Teens honored for leadership, service to 4-H program
As part of the Chester County 4-H Fair, three local teens were recognized for their leadership and service to the 4-H program and their community as part of the Spirit of 4-H Award presentation. The Spirit of the 4-H Award was started in 1998 by Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club.
4-H club leaders are asked to nominate one member from each 4-H club that demonstrated the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community. 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.
In 2021, one 4-H member was honored as the winner of the Spirit of 4-H Award and two additional 4-H members with Certificates of Achievement. The nominees that were recognized are all exemplary and program members are proud that they are part of the Chester County 4-H program.
Recognized as honorable Mentions were David Gober and Ronak Suchindra.
David Gober of West Pikeland is a member of Northern Chester County 4-H Horse Club and credits 4-H for showing him how he can impact his community and the world. He has had the opportunity to meet many people and they have impacted him and his interest in helping others. 4-H has also influenced his future career goals and he hopes to become a veterinarian. David is a leader in his club and has participated in several 4-H leadership events.
Ronik Suchindra of Upper Uwchlan is an active member and leader in the Clover Rovers 4-H Robotics Club. He credits 4-H for having helped him learn and grow in robotics skills and public speaking, and increasing his critical thinking skills, self-confidence, organizational skills, time management, and patience. Ronik has learned the importance of being a good role model and helping his community. Last year, as a result of the pandemic, he created Kids Connect which provides free online workshops for kids as a way of connecting kids by sharing their knowledge on a skill and allowing them to teach others.
Winner of the 2021 Chester County Spirit of 4-H Award was Melissa Johnson (Glen Mills). Melissa is the president of the SPARKS 4-H Club, and a member of 4-H Teen Council, Golden Fleece 4-H Sheep Club, and Gum Tree 4-H Horse Club. She served as a camp counselor this summer and has helped many 4-H members with their projects. She created and led many club meetings for her clubs and participated in club and county service projects. Melissa attended Capital Days and the State Leadership Conference in person and virtually attended the National Agriscience Summit. In addition, she is currently working on her 4-H Diamond Award. Melissa credits 4-H with giving her the skills to tackle any problem.