Annual Program Recognizes 4-H Achievements

BERLIN -- Members, parents and leaders from the Worcester County’s 4-H Clubs and honored guests gathered recently at the Show Hill Lions Community Center in Snow Hill for the Annual Achievement Program. The occasion is an opportunity to recognize 4-H members, clubs and leaders for their accomplishments during the 2011 4-H year.

The 4-H Clubs represented in 2011 included Arrowheads, Barn Buddies, Clovers on the Shore, Explorers the Shore, Friend Finders, Go Greener’s, Little Eagles, Nature Explorers, Robo 1, 4-H Steps Out, WeBots and the Worcester County Livestock Club.

Worcester County Commissioner Virgil Shockley presented the Outstanding 4-H Family Award to the family of Eddie, Tammy, Gabe and Emma Simpson. They received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate.

The Outstanding 4-H Leader award was presented by Karen Reddersen, Area Extension Director for the University of Maryland Extension. This year’s winner was Michele Brauning of the Barn Buddies 4-H Club. She received a plaque and a dinner donated by the Harrison Group to the 32 Palm Restaurant.

Lee Chisolm of Calvin B. Taylor Bank of Snow Hill presented the John L. Sanford, Jr. Memorial Award to the Outstanding 4-H Member for 2011. Taylor Bank donates a $100 gift card to the winner, who was Samantha Wolpin for the Barn Buddies 4-H Club.

Reddersen also presented the award to Bethany Wolpin for her outstanding project work in 4-H this year. She completed three projects, horse, pets and first aid and received a trophy and a $25 gift card, sponsored by PNC Bank of Snow Hill.

The Albert W. Dickerson Memorial Award for 4-H Recordkeeping is sponsored by his children, Joanne Mason, James W. Dickerson and Deborah L. Dickerson. Evelyn Smith and Mary Phipps-Dickerson presented the award to Emma Simpson from the Clovers on the Shore, Intermediate winner Samantha Wolpin from the Barn Buddies 4-H Club and Senior winner Bethany Wolpin also from the Barn Buddies 4-H Club.

The Thomas Johnson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award was sponsored by Betty Jackson Whitehead and Amanda Kiesewetter in his memory. This scholarship is given to a youth that is pursuing a college degree in the field of agriculture. Jackson presented the award of $200 to Katie Grey of the Little Eagles and Worcester County Livestock Club.

The Roy Porter Memorial Communication Award was sponsored by Worcester County Farm Bureau and presented by President Donnie Powell. The winner of this year’s award was Barbie Grey from the Little Eagles and Worcester County Livestock Clubs. She received a backpack and pen.

The Unsung Volunteer Award was presented to Leanne Scarborough from the Little Eagle’s 4-H Club. This plaque is given to a volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty for her club members.

The Helping Hands Award is given to a youth who demonstrates leadership and the willingness to help out where ever needed. This year’s recipient was Victoria Moreau for the Nature Explorer’s 4-H Club.

The Most Improved 4-H Member Award is presented to a youth who has made outstanding improvements in 4-H. This year’s winner was Courtney Blumenthal from the Barn Buddies 4-H Club.

The 4-H Citizenship Award was presented by Linda Green from the Worcester County Prevention Office to Claire Klingenberg of the Little Eagles for her outstanding community service work.

The 4-H Alumni Award is given to an individual who has rejoined the program as a volunteer leader. Alicia Maddox of the Friend Finders 4-H Club was the recipient.

The record book cover award for most creative cover design was awarded to Madi Ortega from the Explores the Shore 4-H Club.

The club with the most clovers at the end of the year receives an Incentive Award of a pizza party. This year’s winner was the Clovers on the Shore 4-H Club.

The following youth received their 4-H Diamond Clover Awards: Grayson Crosby, Braeden Lehman, Gracie Mitchell, Kernighan Mitchell, Madi Ortega, Trent Oretga, Ella Peters, Nicholas Pike, Mae Purnell, Emma Simpson and Gabe Simpson all received their Level One pin. Samanta Wolpin received her Level Four pin.