Research shows that youth who are involved in leadership activities develop a greater sense of self-esteem, confidence, social competence and more effective coping skills. In 4‑H, we believe that every child has the potential to be a leader, and in order to fulfill that potential they need caring adult mentors, chances to develop practical skills and opportunities to take on leadership roles. Each year, 4-H reaches more than 50,000 youth in New Jersey. They are supported by over 2,000 adult volunteers, who each contribute more than 200 volunteer hours per year, valued at approximately $11 million annually.
– Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H Program Coordinator
Cape May County 4-H Members tell how participation in 4-H has helped build their leadership abilities…
“I started 4-H as a Cloverbud member when I was 7 years old and now I am in the 9th grade and a member of the Wranglers 4-H Club. In the past, I have earned the right to compete against 4-H members from all across the state at the New Jersey State 4-H Championship Horse Show. We work very hard with our horse projects to get to this level of competition,” Kathleen DeGenova, 4-H Member.
“I am one of the Cape May County Junior Outstanding 4-H Member Award winners for 2017. To win this award, I had to demonstrate my achievements in club project work, community service, leadership skills development, and my passion for 4-H. As a Junior Outstanding 4-H Member, I represented 4-H at the 2017 4-H Fair and helped lead the 4-H Countywide Awards Picnic in the fall,” Cadence Golley, Junior Outstanding 4-H Member.
“My name is Autumn Richards, and I am a member of the Maverick Arts, Tightlines, Science Rocks and Scales & Tails 4-H Clubs. My name is Rebecca Arcuri, and I am the Vice President of the Maverick Arts 4-H Club. We attended a 4-H Club Officers’ Workshop this year. It helped us to learn how to be effective club officers and to communicate better with our club leaders.”
“My name is Annabella Halbruner, and I am in the Wranglers and Teen Ambassadors 4-H Clubs. 4-H gave me the opportunity to learn many new leadership skills during a national trip to Washington, DC for 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus last year. At CWF, I got to meet many Senators and Congressmen, learn how our government works and make friends with 4-H teens from across the country.”
“My name is Jimmy Papperman. I have been in 4-H since kindergarten, and this month, I graduated from high school. My long career in 4-H has helped me develop the leadership and personal skills to pursue my dream of entering the Air Force.”
“My name is Hailey Osborne, and I am a new member of the Wranglers 4-H Club. I look forward to ‘Discovering the Leader in Me’ through my membership in 4-H.”
“Leaders aren’t just born or even elected. Youth need opportunities to develop leadership skills and 4-H gives us those opportunities. 4-H members can become club officers, serve on advisory boards, carry out community service projects, learn to be excellent public speakers and participate in regional, state and national leadership conferences. My name is Andrew Heim. I am a member of the Shore Blazers 4-H Club, and I am the current Cape May County 4-H Senior Equestrian of the Year. In August, I will compete for the New Jersey State 4-H Equestrian of the Year title.”
“I am in the Needle & Thread 4-H Club and the leadership skills I have learned through 4-H gave me the confidence to compete for the 2018 Junior Outstanding 4-H Member,” Kate DiGilio, Junior Outstanding 4-H Member.
“I am in the Shore Blazers 4-H Club and, because I have given a county public presentation every year of my 4-H career, I had the confidence to compete at the New Jersey State 4-H Public Presentations Contest this year. I won a Best Room Award and received a certificate of excellence,” Elise Heim.
“I am a member of the Needle & Thread 4-H Club and 4-H gave me the opportunity to practice my leadership skills and also, to meet many new people such as the ones I met at the 4-H Leadership Washington Focus Conference held in Washington, DC,” Emily DiGillio.
“I am in the 9th grade and Vice President of the Needle & Thread 4-H Club and a member of the 24 Carrots 4-H Club. I am one of the Cape May County Junior Outstanding 4-H Member Award winners for 2017. Because of the skills I have developed through 4-H, I received a 4-H County Medal in Personal Development last year,” Nora Conover, Junior Outstanding 4-H Member.
“I am in the Whinny Pigs and Teen Ambassadors 4-H Clubs. I am president of both 4-H clubs and a past Senior 4-H Equestrian of the Year. Through 4-H, I have developed leadership skills such as responsibility and self confidence that have helped me complete a successful high school career and will continue to help me as I start college in Ohio this fall,” Erin Schalick, 4-H Member.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
