Innovative Ideas

Kaitlin Conklin, Siskiyou County

Kaitlin created a hands-on forensic science “who done it?” course for the Siskiyou County 4-H Camp. This activity was a real-life “Clue” game in which 4-H members investigated and analyzed a mystery in which they were all “suspects.” Kaitlin is a nine year 4-H member and has served as a 2006-2007 4-H State Ambassador.

Collaboration and Outreach

Danielle Escover, San Benito County

Over 1,000 San Benito County children were provided a DNA sampling and fingerprinting kit as part of Danielle’s youth safety project. Danielle collaborated with the City of Gilroy police department to provide these kits to organizations outside of 4-H including day care facilities, elementary schools, and other countywide youth programs.

Citizenship

Emily Hamilton, Tuolumne County

In her 4-H involvement, Emily has participated in and coordinated multiple service activities. She has researched needs in her community and motivated her fellow 4-H Club members to help address them. Her nominators agree, “Emily understands community and her service to ours.”

Mentoring

Amy Sowers, Placer County

Amy has been involved in numerous projects during her eight years in 4-H. However, it is her mentorship with other 4-H members that stands out. Amy is able to work with other youth in many different settings, being encouraging and supportive. As one of her youth nominators states, “She is selfless … she has been one of my biggest supporters in 4-H.”

Robert Brownlee Science

Seth Washman, Placer County

The 4-H engineering project is Seth’s favorite activity. Seth started the project learning about gear ratios and has now become the Teen Leader. He teaches project members about engineering concepts through experimentation. Recently, Seth started a robotics project, learning the science behind the components. It is no surprise that Seth now wishes to pursue engineering as a career.

4-H Member Leadership

Halley Fobes, Sacramento County

Halley’s leadership service is exceptional – 4-H State Ambassador, 4-H Foundation Board Member, All Star, Club President, and many others. It is Halley’s personality and interaction with others that truly mark her as a leader. She is a positive role model, friendly and supportive to all 4-H members, and encourages participation. To top it off, Halley is humble regarding her achievements!

4-H Member of Excellence

Marria Davis, Placer County

Marria has been in 4-H for 7 years. Through her hard work and determination, she has excelled in the 4-H program – becoming the Club President and Teen Leader. Marria is a excellent example of what youth can accomplish through the 4-H program!

Collaboration and Outreach

Candy Jewett, Contra Costa County

As the Community 4-H Club Leader for the Tassajara 4-H Club, Candy has increased the membership from 13 members in 1998 to 120 members in 2006 with over 75 adult volunteers and 35 projects! Candy has publicized 4-H at many community events and organizations. Not only has she recruited many youth and adults into 4-H, she retains those members by ensuring meetings are fun!

Special Events

Ron Hamilton, Tuolumne County

Ron is a 4-Her at heart. Through his experience as a 4-H member and longtime 4-H volunteer, Ron planned a special activity at the Tuolumne County achievement night that had a profound impact on youth and families. He brought home the power heroes have to motivate and inspire through a remembrance of the September 11 incident.

Mentoring

Pete Totoonchie, Nevada County

Pete has been involved with the Nevada County 4-H shooting sports program for over 12 years. Not only is Pete an excellent teacher, he takes the time to mentor each 4-H member, encouraging them to excel. Those nominating him agree that “Mr. Totoonchie takes time to make sure every kid feels special.”

Robert Brownlee Science

Mary Gamboa, Orange County

Mary has taken her 4-H Club’s swine project to the next level – raising the knowledge of swine diseases and treatment options of her 4-H members. Mary is a dedicated 4-H volunteer leader and goes above and beyond the call of duty in her 4-H projects.

Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure

Kert Solus, Siskiyou County

Kert has revitalized the outdoor adventure program in his 4-H Club by offering a variety of activities including snow sledding, cave exploring, hiking, fishing, wildlife sightseeing, snorkeling and camping. All of this was accomplished in Kert’s first year as a 4-H volunteer leader!

Emerging 4-H Volunteer Leader

Jennifer Washman, Placer County

After completing her term as a 2005-2006 4-H State Ambassador, Jennifer immediately jumped into the role of a 4-H volunteer leader – project leader, assisting the County All Stars, and serving as the Placer County 4-H Council President. Jennifer is not only an emerging 4-H leader, but is already excelling as one!

Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer of Excellence

Linda Greco, Santa Barbara County

Linda is a dedicated 4-H volunteer, serving in a variety of roles, creating new events, and earning the respect of her colleagues. She has served as the County Council President, All Star Advisor, chaired numerous events, and supported 4-H members and volunteers alike. As her nominators state, “Linda is respected by all and is the backbone of this county’s 4-H program.”

Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer Lifetime Achievement

Linda Litz, San Mateo County

4-H has benefited from Linda’s involvement for over 35 years. She has taught sewing to eager kids for decades and has inspired two generations of 4-Hers! Linda is a wonderful role model, exhibits a positive attitude and encourages others. As her nominators state, “Linda is happiest when she is with a child.”

Collaboration and Outreach

San Bernardino County 4-H Memory Book Committee

Janet Champlin, Amanda Chiatovich, Octavia Conver, Tory Grainger, Danielle Johnson, Kayla Pauwels, Sarah Roethlisberger, Briana Sallows, Dylan Shelton, Ashley Trammell, Andrew Veloria, Gayle Champlin, Halli Aller

In order to document the impact the 4-H Youth Development Program has on young people, the 4-H Memory Book Committee was formed. The memory book was created to show youth in action emphasizing citizenship and leadership. The book was present to elementary schools and other youth organizations in order to recruit new members and change the stereotypes of 4-H. Best of all, 4-H members learned journalism skills while researching and developing the book!

Special Events

Santa Barbara County 4-H Camp Wahoo!

Rayne Vasquez, Janae Steels, Taylor Ebbert, Camille Greco, Justin Lyons, Tyler Maretti, Brad Waples, Aaron Ruiz, Maddie Berg, Olivia Rotunno, Hayley Noriega, Taylor Wysong, Hillary Krumholz, Claire Vasquez, Ashley Perez, Patti Vasquez

4-H Camp Wahoo! is a weeklong summer camp offered to 4-H members in Santa Barbara County. Days of planning by adult and youth go into delivering an educational yet fun experience for fifty 4-H members. The camp is a collaboration of people that allow 4-H members to make new friends and lasting memories. As one camper put it, “this is probably the best place I can come to let loose and forget about all my worries.”

Citizenship

Citizenship Service-Learning Advisory Council

Laura Bullard, Jaime Burroughs, Geri Clark, Carol Crossett, Pat English, Teresa Golonka, Terri Hawkinson, Brenda McCuthcheon, Joyce Reed, Sandy Sathrum, Sherrie Taylor, Rozie Trammell, Steve Trammell

The Council is an excellent example of what a collaboration of 4-H staff, volunteers and youth can accomplish. The Council accepts leadership in empowering youth and adults to become enlightened and engaged citizens. Not only has the Council lead “Citizenship in Every Project” trainings throughout the state, they have compiled a resource CD they plan to release in the near future.