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Cape May Court House – 4-H Volunteer and Club Leader Louis McAtee received the 2024 Ruth Steenland Memorial 4-H Leader Award during the opening ceremony for the Cape May County 4-H Fair on July 18, 2024. This very special adult leader/volunteer award is named for Ruth Steenland, who dedicated decades of her life to the 4-H Youth Development Program in Cape May County.
Linda Horner, 4-H Program Coordinator presented Lou with the award for his commitment to the 4-H Youth Development Program as a 4-H volunteer for many years including serving as leader of the Kitchen Phanatics 4-H Cooking Club, co-leader of the Scales and Tails Club, and as Chair of the Cape May County 4-H Program Advisory Council. Horner said, “Lou has shown his dedication, commitment, and love of the 4-H Youth Development Program for many years now. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does whether it is as club leader or as chair of our volunteer advisory group. You can count on Lou to be positive, creative, and lead by example.”
In addition, the Kyle P. Riggins Memorial Community Service Youth Award was presented during the fair’s opening festivities for the first time. This new award is in memory of Kyle Riggins, former Cape May County 4-H member who passed away tragically last year. Eleven-year-old James (JJ) Carr Jr., a member of the Tightlines, Get Your Brick On, Kitchen Phanatics and Science Rocks 4-H Clubs was the first-ever recipient. “JJ embodies the spirit of community awareness and outreach Kyle’s family is looking to inspire. He has devoted his help to various local causes and always shows a willingness to help anyone in need,” said Horner. Kyle believed strongly in performing community service, raising thousands of dollars during his years in 4-H for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and other causes. Kyle’s family, who funds the annual award of $100, would like to encourage others to continue the excellent example that Kyle set.
Learn more about the 4-H Youth Development Program at https://capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu/ or call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
