4-H Member Leadership

Wade Colburn, San Diego County
Wade’s involvement in 4-H and FFA have provided him an opportunity to build outstanding leadership skills. In groups, he works to ensure everyone has a voice in decisions. In all of his activities, he encourages everyone to be as involved as possible. Wade serves as a San Diego County All Star and in a number of other leadership roles. Wade was selected as a 2008-2009 4-H State Ambassador.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

4-H Member of Excellence

Krista Hoffman, San Bernardino County
Krista has been in 4-H for two years and during that time has excelled beyond expectations. Through the 4-H dog project, Krista has made outstanding and long-term contributions to 4-H. She has supported others and been supported herself by 4-H through times of hardship. As her Community 4-H Club leader states, “Over the past two years, I have witnessed Krista grow from a beginning member to an active participant.”

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Collaboration and Outreach

Alyssa Schmidt, Siskiyou County
Alyssa introduced 380 students, approximately 70% of Siskiyou county’s 4th grade population, to
4-H through a planned educational agricultural event. Partnering with the Cattlewomen, Farm Bureau and Siskiyou Golden Fair, Alyssa planned a 4-H hands-on day to teach 4th graders about agriculture through a southwestern cattle round-up perspective. Through her nine years in 4-H, Alyssa has engaged community members in understanding domestic violence and creating a youth juvenile justice court program.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Special Events & Activities

Ben Duran, Yuba County
Not only did Ben volunteer to chair the annual Sutter/Yuba 4-H Spring Fair, normally chaired by an adult, but he shifted the focus from exhibition to education. He engaged groups to present information, including the CDFA, Farm Service Agency, Cattlemen, Farm Bureau, and other groups. He also streamlined the coordination by recruiting chairs for each project area and brought horse show classes back.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Citizenship

Amelia Clyatt, Siskiyou County
Amelia is an active citizen in every sense of the word. She participates in community service, governmental activities and environmental protection 4-H projects. Her community and world is a better place due, in part, to Amelia’s service through 4-H.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Mentoring

Amanda Lewis, Orange County
To Amanda, 4-H is an amazing organization that has led her to friends, leadership, knowledge and new skills. During her time in 4-H, she has been a positive role model to many younger 4-H members, especially during 4-H summer camp. Her talents enable her to create new activities for kids to leave them with a big smile. As one 4-H volunteer leader states, “Amanda is a patient teacher with a sense of humor and an ability to engage the campers.”

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Tommy Nakanishi, Contra Costa County
Tommy leads a 4-H embryology project were he teaches younger members about scientific experiments – how varieties of bird eggs can withstand varying pressures and how a bird’s diet can effect eggs. 

Sponsored by the Robert Brownlee Foundation.

Ironstone Concours Service Dog

Cynthia Hinde, Sonoma County
Cynthia became interested in guide dogs when she went on a fifth grade school field trip to the guide dog campus in San Rafael. Since then, she has raised a number of dogs and grown in her maturity and responsibility. She is committed to the work of raising guide dogs. Now as an older member, she helps younger members in raising puppies.

Sponsored by the Ironstone Concours Foundation.

Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer
Lifetime Achievement

Rosemarie Woods, San Joaquin County
Serving the 4-H program for over 48 years, Rosemarie cherishes the lasting friendships and fulfilling work she has undertaken. She has served in a variety of roles, led many projects, and earned the respect of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the state. The San Joaquin County Director states, “Her 48 years of tireless dedication to 4-H is a testament to her willingness to serve youth and help them develop the life skills that translate into successful citizens.”

Sponsored by the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Keith Barnes 4-H
Volunteer of Excellence

Robin Turnquist, Santa Cruz County
Nominated separately by two people, Robin is respected for her commitment to 4-H. There are few 4-H events in Santa Cruz County that Robin does not offer time, energy, resources, or other support. She is able to connect with all children to help them feel included and to participate, while feeling appreciated and respected. As one person says, “Robin is truly a phenomenal person and leader in our community.”

Emerging 4-H
Volunteer Leader

Kelly Hinde, Sonoma County
Kelly’s two children got her involved with 4-H, starting with their animal projects. In the last few years, Kelly has undertaken many 4-H volunteer roles, such as County Council Vice President, Chair of County Presentation day, Community 4-H Club Leader, and many others. Both of her kids state, “We think that our mom is the type of 4-H leader that makes this program great.”

Mentoring

Carmen Talavera, Placer County
The Lincoln 4-H Club has benefitted from Carmen’s involvement over the past four years. While Carmen leads the Cultural Dance, Fabric Painting and Sewing projects herself, her entire family is involved as project leaders and club officers. She knows the 4-H members and truly appreciates each of them for who they are. As her nominator states, “Carmen is a wonderful role model for our children and a positive anchor in their lives.”

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Innovative Ideas

Laura Kramer, San Mateo County
4-H members always find new and fun activities in Laura’s sewing project. Laura finds innovative activities for her sewing project, many of which involve a community service aspect. Her nominator says, “She is strongly dedicated to providing opportunities for 4-H members to learn, have fun, and especially, be proud of themselves!”

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Mary Jackson, Santa Barbara County
Partnering with the Endeavour Center, a division of Space Information Laboratories, Inc., Mary created a countywide project focusing on aerospace science.  The last two Space-O-Ree campouts, held each January,  introduced 4-H members and volunteers to astronomy, space exploration, rockets, and building telescopes and refractors. Through these efforts, science and technology education was provided to youth (50% female) with a hands-on and inquiry-based emphasis.

Sponsored by the Robert Brownlee Foundation.

Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure

Monte Whipple, Siskiyou County
Monte has actively grown the shooting sports program in Siskiyou County through hosting an Archery Day, Shooting Sports Day, and skills/marksmanship competition. In only two years, he has recruited new youth and adults into his 4-H project, doubling the number of youth involved. Monte goes above and beyond to become a mentor to the youth involved in his projects.

Sponsored by the Friends of Jack and Robert Clay Endowment.

Ausaymas 2% Challenge Team, San Benito County
Kate Modic, Grace Tobias, Anne Tobias, Lisa Tobias
This project was presented to the Ausaymas 4-H Club of San Benito County by the Junior and Teen Leader team. The basic proposal was for members in livestock projects to donate 2% of their junior livestock auction proceeds for hunger relief in their community and world. 4-H members were able to participate in a hands-on experience related to a societal concern. Over 93% of Ausaymas market livestock members accepted the Challenge and wree able to donate over $2,300 to hunger relief organizations.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Ventura County 4-H Rabbit Committee
Brenda Bass, Kathy Bass, Sarah Bobardt, Ray Mini, Chris Zack, Jeanean Bass, Katie Zack
The Ventura County 4-H Rabbit Committee created an educational DVD, titled “Rabbit Showmanship 101” and a 12-month calendar with small animal photographs. Both were sold at the Ventura County Super Field Day. The proceeds went to the Ventura County 4-H Small Animal Science Fair. This project demonstrates innovative ways to both fulfill a need in 4-H while raising funds for 4-H activities.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

“Have Team Building Games … Will Travel”, Humboldt, Mendocino, Nevada, Placer, and Siskiyou Counties.
Humboldt: Sandy Sathrum, Cleta Thompson, Reba Thompson, Lizzygrace Barnett, Rosie Buzzard, Kayla Buzzard, Nirvana Begovic, Savannah McCauley. Mendocino: Linda Edgington, Trenton Phillips, Tessa Behnke, Holly Kirckman, Anthony Gay, Ben Perkins, Kody Ostler, Amy Green, Miles Everett, Carol Kwase, Arlene Fuller. Nevada: Brenda Austin, Kaytlin McIntosh, Paige Lampert, Dana Spaulding. Placer: Sarah Stewart, June Stewart, Rhian Brinskele, Emi Cady, Kayla Bruce, Mark Doerner, Skyler Young, Rowan Young. Siskiyou: Jacki Zediker, Zoe Walsh, Rita Walsh, Alyssa Schmidt, Ethan Kuck
Five counties collaborated to create a workbook of teambuilding activities which will be distributed throughout the state. All participants in the project attended a weekend retreat held in Shasta County in May to test the activities and assemble prop boxes. The youth are 4-H members, All Stars, Hi 4-Hers, Teen Leaders. The adults are county 4-H staff and volunteers who comprise a group of caring citizens giving the youth the needed sense of belonging.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Potter Valley 4-H Citizenship / Service Learning Project, Mendocino County
Garrett Chase, Karli Chase, Kayla Delbar, Emily Eddie, Lezlie Elmer, Sara Fairbairn, Gina Gervase, Chayton Johnson, Cooper Johnson, Wil Matthews, Wyatt Matthews, Thomas Rockel, Haily Thornton, Justin Thornton, Kenzi Wattenburger, Jan Fairbairn, Sue Matthews
After three parents in three families were diagnosed with cancer, this group of 16 people created a service learning project which began a year of cancer awareness. The project was founded to support suffering families and raise funds for cancer research. Meeting a direct need in their community, this project epitomizes service learning. Each member has grown in leadership, life skills, and offered 4-H members an opportunity to demonstrate generosity.

Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.