Recap from the celebration of Sussex County 4-H Achievement Event “Zooming into the Future with 4-H” which took place virtually on September 26, 2020.
*A link to a recording of the awards ceremony has been sent to all 4-H families!*
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 was Jodie Gravenor.
Jodie Gravenor has been a 4-H Leader for 19 years. She formed the Cypress Heart & Hands 4-H Club in 2000. Her two daughters were involved in 4-H at very young ages and Jodie loved what the program offered. She always encouraging members to try new things. Jodie is very organized and always has hands-on activities for her club meetings.
Through the years, Jodie has taken many roles at the county level. She has been an officer of both the Leaders’ Association and the Order of Links. She has also co-chaired a variety of events including: Horse Bowl Trainings, the old Sussex 4-H Horse Show, Younger Member Weekend and the Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. Jodie is also hoping to help continue and grow the Wild Clovers 4-H Club.
Jodie is always willing and able to help wherever needed. She takes pride in her club and strives to have her members participate in county and state events. She enjoys working with a variety of youth at the county level and always has a smile on her face.
Jodie is active in her community. She works full time as a day care provider opening her home to preschool and school age children.
Jodie is always willing to lend a hand and has a lot of great ideas and input! The hard work and dedication she puts into being a 4-H Leader is something to be commended. Please join me in thanking Jodie Gravenor for her dedication to Delaware 4-H!
NATIONAL EVENT AWARD WINNERS
Healthy Living Summit: Dakota Carmona
STEM Summit: Emma Sparpaglione
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: Jenna Anger, Trey Lodge, Kyle Morris and Daniel Tull
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: Wyatt Warner, Cole Carpenter, Carter Bradley, Carlyn DeFord, Nathaniel Nowell, Blake Allen, Irene Ernest, Ainsley West, Kaitlyn Johnson and Hailey Smith
LEADER PINS:
Receiving a 1st year Leader Pin:
Rebecca Arpie, Blair Catlin-Brown, Mark Catlin-Brown, Amy Denham, Ruth Ann Gray, Amy Hale, Dave Hale, Ginger Jensen, Jillalison Rainey and Josh Rainey
Receiving a 5 year Leader Pin:
Rebecca Johnson and Jaime Swartz
CLOVERBUDS
There were 108 Sussex County Cloverbuds. In recognition of their fine efforts Cloverbuds will receive a certificate of achievement.
CLUB PROJECT ACTIViTY AWARDS
Bridgeville Mustangs
1 AWARD
Alyssa Carpenter – Outdoor Recreation
Carlyn DeFord – Leadership
Wesley DeFord – Leadership
Kaitlyn Grant – Horse
Austin Jewell – Public Speaking
Lauren Pieshala – Exploring 4-H
Paige Taylor – Horse
Annika Teagle – Judging
2 AWARDS
Jenna Anger – Judging, Demonstration
Holly Calloway – Foods, Judging
Alexia Carroll – Dairy, Goats
CJ Carroll – Dairy, Poultry
Cole Carpenter – Outdoor Recreation, Judging
Kyle Kerr – Community Service, Foods
3 AWARDS
Brooke Taylor – Horse, Demonstration, Judging
4 AWARDS
Reid Bradley – Arts & Crafts, Foods, Horticulture, Judging
Cameron Hale – Foods, Robotics, Wood Science, Judging
5 AWARDS
Lillie Bradley – Arts & Crafts, Foods, Horse, Judging, Public Speaking
Abigail VanVorst – Arts & Crafts, Shooting Sports, Horse, Outdoor Recreation, Wood Science
6 AWARDS
Carter Bradley – Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Foods, Leadership, Judging, Public Speaking
8 AWARDS
Juliette Anger – Arts & Crafts, Shooting Sports, Foods, Horse, Horticulture, Judging, Demonstration, Public Speaking
Clover Knights
1 AWARD
McKenna Givens – Judging
Riley Osborne – Demonstration
Abby Sparpaglione – Demonstration
Emma Sparpaglione – Demonstration
Country Clovers
1 AWARD
Emily Davis – Demonstration
Chance Megee – Demonstration
Chloe Megee – Demonstration
Edwin Noon – Demonstration
Sophia Noon – Demonstration
Cate Reilly – Demonstration
Connor Smith – Public Speaking
Hailey Smith – Public Speaking
3 AWARDS
Madison Johnson – Leadership, Judging, Demonstration
4 AWARDS
Kaitlyn Johnson – Clothing & Textiles, Photography, Judging, Demonstration
Cypress Heart & Hands
1 AWARD
Jase Hudson – Judging
Dublin Hill
1 AWARD
Devon Allen – Public Speaking
Ella Marquez – Exploring 4-H
Shelby Pusey – Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Kylie Pusey – Goats, Public Speaking
Bradley Tomeski – Demonstration, Judging
Seth Wroten – Community Service, Horticulture
3 AWARDS
Aydin Jones – Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Demonstration
6 AWARDS
Logan Jackson – Arts & Crafts, Community Service, Photography, Judging, Demonstration, Public Speaking
Harbor Lights
1 AWARD
Destiny Carmona – Demonstration
2 AWARDS
Olivia Goehringer – Performing Arts, Demonstration
Henlopen Clovers
1 AWARD
Alexis Blair – Judging
Abigail Hoeller – Exploring 4-H
Megan Krajewski – Judging
Anna Louden – Judging
Jack Louden – Judging
Alexis Zolper – Judging
Hollymount
1 AWARD
Ryleigh Archer – Swine
Makensie Hayhurst – Public Speaking
Grace Ippolito – Public Speaking
Francesca Joella – Photography
Cody Kuhlman – Exploring 4-H
Sundene Lodge – Horse
Will Mullins – Public Speaking
2 AWARDS
Morgan Everts – Community Service, Shooting Sports
3 AWARDS
Sara Figurski – Foods, Shooting Sports, Judging
Samuel Gossett – Community Service, Foods, Judging
Katie Kuhlman – Community Service, Goats, Demonstration
Kyle Morris – Foods, Leadership, Judging
4 AWARDS
Keira Fletcher – Performing Arts, Sheep, Judging, Demonstration
5 AWARDS
Bailey Fletcher – Outdoor Recreation, Public Presentation, Sheep, Judging, Demonstration
6 AWARDS
Claire Denham – Communication Arts, Dog, Foods, Judging, Demonstration, Public Speaking
Joel Denham – Communication Arts, Dog, Foods, Judging, Demonstration, Public Speaking
7 AWARDS
Addison Freebery – Communication Arts, Dog, Foods, Performing Arts, Photography, Judging, Public Speaking
8 AWARDS
Declan West – Community Service, Foods, Poultry, Public Presentation, Sheep, Wildlife, Judging, Demonstration
9 AWARDS
Ainsley West – Community Service, Foods, Horse, Horticulture, Public Presentation, Sheep, Vet Science, Judging, Demonstration
Lord Baltimore
6 AWARDS
Ruby DiSabatino – Clothing & Textiles, Community Service, Foods, Health, Photography, Judging
Lucky Leaf
2 AWARDS
Elise Garde – Judging, Public Speaking
Noel Garde – Judging, Public Speaking
Ashley Romanowski – Foods, Judging
Lauren Romanowski – Exploring 4-H, Judging
3 AWARDS
Meredith Timmons – Foods, Shooting Sports, Judging
4 AWARDS
Murphy McCarroll – Computer Science, Photography, Robotics, WearTEC
Milford
1 AWARD
Victoria Smith – Judging
Seaford Blue Jays
1 AWARD
Ivy Genshaw – Pets
Seth Genshaw – Pets
Carson Hastings – Dog
4 AWARDS
Caydance Means – Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Textiles, Foods, Judging
Embrey Means – Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Textiles, Foods, Judging
6 AWARDS
Jake Shultie – Community Service, Health, Leadership, Pets, Photography, Wood Science
Olivia Shultie – Clothing & Textiles, Community Service, Foods, Pets, Photography, Judging
8 AWARDS
Janet Shultie – Clothing & Textiles, Community Service, Foods, Health, Leadership, Pets, Photography, Judging
Stateline
1 AWARD
Bryce O’Day – Public Speaking
Sunset Branch
1 AWARD
Hanna Holland – Foods
Abby Krams – Judging
Kieran Probert – Horticulture
Addison Ricker – Horse
Grace Ricker – Horse
Allison Swartz – Photography
Wyatt Vincent – Shooting Sports
2 AWARDS
Quinton Ashman – Photography, Judging
Sedona Ashman – Horse, Judging
Demetreus Moutzalias – Judging, Public Speaking
Talia Moutzalias – Judging, Public Speaking
Liam Probert – Swine, Public Speaking
Zoe Probert – Goats, Judging
Andrew Wisniewski – Judging, Public Speaking
Exploring 4-H Project:
This project is designed for 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. Twenty-two 4-H’ers completed the project record that was judged for this event: Abigail Hoeller, Cody Kuhlman, Ella Marquez, Lauren Pieshala and Lauren Romanowski
Exploring 4-H Award Winners
Winners: Lauren Pieshala and Cody Kuhlman
Honorable Mention: Ella Marquez
Diamond Clover Awards
Level 1 Award Winners (Amethyst pin)
JP Eichten, Kaitlyn Grant, Cameron Hale, Braylen Hellens, Hanna Holland, Ella Locklear, Lauren Pieshala and Liam Probert
Level 2 Award Winners (Aquamarine pin)
Juliette Anger, Quinton Ashman, Sedona Ashman, Lillie Bradley, Reid Bradley, Makenna Cooper, Claire Denham, Joel Denham, Morgan Everts, Addison Freebery, Logan Jackson, Roxie Robinson, Olivia Shultie and Alexis Zolper
Level 3 Award Winners (Ruby pin)
Ruby DiSabatino, Sara Figurski, Sam Gossett, Talia Moutzalias, Brooke Taylor, Meredith Timmons and Taylor Young
Level 4 Award Winners (Sapphire pin)
Brooklyn Bailey, Ashlyn Elliott, Brooke Elliott, Bailey Fletcher, Austin Jewell, Demetreus Moutzalias, Jake Shultie, Janet Shultie, Abigail VanVorst and Declan West
Level 5 Award Winners (Emerald pin)
Cole Carpenter, Carlyn DeFord, Kaitlyn Johnson, Kyle Kerr and Kate Rohlfing
Level 6 (In Progress)
Jenna Anger, Carter Bradley, Destiny Carmona, Madison Johnson, McKensie Lewis, Sundene Lodge, Zoe Probert and Ainsley West
Leaders Association Scholarship
The Leaders Association Scholarship Award is given to outstanding 4-H’ers taking into consideration, project work, participation, community service and leadership. 4-H’ers may receive this award only once. The winners of the 2020 Leaders Scholarships were:
Diamond Carmona, Harbor Lights
Ainsley West, Hollymount
Links Scholarships
The recipients of this award received a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend Camp.
Winners:
Claire Denham, Hollymount
Addison Freebery, Hollymount
Cameron Hale, Bridgeville Mustangs
Aydin Jones, Dublin Hill
Phyllis Hill Memorial Award
Amy West presented the Phyllis Hill Memorial Award on behalf of the Hollymount Club. The recipient of this award was Trey Lodge. Daniel is a member of the Hollymount 4-H Club.
Barbara Taylor Memorial Award
Jacalyn Bradley presented the Barbara Taylor Memorial Award, which is a full scholarship to Younger Member Weekend. This award looks at overall participation in events, especially Public Speaking and Demonstrations. The winner of the award was Logan Jackson, Dublin Hill. Alternate was Embrey Means, Seaford Blue Jays.
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 2020 Winner was Jenna Anger. Jenna is a member of the Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Club and outgoing President of Sussex 4-H Jr. Council. She currently attends the University of Alabama.
4-H SPIRIT AWARDS
Six 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: Carter Bradley, Johnny Wilkerson, Ashlyn Elliott, Ainsley West, Brooklyn Bailey and Amy West.
This year’s Head award recipient is Carter Bradley. Carter uses his knowledge of 4-H projects and activities to excel in a variety of areas in and out of 4-H. Carter has become much more involved in 4-H the past few years and is gaining many skills to be a true leader. Carter is very attentive to detail and puts 100% into things he is passionate about.
Johnny Wilkerson is receiving the Heart Award. This young man has participated in a variety of events at the local and county levels. Johnny is a member of the Cypress Heart & Hands and Lower DE Archers Clubs. Over the past few years, he has become more involved in Archery and truly puts his heart & soul into this project area!
The Hands Award is presented to Ashlyn Elliott for her hard work and dedication at the club and county levels. She takes pride in learning new things and achieving her goals. Ashlyn has come out of her shell over the past few years and never hesitates to jump in and help. You can tell that Ashlyn truly loves 4-H!
The Health Award goes to Ainsley West. Ainsley is becoming a wonderful leader at the local and county levels! She loves to learn new things and help others. Over the past six months, we have seen how Ainsley has kept her club active through making YouTube videos in a variety of project areas. Her positive spirit, warm smiles and leadership skills are tools she uses to improve the health and well-being of all she comes in contact with.
Brooklyn Bailey is receiving the Member Spirit Award. Brooklyn loved 4-H and embraced every new opportunity that came her way! I remember when she first joined 4-H as a shy girl. Over the years, she blossomed into an outgoing young woman who loved singing camp songs and participating in many events! Most recently, I noticed how well she interacted with younger members and could see her leadership skills taking shape. As many of you know, Brooklyn passed away unexpectedly in the spring. She is loved and missed by her family, friends and 4-H families, but her 4-H Spirit surely lives on!
Last, but not least, is the Adult Spirit Award. Amy West has been a valuable asset to Delaware 4-H for many years. She is always willing to help wherever she can and works well with a variety of members and leaders. Amy is an active member of the Leaders Association and President of the Sussex 4-H Links. Amy has been an excellent leader of the Hollymount 4-H Club. She always makes his members feel comfortable and encourages them to try new things. Amy has done an excellent job continuing to provide a variety of club activities to her members. Whether it was providing them with craft supplies or tye dying or baking through Zoom, she has kept her members active! Thank you, Amy, for your everlasting 4-H Spirit!
Congratulations to all award winners!