UCF residents earn 4-H certificates

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on August 26, 2020

The Penn State Extension in Chester County recognized seven youth as part of their annual Spirit of 4-H Award last week. Two of the honorees live in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

Colton Nolan, of East Marlborough Township, has been an active member of Manor Dairy Club for 10 years. He credits 4-H for giving him an opportunity to learn to care for and prepare animals for show.

He has helped at countless dairy promotion events from a petting zoo, Tractor Supply Paper Clover events, community events, and at nursing homes. He has been an asset to his club and the 4-H dairy program and is always willing to jump in and help other members. According to his leaders, “he has a kind heart and patient when helping younger members with their animals.”

Melinda Stoltzfus, of West Marlborough Township, nominated by the Golden Fleece Sheep club, is also an active member of the Beef, Swine, Goat, and Teen Council Clubs. She credits 4-H as having impacted her life more than she could imagine and instilled in her a passion for the agriculture industry, as well as, helped her be an effective spokesperson for the agriculture industry.

She has been active in promoting 4-H through various community events and says her 4-H experience has been “life-changing” and she wants every child to the same opportunity and experience as she did through the 4-H program.

The Chester County Spirit of 4-H Award was started in 1998 by Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club. The award went to a 4-H member that demonstrated the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community. It was an honor for 4-H members to be awarded the Spirit of 4-H Award. In 2007 Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club, with 4-H Advisory Committee support, made the Spirit of 4-H Award a county-wide award that will be awarded to one Chester County 4-H member at the Chester County 4-H Fair each year.

4-H club leaders nominate one member from each club that demonstrated the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community each year. Once nominated the members are asked to complete and return an application to be reviewed by the 4-H Program Development Committee who selects the Chester County 4-H member that is most deserving of the award.