On May 5, Frederick County 4-H hosted its annual 4-H Achievement Program, celebrating the accomplishments of 228 youth and 40 volunteers. The event was held at the Frederick County 4-H Camp Center in Jefferson.
Representatives from Frederick County Government, Frederick County Farm Bureau, Maryland 4-H Center and Horizon Farm Credit were in attendance.
The 4-H Achievement program is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of 4-H members throughout the year. The evening featured presentations, awards, and special recognitions honoring the outstanding contributions of youth in various project areas, including agriculture, STEM, leadership, community service, and more.
“This event is a highlight of the year for our 4-H community,” said Anna Mae Glenn, Frederick County 4-H teacher. “It’s a chance to celebrate the incredible efforts and accomplishments of our young members who have demonstrated dedication, leadership and a passion for making a difference in their communities.”
During the evening, awards were presented and testimonials were heard from participants and supporters, who emphasized the impact of 4-H programs on personal growth and community development.
The following prizes were awarded during the event:
* Volunteer Awards: Recognizing 35 volunteers for milestone years of service (ranging from 1 year to 40 years)
* Frederick County 4-H Volunteer Outstanding Leadership Award – presented to 1 volunteer who embodies the ideals of leadership (Myrtle Sturtz)
* Frederick County 4-H Volunteer Outstanding Service Award – presented to 1 volunteer who embodies the ideals of service (Trish Mills)
* Frederick County 4-H Family of the Year Award – given to 1 multi-generational 4-H family that has made a significant involvement and impact in Frederick County (Cronkite Family)
* Friend of Frederick County 4-H Award – presented to 1 business or individual who has shown significant support to the 4-H program (Susan Trice)
* Frederick County 4-H Alumni of the Year Award – presented to 1 alumni who remains involved and gives back to the community (Rhiannon Huscha)
* Frederick County 4-H Youth Community Service Awards – presented to 5 youth members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service (Myles Torbert, Breana Schwam, Paige Riggs, Temperance Huscha, and Lillian Kelly)
* Outstanding 4-H’er Club Awards – presented to one 4-Her from each of the 25 clubs that represent the 4-H values
* Diamond Clover Recipients – given to 4-Hers who have set, planned and achieved a set of leadership/service goals within each level of the award. Twenty 4-H’ers were recognized for their achievements.
* Pomona Grange Frederick County 4-Hers of the Year Award – presented to 2 4-Hers who embody the 4-H promise and have accomplished significant accomplishments during the year (Bobear Anderson & Joni Elbich)
* Recipients of the Frederick County 4-H Scholarship – Awarded annually to two 4-Hers. (Liam Grogan and Caroline Clark)
*Recognizing 2023 Maryland 4-H Team Members for National Competitions and Travel – Recognizing 10 youth members selected to compete on state teams throughout the year.
* Recognition of 4-H members who have reached the age of 4 in 2024 – recognition of 22 youth who have left the program (4-H membership is ages 8-18)
* Record Book Awards – to recognise the 117 young people who completed record books, with special recognition for the top winners in each age category (6 total) and for the first year students with the highest score (2 young people)
* Clover Book Awards – in recognition of 4-H members ages 5-8 who submitted clover book memories (14 total)
* Project Record Awards – to recognize the best project records submitted by individuals in each age category (Jr, Int, Sr) in each 4-H project area (61 awards will be given)
“We are incredibly proud of all of our 4-H members and the incredible work they do,” said Anna Mae Glenn. “This event is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their accomplishments and inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact in their own communities.”
In total, Frederick County 4-H had 557 youth participants and 178 active volunteers during the 2023 program year. Volunteers spent a total of 8,960 hours and reached 6,445 individuals, representing a value of $264,320.00 to the Frederick community.
Frederick County 4-H programs rely 100% on grants and financial support from the community. Special thanks to the event sponsors for providing funds to purchase awards and recognition items: Frederick County Farm Bureau, Horizon Farm Credit, Calico Nutrient Management, New Market Grange, Wegmans, Sally Arnold & Associates, Brunswick Ruritan, Linganore Grange, Jane Smith, AKA Friscos Restaurant, Rocky Point Creamery, Frederick County 4-H All Stars, and Frederick County Extension.
For more information about the 4-H program, please contact Anna Mae Glenn via email (amglenn@umd.edu.
Frederick County 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18. Frederick County 4-H is committed to empowering youth to reach their full potential by partnering with schools, communities, and volunteers to provide opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Frederick County 4-H supports youth in developing essential life skills, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility. To learn more about how to get involved with 4-H in your community, visit https://extension.umd.edu/locations/frederick-county/local-4-h-youth-education.
