SEAFORD — Sussex County 4-H held its 2023-2024 Achievement Event “Walk the Green Carpet with 4-H” Sept. 29 at Ross Station.

This annual event recognizes the outstanding efforts of 4-H members and volunteer leaders from the past year. Below is a spotlight on some of the awards received. 

The Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award is given in memory of Joy G. Sparks, past State 4-H Program Leader. Ms. Sparks was a lifelong 4-H member. Award recipients are chosen based on their contributions to the 4-H program and keeping Spark’s Spirit of 4-H alive. 

This year’s winner was Kathy DiSabatino, Dagsboro, who was honored for her dedication and service to Sussex County 4-H for over 26 years. Ms. DiSabatino is the organizational leader of the Lord Baltimore Helping Hands 4-H Club. 

The Friend of 4-H Award honors individuals or organizations who contribute to Sussex 4-H in a variety of ways.  This year’s recipient was the Delmarvalous Quilters. This group has partnered with Sussex 4-H for years, providing donations each year to support clothing and textile projects.  This year, the group is hosting four fall sewing workshops.

National 4-H Event Award winners: 

• National 4-H Ignite Summit:  Rachel O’Day, Seaford
• National 4-H LifeSmarts Participants:  Carter Bradley, Laurel, Emily Davis, Bethany Beach, Kaitlyn Kopf, Ocean View, Edwin Noon, Selbyville, and Sophia Noon, Selbyville
• National 4-H Congress 2024 Delegate:  Declan West, Milton 

The Sussex Order of Links is the alumni organization for 4-H. Links plan and support many 4-H programs throughout the calendar year. Amy West, president of the Sussex Order of Links conducted the induction ceremony.  These are 4-H alumni or adult volunteers who have given time and talents to the Sussex 4-H program.

New inductees are Neil Anger, Bridgeville, Ashlyn Elliott, Georgetown, Dave Hale, Bridgeville, Matison Smith, Georgetown, and Paige Taylor, Bridgeville. 

Niney nine 4-H members from across Sussex County were recognized for their excellent participation in project work, judging contests and public presentations.  
Exploring 4-H Project is designed for first year 4-H’ers 8-12 years old. The top award went to Gabriela Haldeman, Bridgeville, and honorable mention Brynn Schutt, Seaford, and Emma Schutt, Seaford. 

“The Diamond Clover award consists of six levels that each require a 4-Her to plan and accomplish a broad range of age-appropriate tasks, acquiring valuable life skills as they progress,” said Jill Jackson, Sussex County 4-H educator. “For their final Level Six project, 4-H members plan and implement and community service project to be sustained by other club members for many years.” 

Madison Johnson, Selbyville, project “Threads of Love” provided hand-sewn blankets for children in longer hospital stays due to premature birth, illness or surgeries.  
Murphy McCarroll, Salisbury, Maryland, project “PSA’s Against Plastic” raised awareness of how individuals and businesses could reduce plastic pollution by creating public service announcements via radio, television and through a new website. 
Declan West, Milton, project “Meet the Farmer" connected Delaware farmers with students in elementary and middle schools and library programs. 

Ten years ago, Sussex County 4-H incorporated the Sussex 4-H Spirit Awards into the program. The 4-H Spirit Awards are like those given at State 4-H Camp. Recipients are awarded for how they represented the 4 H’s (Head, Heart, Hands, Health) and 4-H Spirit throughout the year. 

Five youth and one adult received this award each year. They are Mark Moore, Bridgeville, Abby Vanvorst, Seaford, Joel Denham, Georgetown, Reid Bradley, Laurel, Ainsley West, Milton, and Kim Elliott, Georgetown. 

Delaware 4-H is the largest youth program in the state, reaching on average 31,000 youth a year through clubs, special events, camps and school programs. It is supported by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and is an equal opportunity provider.  

For more information about Sussex County 4-H, contact Jill Jackson, extension educator, at 302-831-3280.