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Cape May Court House – The Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program held its annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the 2023 – 2024 accomplishments of their members during a family picnic at the 4-H Fairgrounds on September 8, 2024.
“We look forward each year to bringing our 4-H family together to celebrate both 4-H youth members and adult volunteers for their many achievements and contributions during the past 4-H year,” said Linda Horner, 4-H Program Coordinator.
Outstanding 4-H Members Kaitlyn Flynn, Autumn Richards, and Emma Gotwols, along with
2024 NJ 4-H Senior Equestrian of the Year Nathaniel McCrone and Cape May County Junior 4-H Equestrian of the Year Isabella Frame served as emcees of the event.
Nearly 200 4-H members and leaders were recognized during the 4-H Awards Ceremony. At minimum, each 4-H member who completed the last 4-H year received an achievement pin or a certificate. In addition to individual recognition, 10 4-H clubs were recognized for earning the status of Honor Club this past year. This means that those 10 clubs fulfilled all NJ 4-H program expectations for electing club officers, completing record books, performing community service and more.
Among 4-H youth who were honored during the program were 11 Cloverbuds who “moved up” to 4th grade and to regular 4-H membership. These members included Joseph Arcuri, Grace Barcas, Alex Benson, Owen Collins, Arianna Deluca, Kira Galvin, Adelina King, Liam Mehlhouse, Luke Salandria, Kaelyn Soreng, and Quinlan Taylor.
4-H youth who earned prestigious county medals for excellence included Lucy Adams, Alexa Anaya, Bobby Andrzejczak, Callie Carney, JJ Carr, Danika Couse, Megan Couse, Kaitlyn Flynn, Isabella Frame, Brynn Gaynor, Emma Gotwols, Colton Hearon, Sophia Hess, Eddie Hoover, Abigail Kitner, Logan Mathis, Noelle McAnney, Rainbow McAtee, Nathaniel McCrone, Selah Pitcock, Autumn Richards, Julianna Romano, Caitlyn Schaffer, Edan Simpkins, Andriana Tomlin, Yadiel Torres, Isla Tracy, Cody VanArtsdalen, Garrett Van Gilder, Amelia Worthington, and Ryley Yates. Three of those: Richards, Torres and Worthington, were awarded the Achievement medal for participating in a national 4-H event.
Adult volunteers make contributions of their time and expertise throughout the year by leading 4-H clubs, serving on advisory boards such as the Cape May County 4-H Foundation, Inc., judging contests, caring for the 4-H fairgrounds, and running the 4-H Fair. Club leaders were acknowledged with special pins, certificates and a small thank-you gift for their service. Special recognition and congratulations go out to Christy Gotwols for 20 years of service as a 4-H club leader.
Horner concluded, “Our 4-H club leaders are a crucial group of individuals without whom 4-H could not exist. They are the very heart of what makes 4-H work, which means caring adults leading youth to a greater independence, better health and self-confidence and the desire to do for others and their community.”
The 4-H program is grateful to Westside Meats, who donated hamburgers and hotdogs for the occasion and to members of the 4-H foundation, who helped set up and cook for the awards event.
If you would like to learn more about the programs offered by the 4-H Youth Development Program in Cape May County, please call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605, visit our website at capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu or follow us on Facebook at Cape-May-4-H.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Opening of Cape May County 4-H Awards Ceremony Linda Horner, CMC 4-H Program Coordinator, (front L to R) 2024 NJ 4-H Senior Equestrian of the Year Nathaniel McCrone, Cape May County Junior 4-H Equestrian of the Year Isabella Frame, Outstanding 4-H Members Autumn Richards, Emma Gotwols, and Kaitlyn Flynn
11 Cloverbuds “moved up” to 4th grade and to regular 4-H membership. They included Joseph Arcuri, Grace Barcas, Alex Benson, Owen Collins, Arianna Deluca, Kira Galvin, Adelina King, Liam Mehlhouse, Luke Salandria, Kaelyn Soreng, and Quinlan Taylor.