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Cape May Court House – 4-H Volunteer and Club Leader Allen Stokes received the 2025 Ruth Steenland Memorial 4-H Leader Award during the opening ceremony for the Cape May County 4-H Fair on July 17, 2025. 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 Allen with the award for his commitment to the 4-H Youth Development Program as a 4-H volunteer for more than eight years including serving as co-leader and leader of the Tightlines 4-H Fishing Club. He has continually stepped up to keep the club going – doing whatever was needed not to let the club’s youth down.
“Allen goes above and beyond for the 4-H Youth Development Program, even though he doesn’t have any children or grandchildren in the program, you can count on Allen to be there for our kids. We are so grateful for Allen’s dedication to Tightlines and our 4-H members,” said Horner.
The Kyle P. Riggins Memorial Community Service Award was also presented during the opening ceremony to Julianna Romano, a member of the Star Hollow Riders and Teen Ambassadors 4-H Clubs and the Moonlight Riders 4-H Mounted Drill Team. Julianna volunteers for several worthy causes including Starfish Equine Rescue and the Cape May County Special Services District. She also participates in roadside cleanups to raise funds for the International Equestrian Association, a competitive horse showing organization for middle and high schoolers in which Julianna competes.
This youth award is dedicated to the memory of Kyle P. Riggins, former 4-H member in Cape May County and funded by his family. Kyle believed strongly in performing community service, raising thousands of dollars during his years in 4-H for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Kyle’s family would like to encourage others to continue the excellent example he 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.