Cape May County 4-H Recognizes the Accomplishments of its Members – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County

Cape May Court House – A little rain didn’t stop the 4-H Youth Development Program from celebrating its youth and volunteers at its annual Awards Picnic on September 7, 2025. Even though the picnic moved indoors, nearly 150 attendees enjoyed a potluck dinner complete with a Mac’n Cheese Contest, ice cream, and more.

“We look forward 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 Eddie Hoover, Nathaniel McCrone, Gentry VanArtsdalen, and Ryley Yates, along with 2025 Cape May County Equestrian of the Year Julianna Romano served as emcees of the event.

Some 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, five 4-H clubs were recognized for earning the status of Honor Club. This means that Lambs R Us, Milky Ways, Star Hollow Riders, Teen Ambassadors, and Tightlines 4-H 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 six Cloverbuds who “moved up” to 4^th grade and to regular 4-H membership. These members included Bobby Greenling, Kensley Gamble, Mackayla Knoyer, Adeline Carter, Graham Boden, and Sydney Eckert.

4-H youth who earned prestigious county medals of excellence included Joseph Arcuri, Callie Carney, JJ Carr, Lilly Carr, Thea Cohen-Chase, Danika Couse, Megan Couse, Delia Curcuru, , Isabella Frame, Brynn Gaynor, Emma Gotwols, Ethan Gotwols, Eddie Hoover, Abigail Kitner, Logan Mathis, Noelle McAnney, Nathaniel McCrone, Autumn Richards, Julianna Romano, Caitlyn Schaffer, Nathan Shulde, Edan Simpkins, Isla Tracy, Cody VanArtsdalen, Gentry VanArtsdalen, Garrett Van Gilder, Alaina Waugh, Amelia Worthington, and Ryley Yates. Nathaniel McCrone was also awarded the Achievement medal for participating at Citizen Washington Focus, a national 4-H event.

4-H recognizes adult volunteers who 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. Gayle Crookston and Sheila Jargowsky, members of the Program Advisory Council, were recognized for their many years of volunteering for the 4-H Fair as well as many other 4-H activities.

Club leaders were acknowledged with special pins, certificates and a small thank-you gift for their service. Special recognition and congratulations go out to Marcie Hughes, leader of the Milky Ways 4-H Livestock Club, for 15 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 with the awards event.

The new 4-H Year started on September 1^stand we are accepting new members. If you would like to learn more about the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program or if you are interested in joining a 4-H club, call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3606, visit https://capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/ or email linda.horner@CAPEMAYCOUNTYNJ.GOV.

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.