenne Bowman: Judging
Olivia Montgomery: Judging
BRIDGEVILLE MUSTANGS
1 AWARD
Holly Callaway: Shooting Sports
Alyssa Carpenter: Arts & Crafts
Brittany Carpenter: Leadership
Mallary Cummings: Arts & Crafts
Ryan Cummings: Citizenship
Amanda Jewell: Judging
Riley Taylor: Horse
Annika Teagle: Foods
Paul Webb: Small Engine
Taylor Young: Exploring 4-H
2 AWARDS
Erin Carey: Leadership & Citizenship
Rachel Carey: Citizenship and Foods
Austin Jewell: Arts & Crafts and Demonstration
Kyle Kerr: Community Service & Foods
Tanner LeCates: Citizenship & Small Engine
Hallie Terry: Demonstration & Judging
3 AWARDS
Carter Bradley: Citizenship, Foods and Public Speaking
Wesley DeFord: Community Service, Goat, Shooting Sports
4 AWARDS
Meredith Carey: Citizenship, Judging, Leadership and Public Speaking
CJ Carroll: Dairy, Demonstration, Goat and Poultry
6 AWARDS
Paige Taylor: Demonstration, Foods, Horse, Judging, Rabbit, Shooting Sports
7 AWARDS
Alexia Carroll: Dairy, Demonstration, Goat, Horse, Poultry, Judging and Public Speaking
8 AWARDS
Jenna Anger: Citizenship, Foods, Horticulture, Leadership, Performing Arts, Demonstration, Public Speaking and Judging
CLOVER KNIGHTS
1 AWARD
Autumn Lenhart: Judging
Christopher Lenhart: Public Speaking
Thomas McCabe: Public Speaking
Madison Rice: Judging
Abby Sparpaglione: Judging
Wyatt Warner: Public Speaking
Tommy Warren: Judging
2 AWARDS
Rebecca Lenhart: Judging and Public Speaking
Emma Sparpaglione: Demonstration & Judging
COUNTRY CLOVERS
1 AWARD
Edwin Noon: Demonstration
Sophia Noon: Demonstration
5 AWARDS
Kaitlyn Johnson: Demonstration, Clothing & Textiles, Judging, Photography and Shooting Sports
Madison Johnson: Demonstration, Clothing & Textiles, Judging, Photography and Shooting Sports
CYPRESS HEART & HANDS
2 AWARDS
Jaxson Wilkerson: Exploring 4-H and Shooting Sports
3 AWARDS
Rebecca Arpie: Demonstration, Fashion Showcase and Judging
DUBLIN HILL
1 AWARD
Blake Allen: Judging
Travis Allen: Judging
Alex Nechay: Sheep
Jarrett Williams: Judging
Laurie Wroten: Judging
Taylor Wroten: Judging
2 AWARDS
Shawn Mitchell: Demonstration and Leadership
Bradley Tomeski: Demonstration & Exploring 4-H
5 AWARDS
Devon Allen: Judging, Demonstration, Dog, Foods and Horse
Gabriella Morra: Community Service, Foods, Photography, Public Speaking and Judging
HARBOR LIGHTS
1 AWARD
Kate Cunningham: Public Speaking
Zoe Cunningham: Public Speaking
Ben Ockels: Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Dakota Carmona: Demonstration & Public Speaking
Destiny Carmona: Demonstration & Public Speaking
Diamond Carmona: Demonstration & Public Speaking
HOLLYMOUNT
1 AWARD
Bailey Fletcher: Demonstration
Gianna Joella: Public Speaking
Anna Lopez: Public Speaking
Taylor Messick: Leadership
Matthew Rieley: Public Speaking
Miguel Rodriguez: Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Ryleigh Archer: Demonstration and Exploring 4-H
Colleen Anderson: Leadership & Sheep
Francesca Joella: Public Speaking & Exploring 4-H
Katie Kuhlman: Public Speaking & Rabbit
Trey Lodge: Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship
3 AWARDS
James Blair: Demonstration, Public Speaking and Shooting Sports
Thomas Blair: Demonstration, Public Speaking and Shooting Sports
Sundene Lodge: Guinea Pig, Horse, Public Speaking
Kyle Morris: Foods, Judging and Leadership
Daniel Tull: Community Service, Photography and Leadership
Declan West: Exploring 4-H, Demonstration and Fashion Showcase
4 AWARDS
Beth Krajewski: Dairy, Demonstration, Fashion and Judging
Sarah Krajewski: Childcare, Dairy, Demonstration and Fashion Showcase
10 AWARDS
Ainsley West: Shooting Sports, Clothing & Textiles, Foods, Horticulture, Poultry, Public Speaking, Rabbit, Dog, Clothing Showcase and Demonstration
LAVERTY LANE 4-H
Jeff Gustin: Demonstration
LORD BALTIMORE HELPING HANDS
1 AWARD
Ruby DiSabatino: Exploring 4-H
Derek Jones: Shooting Sports
Bryan Ucman: Sport Fishing
Miranda Ucman: Sport Fishing
LUCKY LEAF
Abigail Drehmer: Cooking
Claire Moreno: Cooking
Eva Moreno: Outdoor Adventures
Morgan Peterson: Cooking
Caron Pusey: Cooking
Ashley Romanowski: Poultry
2 AWARDS
Murphy McCarroll: Electric & Public Speaking
3 AWARDS
Mckensie Lewis: Dog, Foods and Goat
Hannah Littleton: Leadership, Photography and Public Speaking
MILFORD 4-H
1 AWARD
Layne Smith: Gardening
Victoria Smith: Horse
2 AWARDS
Garrett Smith: Judging and Wood Science
ROSSAKATUM
2 AWARDS
Evan Short: Field Crops and Wood Science
SEAFORD BLUEJAYS
1 AWARD
Ivy Genshaw: Foods
Seth Genshaw: Foods
Hannah Henderson: Judging
2 AWARDS
Jill Koski: Judging & Public Speaking
Caydence Means: Exploring 4-H and Fashion Showcase
Jake Shultie: Public Speaking and Wood Science
Janet Shultie: Clothing & Textiles and Foods
Lily Spedden: Demonstration and Exploring 4-H
3 AWARDS
Alyssa Thawley: Demonstration, Foods and Judging
SUNSET BRANCH
2 AWARDS
Carley Croll: Exploring 4-H and Public Speaking
Elizabeth Krams: Foods and Performing Arts
Kieran Probert: Foods & Public Speaking
Aiden Ruscavage: Exploring 4-H and Public Speaking
Benjamin Warren: Outdoor Adventures & Public Speaking
3 AWARDS
Abby Krams: Foods, Performing Arts and Judging
Zoe Probert: Foods, Dog and 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: Zane Adams, Erin Carey, Diamond Carmona, CJ Carroll, Aron Carrow, Zoe Cunningham, Wesley DeFord, Olivia Goehringer, Madison Johnson, Mckensie Lewis, Hannah Littleton, Samantha Messick, Addyson Stewart, and Johnny Wilkerson.
LEADER PINS:
Receiving their 1st year Leader Pin: Cheri Carpenter, Katherine Carpenter, Lora Collins, Frank Ferlenda, Noah Gesford, Carly Gessner, Heather Highfield, Chelsea Hudson, Melody Hudson, Nicole Ireland, Keith Johnson, Angela Lagano, Keith Lohmeyer, Victoria Macatee, Becky Mills, Kara Short, John Tomeski, Bill Warren and Tiria Wright
Receiving a 5 year Leader Pin: Carolyn Christenbury
Receiving a 10 year Leader Pin: Gina Anger and Pam Cummings
Receiving a 15 year Leader Pin: Becky Adams, Sharon Anderson, Michelle Kirk and Gail Tipton
Cloverbuds
There were 71 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. Thirteen 4-H’ers completed the project record that was judged for this event: Ryleigh Archer, Carley Croll, Ruby DiSabatino, John Downs, Elise Garde, Francesca Joella, Caydence Means, Aidan Ruscavage, Lily Spedden, Bradley Tomeski, Declan West, Jaxson Wilkerson and Taylor Young.
Exploring 4-H Award Winners
Winners: Ruby DiSabatino and Declan West
Honorable Mention: Taylor Young and Aidan Ruscavage
Diamond Clover Awards
Level 1 Award Winners (Amethyst pin): Brooklyn Bailey, James Blair, Thomas Blair, Carley Croll, John Downs, Ashlyn Elliott, Brooke Elliott, Abigail Frost, Isabella Frost, Elise Garde, Maryn Hocker, Mitchell Hocker, Jase Hudson, Christopher Lenhart, Caydence Means, Eva Moreno, Demetreus Moutzalias, Morgan Peterson, Kathryn Rohlfing, Ashley Romanowski, Jake Shultie, Janet Shultie, Abby Sparpaglione, Emma Sparpaglione, Alison Swartz, Abigail VanVorst, Thomas Warren, Declan West and Jaxson Wilkerson.
Level 2 Award Winners (Aquamarine pin): Ivy Genshaw, Seth Genshaw, Kaitlyn Johnson, Kyle Kerr, Katie Kuhlman, Caleb Lecates, Kieran Probert, Aidan Ruscavage, Connor Smith, Hailey Smith, Benjamin Warren and John Wilkerson, Jr.
Level 3 Award Winners (Ruby pin): Carter Bradley, Dakota Carmona, Diamond Carmona, Carlyn DeFord, Abigail Drehmer, Madison Johnson, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Sundene Lodge, Murphy McCarroll, Claire Moreno, Zoe Probert, Carson Pusey, Paul Webb and Ainsley West
Level 4 Award Winners (Sapphire pin): Holly Calloway, Rachel Carey, Destiny Carmona, Paige Taylor and Bryan Ucman
Level 5 Award Winners (Emerald pin): Erin Carey, Hannah Littleton and Kyle Morris
Shooting Sports—Archery Awards
Recurve Bow
Junior Division: Wyatt Warner, Clover Knights
Intermediate Division: Mason Bowden, Cozy Critters
Sr. Division: Madison Rice, Clover Knights
Compound Bow
Junior Division: Ryleigh Archer, Hollymount
Intermediate Division: Megan Wilson, Clover Knights
Senior Division: Rebecca Arpie, Cypress Heart & Hands
Horse Bowl
Beginner Team 1st Place – Prancing Ponies, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club. Team Members included: Claire Lopez, Tori Smith and Isabella Stubbs.
Intermediate Team, 2nd Place – East Coast Ghost Riders, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club. Team Members included: Logan Layfield, Anna Lopez, Tori Noon and Emma Sparpaglione
Intermediate Team, 3rd Place – Equinators 4.0, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs. Team Members included: Cheyenne Bowman, Alexia Carroll, CJ Carroll, and Paige Taylor.
Intermediate Team – Magic Mustangs, sponsored by Bridgeville Mustangs. Team Members included: Carley DeFord, Josie Gilces, Riley Taylor and Taylor Young.
Intermediate Team – Boots and Spurs, sponsored by East Coast Riding Club. Team Members included: Danielle Eisemann, Autumn Lenhart, Layne Smith and Abby Sparpaglione.
Senior Team, 2nd Place– East Coast Buckin’ Beauties, sponsored by East Coast Riding 4-H Club. Team Members included: Rebecca Arpie, Katelyn Records and Garrett Smith.
Judging Trophies
Dairy Trophy – Beth Krajewski, 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 – Rebecca Lenhart, Clover Knights
Wood Science Trophy – Jarrett Williams, Dublin Hill
Horse Trophy – Paige Taylor, Bridgeville Mustangs
Livestock Trophy – Tommy Warren, Clover Knights
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 2016 Leaders Scholarships were Brittany Carpenter and Kyle Morris. Alternate Winners: Matison Smith and Garrett Smith.
Links Scholarships
The recipients of this award received a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend Camp.
Male Winner: Carter Bradley; Alternate Kieran Probert
Female Winner: Ainsley West; Alternate Kaitlyn Johnson
Phyllis Hill Memorial Award
Amy West presented the Phyllis Hill Memorial Award on behalf of the Hollymount Club. The recipient of this award was Colleen Anderson. Colleen is a member of the Hollymount 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 Dakota Carmona, Harbor Lights. Alternate was Katie Kuhlman, Hollymount. The winner will receive a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend.
Day Camp Counselors: Zach Adams, Zane Adams, Colleen Anderson, Jenna Anger, Rebecca Arpie, Erin Carey, Meredith Carey, Destiny Carmona, Brittany Carpenter, Aron Carrow, Caden Dickerson, Rebecca Lenhart, Samantha Messick, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Morris, Madison Rice, Matthew Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Kate Rohlfing, Garrett Smith, Matison Smith, Alyssa Thawley and Daniel Tull.
Younger Member Weekend Counselors: These youth planned, organized, and implemented an exciting overnight camping experience for 59 younger 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. The theme was “Dr. Seuss.” The Junior Leaders were: Zach Adams, Colleen Anderson, Jenna Anger, Rebecca Arpie, Meredith Carey, Brittany Carpenter, Caden Dickerson, Taylor Messick, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Morris, Madison Rice, Matt Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Garrett Smith, Matison Smith, and Alyssa Thawley
Sussex County Farm Tours: Zach Adams, Jenna Anger, Juliette Anger, Erin Carey, Meredith Carey, Rachel Carey, Destiny Carmona, CJ Carroll, Grace Hopkins, Jacob Hopkins, Luke Hopkins, Austin Jewell, Beth Krajewski, Sarah Krajewski, Sundene Lodge, Trey Lodge, Kyle Morris, Samantha Messick, Taylor Messick, Kyle Morris, Madison Rice, Matt Rieley, Miguel Rodriguez, Hunter Severs, Evan Short, Emma Sparpaglione, Alyssa Thawley and Tommy Warren.
Ida Layton Award:
This 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 2017 Winner is Colleen Anderson. Colleen is a member of the Hollymount 4-H Club and outgoing President of Sussex 4-H Jr. Council. She currently attends the University of Delaware.
4-H SPIRIT AWARDS: Three years ago, we incorporated the Sussex 4-H Spirit Awards into our program. 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 winners were: Brittany Carpenter, Devon Allen, Kaitlyn Johnson, Destiny Carmona, Rebecca Arpie and Carole Vincent.
This year’s Head award recipient is Brittany Carpenter. Brittany 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 being a counselor at Younger Member Weekend and Day Camp. Brittany is quiet, but always has great ideas and input!
Devon Allen is receiving the Heart Award. This young lady has participated in a variety of events at the local and county levels. Whenever Devon attends an event you can be sure to see her smiling face and even get a hug. Anyone can tell that Devon loves 4-H. She especially works well with the Cloverbud members!
The Hands Award is presented to Kaitlyn Johnson for her hard work and dedication at the club, county and state levels. She takes pride in learning new things and achieving her goals. Kaitlyn is always ready to help in any way she can!
The Health Award goes to Destiny Carmona. I have watched this young woman become a great leader. Whether helping at Jr. Council events, the Spaghetti Dinner or Day Camp, Destiny is always polite and willing to help wherever needed. She is a very talented and has goals that will take her far in life!
Rebecca Arpie is receiving the Member Spirit Award. This young woman has brought many new ideas and excitement to the 4-H program. Throughout the year, Becca has attended almost every county event. Becca 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. Carole Vincent 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. Carole is an active member of both the Leaders and Links. She helps out at county events such as Pumpkin Contest, Winter Fun Day, Spaghetti Dinner and the Spring Fair. Carole was an excellent club leader for many years, always making her members feel comfortable and encouraging them to try new things.
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Special thanks to our distinguished guests for attending and helping present awards: Representative Harvey Kenton, Representative Dave Wilson and Mrs. Marian Harvey, DE 4-H Foundation.
