UNIVERSITY PARK – A delegation of 15 4-H members from across Clearfield County headed to Penn State University – University Park Campus to take part in the 2011 Pennsylvania State 4-H Achievement Days held on July 26 – July 28. This 3-day event brings youth from all over the commonwealth to compete and take part in one of several competitions from chicken barbeque cook-offs to quiz bowl contests to chorus & talent competitions. This year, Clearfield County youth were recognized for achievements in a variety of different events.
Chelsea Folmar of Luthersburg, Ariel Korlinchak of Coalport, Katelyn Matthews of Glasgow, & Katie Russell of Grampian put their knowledge of horses and the equine industry to the test in the Horse Bowl Competition. The team finished in second place. As individuals, Chelsea Folmar of the Renegade Riders 4-H Club placed first, Katie Russell of the Open Range 4-H Club placed eighth, and Ariel Korlinchak & Katelyn Matthews both of the Top O’ the Hill 4-H Club placed ninth and tenth, consecutively. Tammy Angeletti, Organizational Leader of the Turn’ n’ Burn 4-H Horse & Pony Club served as the team’s coach. The team now advances to the All American Quarter Horse Congress Horse Bowl Contest, which will take place mid-October.
In other team events, Clearfield County sent a senior & junior shotgun team to compete. The shotgun competition took place off-campus at the Shenecoy Sportsmen’s Club in Huntindon County. The senior team consisting of Shawn Ebersole of Grampian, David Kephart of DuBois, Tyler Passmore of Curwensville, and Andy Puit of Glen Richey finished in second place. As individuals, Andy Puit received seventh place overall, Shawn Ebersole tenth place, Tyler Passmore twelfth place, and David Kephart thirteenth place. All four senior team members belong to the Clearfield County 4-H Top Guns. The junior team consisting of Victoria Garner of LaJose, Steven Kumm of Clearfield, & Colt Logan of Grampian finished in fourth place for their division. As individuals, Victoria Garner finished in twelfth place overall and Steven Kumm & Colt Logan tied for fourteenth place. All three junior team members belong to the Clearfield County 4-H Hot Shots.
In other competitions, Devon Turner of Philipsburg took fourth place as an individual for the Rabbit & Cavy Contest. Devon is a member of the Thundering Hoof beats 4-H Club. Alex Russell of Grampian and Fran McAninch of DuBois participated in Tractor Driving Contest. Alex Russell received third place in the skid steer portion and sixth place in the compact tractor portion. Fran McAninch placed ninth in both the skid steer & compact tractor portions. Alex & Fran are both members of the Open Range 4-H Club. Fran also belongs to the Town & Country 4-H Horse & Pony Club as well.
Finally, following the awards ceremony on July 28, Liz McAndrew of Brockway was inducted to the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council. Liz took part in the non-competitive leadership tract and was elected as the Vice-President of Operations for the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council. Liz is a member of the Town & Country 4-H Horse & Pony Club. Additionally, the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council was recognized once again as a top county council in the state. The council received third place in the Pennsylvania Outstanding 4-H County Council Competition and will receive a monetary award of $200.00.
4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or veteran status. For additional information on the 4-H program, contact Jana Lynne Davidson at Penn State Extension in Clearfield County at 814-765-7878 Ext. 3.