Thursday, September 18, 2008

Local 4-H Members Compete for Top Honors at State Event


Photo: Jana Davidson, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield County, Morgan Turner of Philipsburg, Katie McAndrew of Brockway, Yvonne Bush of DuBois, and Abby Dressler of Rockton pose for a photo after the awards and closing ceremony of the 64th 4-H State Achievement Days at Penn State University. Missing from photo are Shalise Gallaher of Grampian, Jenifer McAndrew of Brockway, John “JR” McMahon of Smithmill, Amanda Owens of Woodland, Derek Southern of Houtzdale, & Devon Turner of Philipsburg.

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus, played host to over 700 4-H members from across Pennsylvania for the annual 64th 4-H State Achievement Days from August 5-7, 2008.

Each 4-H member participated in one of the 25 events offered at 4-H State Achievement Days. The events range from Public Speaking and Physical Fitness to Horse judging and “The Apprentice”. The participants also worked on several service learning projects gear towards helping local non-profit agencies as well as supporting our military personnel.

Ten Clearfield County 4-H teens took part in this year’s event in four different events.

Clearfield County’s Horse Bowl Team received third place. Members of the Horse Bowl Team included Amanda Owens of the Clearfield Area 4-H Horse & Pony Club, who was named as the third place individual and honored with a blue merit award. Yvonne Bush of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club took eighth place as an individual and received a red merit award. Jenifer McAndrew of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club placed ninth as an individual and received a red merit, and Shalise Gallaher of the Cowboy Up 4-H Club was awarded a red merit award.

Katie McAndrew Bush of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club received a white merit award for her participation in the Horse Judging Senior Division Individual event.

Clearfield County’s Rabbit & Cavy Bowl Team came in third place. Participants Devon Turner received a red merit award and Morgan Turner received a white merit award.

John ”JR” McMahon of the Clearfield County 4-H Top Guns took home fourth place as an individual in the Shotgun Junior Division Contest and was awarded a blue merit award, while Derek Southern, also of the Clearfield County 4-H Top Guns received a red merit award.

Clearfield County 4-H youth where accompanied by Jana Davidson, 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield County.

“This annual event is held to demonstrate achievement of 4-H members and provide recognition of their accomplishments. Such events provide youth with educational opportunities to develop self-confidence, increase skills in project work, increase skills in decision making, and develop high standards,” says Phil Hoy, youth program management coordinator in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education.

“4-H State Achievement is one of several opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth to demonstrate the knowledge they have learned through the 4-H program,” states Christy Bartley, state 4-H program leader. “4-H members participate in other state and national events during the program year.”

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