HARRISBURG – During the 54th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show on Oct. 26 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Chelsea Folmar of Luthersburg received one of the highest honors for the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program. She was named the Outstanding 4-H Horse Member for 2013.
For her reward, Folmar received a custom tack closet donated by C&M Pine Products of Spring Mills. She’s the 18-year-old daughter of Scott and Crystal Folmar of Luthersburg. She’s a 2013 graduate of the DuBois Area High School and is attending the University of Kentucky majoring in Animal Sciences. Folmar plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Folmar is completing her 10th year as a 4-H member and is a member of the Renegade Riders 4-H Club, Clearfield County 4-H Riflery Club and Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council. She has actively participated in performance, production and competitive trail riding horse projects, Team Horse Power and horsemanship skills, as well as veterinary science, riflery, fishing, photography, robotics, public speaking and leadership 4-H projects.
Folmar has served as officer, teen leader and camp counselor while in 4-H and participated in numerous leadership and community service activities in Clearfield County, including vacation bible school, youth deacon, camp counselor, girl scouts and local volunteer fire company. She has successfully competed in county, district and state 4-H horse events, including shows, the state competitive trail ride, horse hippology, horse bowl and public speaking contests. She participated in State 4-H Achievement Days, State 4-H Capital Days and the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup. Folmar was also named Clearfield County Fair Queen First Runner-up for 2013.
“As a proud 4-H member for the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to grow in ways I never expected. I have gained the knowledge to become a confident public speaker, gracious competitor, responsible individual and a compassionate leader,” she said. “4-H events, activities and programs helped me to become who I am today.
“Winning the 2013 Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member Award is a huge honor and a wonderful way to conclude my career as a member. This incredible program has enriched my life by giving me memories and friendships that I will carry with me no matter where I go.
“As I look forward to the future and work on achieving my dream of becoming a veterinarian, it means the world to me to be able to have a strong foundation because of 4-H. The 4-H program has helped me to make the best better and empowered me to strive for my dreams,” added Folmar.
Four outstanding member award finalists were presented halters and leads donated by Tory Leather Company of Williamsport and grooming trays provided by C&M Pine Products. The 2013 finalists included Lauren Androstic of Westmoreland County, Kelsey Henry of Perry County, Paige Henry of Indiana County and Caroline Van Pelt of York County.
Clearfield County has been very competitive in the 4-H horse program and has had several finalists for this award over the past 18 years. Finalists and winners include Janee Carr (1995 winner), Rebecca Moorhouse (1998 finalist), Jana Duttry (1999 finalist), Morgan Bacher (2003 finalist), Heather Mabie (2005 finalist), Joelle Palumbo (2006 finalist), Jenifer McAndrew (2007 finalist), Katie McAndrew (2008 finalist and 2009 winner), Elizabeth McAndrew (finalist in 2010 and 2012) and Folmar (2013 winner).
In addition to receiving the title of Pennsylvania Outstanding 4-H Horse Member, Folmar participated in the 2013 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show in the Pleasure Horse Driving & Western Riding classes with her horse PSU Hollywood Kuel. Following the State Horse Show, Folmar represented Pennsylvania in the Eastern National 4-H Round-Up Public Speaking Contest held during the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY, where she finished 11th in the nation. Folmar qualified for this honor in August by winning the 2013 Pennsylvania State 4-H Achievement Days Public Speaking Contest.
“On behalf of the entire Clearfield County 4-H Program, I want to congratulate Chelsea Folmar on this extraordinary honor. Over her 10-year involvement in the 4-H program, Chelsea has been a tremendous role model and mentor to so many young people throughout the county. I am excited to see what the future has in store for her,” said Jana Davidson, a 4-H youth development educator for Penn State Extension in Clearfield County
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, genetic information, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. For additional information on 4-H, contact Davidson at Penn State Extension in Clearfield County at 814-765-7878, Ext.3.