The California 4-H Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding achievements of members, volunteers, program staff, and groups within the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. In 2024, over a dozen 4-H youth and adult leaders are being recognized for demonstrating excellence. Keep reading to learn about each award and awardee...
Robert Brownlee Science Award
Sponsored by the Robert Brownlee Foundation
The Robert Brownlee Science Award goes to youth and adult members who use science inquiry and experiential learning in 4-H work to help youth increase knowledge, skills and competencies and improve their attitudes about science. This category includes increasing science awareness and its use in 4-H projects by testing predictions and making sense of observations. Learn more about the Robert Brownlee Foundation.
AWARDEE: Johnna Humber (Adult Volunteer), Placer County
Johnna Humber has been an adult leader in Placer County for over twenty years, advocating for both the 4-H program and experiential learning every step of the way. Humber makes going above and beyond a habit, and this past fair season was no exception. “I was completely blown away by how many educational activities [Humber] supplied for visitors and youth members in our Small Animal Barn,” Liza Stefani, Ophir 4-H Club Leader, added. In addition to an egg identification contest, [Humber] had an embryology display with details about hatching statistics and what it takes to hatch a chick. At one point, Humber even dissected an egg that had only hatched a little bit. Never missing a learning opportunity, Humber called the fifteen kids to gather around and discuss why the egg didn’t hatch. The children were fully engaged and comfortable asking questions and making their own guesses. Humber also had other small animal identification contests, bringing in extra animals that are not usually displayed in the Small Animal Barn, like rabbits and chickens. This is one of the many examples of how Humber has employed the experiential learning method, creating experiences for youth to learn and to process those experiences with their peers.
Anyone who knows Humber will agree that she personifies the Robert Brownlee Science Award, inspiring youth to expand their knowledge and skills about science. We congratulate Johnna Humber for how she combined hands-on activities and real-life scenarios to create a fun and safe learning environment for youth members.
AWARDEE: Olivia S. (Youth Member), Yuba County
Our next awardee for the Robert Brownlee Science Award was recognized for how she moved through the experiential learning model herself, developing critical life skills along the way. With a “love of animals” and “eagerness to learn”, Olivia S. joined Franklin 4-H in Yuba County when she was thirteen years old. Some might would be surprised to know that this "Miss Teen West Coast Agriculture America" was awkward and shy growing up, according to Olivia’s mother, Jennifer Salle. Perhaps even more surprising, although she was once deathly afraid of chickens, she has achieved the State Fair 4-H Senior Champion Poultry Showmanship in 2023.
“If chickens were around, [Olivia] would cry and run away as [if] she was afraid [that] they were going to peck her," said Jennifer Salle. "It wasn’t until she was older that she actually grew affectionate for the fluffy, little babies. She talked about how cute and friendly they were, and she would love to have a chicken of her own someday.”
When Olivia joined Franklin 4-H's poultry project, it didn't have an adult leader experienced with chickens. Unfazed by this obstacle, Olivia conducted her own research on chickens and led the chicken project herself.
Olivia acquired her first Silkie chickens and market poultry for the Yuba-Sutter Fair. Without an experienced chicken leader, she was intimidated by her fellow competitors and 4-H members, but her performance earned her the 4-H Novice Reserve Champion Chicken Showmanship and 4-H Reserve Champion Market Poultry titles at the Yuba-Sutter Fair! This experience gave her confidence to continue in the 4-H program and set more goals.
"Olivia suffers from anxiety..., but she always goes out there and gives it her best." -Jennifer Salle
Olivia went on to take diverse projects, attend more events, and participate in more competitive poultry competitions. She has devoted over a hundred hours to community service projects with the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau, and more. Additionally, stepped into leadership roles such as Secretary of her 4-H club and Yuba-Sutter County 4-H Ambassador has put her skillset to the test. “Every event and opportunity...offered, Olivia was there. Whether it was selling melons to raise money for 4-H, ...waiting tables at the annual Yuba-Sutter Heritage Foundation dinner, [or] building an award-winning float for the Marysville Bok Kai parade, Olivia was there,” said Jennifer Salle. “As her parent, I am incredibly proud of her transformation and her love of sharing knowledge with others. [I believe] she definitely represents the four H’s: Head, Heart, Health, Hands.”
Olivia has changed by leaps and bounds during her short time in the 4-H program. She loves it when she has the opportunity to share her 4-H experiences with other members, answering questions about her experience as a County Ambassador and her chickens. “Every year, Olivia takes her show chicken to Park Avenue Preschool in Yuba City to share with the students while they’re learning about embryology. Olivia [is] very excited [because] she [knows] how important it [is] for others to learn about where chickens come from and how important the process is,” said Jennifer Salle. Olivia shows the students the life cycle of eggs and chickens, as well as creating fun crafts like growing seeds from a cotton ball and inspiring backyard gardens. The students at April Lane Preschool always look forward to visits from Olivia. Olivia’s dedication to sharing her sparks and knowledge with younger kids and her peers is evident. With California 4-H State Ambassador as her next goal, Olivia will continue rolling her sleeves up to make an impact on her community.
“I am proud to be associated with [the] Brownlee Science Foundation—I hope to study biology at college this fall. The support...from organizations like [4-H is] inspiring young people like me to push boundaries and strive for meaningful connections,” ~ Olivia.
We congratulate Olivia S. for how she turned her passion for chickens into years of successful and inspirational pursuits.
Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award
Sponsored by the Friends of Jack and Robert Clay
The Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award recognizes a member or a volunteer for 4-H work in camping and outdoor adventures, including camping, fishing, hiking, shooting sports, rafting, climbing, GIS/GPS, snow skiing, and others. This category also includes outstanding achievement, leadership, and promotion of outdoor adventures. Learn more about the Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award.
AWARDEE: Kelly Mertsoc (Adult Volunteer), San Diego County
Kelly Mertsoc has been the remarkable Head Adult Director of the 4-H Camp in Southern California for the past twelve years. Located at Camp Seely in the San Bernardino Mountains, Mertsoc has been instrumental in planning, organizing, and leading a 4-H Summer Camp program that is safe, entertaining, and unforgettable for all the campers and staff.
Mertsoc has been connected with this 4-H summer camp since the 1980’s, when she was a camper herself. She stepped into the roles of Staff Member and Adult Director before taking on the role of Head Adult Director in 2011. “[Head Adult Director] requires working with youth staff and other adults to craft a memorable, safe, and fun camp experience for all attendees. It also requires making dozens of important decisions quickly on a daily basis,” said Dennis Young, California 4-H Foundation Board Member and LA County 4-H Camp Committee Chair. Mertsoc’s experience as a judge has equipped her with common sense and decision-making skills that everyone at the 4-H Camp appreciates and benefits from.
Mertsoc has never wavered in her dedication to the 4-H Summer Camp program. She keeps the needs of others and responsibilities of her position at the top of her priorities.
“A few years ago, Kelly injured her knee on the hilly terrain at Camp Seely. In obvious pain, four of the camp staff [had to] pick her up and carry her down the hill to the camp infirmary. The other volunteers and staffers immediately formed a perfect double lineup to pay respect to their fallen leader. Despite the pain, Kelly insisted on staying at camp until [camp] ended and underwent surgery after she returned home. This incident illustrates her commitment and dedication to assuring a successful camp program and the loyalty of those that work with her,” said Young.
"With Kelly at the helm, the 4-H summer camp in Southern California has seen a ninety percent return of campers and staffers from year to year." - Dennis Young
Kelly is a leader who “knows the value and importance of assuring the youth learn by doing at camp”, Young added. This can be seen especially in how Kelly works with the youth directors to plan and implement an engaging and enlightening camp program.
In addition to facilitating the success of the 4-H summer camp in Southern California that has been around for generations, Mertsoc employs her skills and experience on the State level as a member of the State 4-H Camping Advisory Committee. The Camping Advisory Committee not only provides and develops resources and research for the camping and outdoor education field, but it also hosts and plans the State Camping Conference every other year.
We congratulate Kelly Mertsoc—not only for being an outdoor adventure awardee, but also for sharing the rewarding feeling of a well-run camp every summer.
Civic Engagement Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Civic Engagement Award recognizes a member, volunteer, group, and/or staff member for contributions that demonstrate living the definition of civic engagement; "Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference."
AWARDEE: Joseph S. (Youth Member), Placer County
Joseph S. made local news in Placer County by spearheading a community service project through Feed the Hungry of Auburn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing thousands of pounds of meat to local food closets annually. After a conversation with Peter Konrad, a board member of Feed the Hungry of Auburn, Joseph learned about the growing need for more pork and beef. Motivated by this need, he set out to see how he could make a difference. Bringing together his 4-H group, FFA chapter, and Feed the Hungry in Auburn, Joseph “raised five extra pigs that he then donated to the food closet,” said Liza Stefani, previous recipient of the Robert Brownlee Science Golden Clover Award. "He secured feed donations [to feed] the pigs and Feed the Hungry covered the cost of the processing of the pigs. Joey did all the work to raise the animals and the footwork to get everyone on the same page.”
“I decided to do this project because I saw the need and how to serve it,” said Joseph, “Working with pigs is what I love to do. Having five more pigs at my house is not much different [from] what I do now. It takes just a few more minutes to feed nine pigs versus four, which is my normal routine."
With a focus on sustainability, Joseph reached out to the community for support and eventually secured 2,000 pounds of feed from Associated Feed & Supply Co. of Turlock in Stanislaus County. Joseph is also developing contacts to secure donations for his round of pigs this 4-H year, inviting other 4-H members who are interested in raising additional pigs. The initiative Joseph showed not only addressed a critical need in his community, but also exemplifies the values of 4-H to inspire youth to be responsible, caring, and contributing young leaders.
“It's incredibly inspiring to witness today's youth embracing both manual labor and community service. I firmly believe that young individuals involved in organizations like FFA and 4-H, who dedicate themselves to serving their communities, are on the path to becoming some of the most successful people in the future. I am grateful for Joseph and the opportunity he created for Feed the Hungry of Auburn and our community." - Peter Konrad
In addition to his involvement with Feeding the Hungry, Joseph is engaged at the club and county 4-H levels. As the President of Ophir 4-H, a club of over 100 youth members, Joseph constantly organizes several volunteer opportunities for himself and his peers. Joseph serves as one of the Placer County 4-H Ambassadors through which he represents the youth in his county. “To say Joey is involved in the community is an extreme understatement” added Liza Stefani.
We congratulate Joseph S. for representing the leadership that 4-H aims to instill in young people.
AWARDEE: Sloughhouse 4-H Club Leadership Team, Sacramento County
Of the seventy-four members in Sloughhouse 4-H Club, only fourteen of its members serve on its Leadership Team to help accomplish club goals. This leadership team has been highly active with the community and has demonstrated many aspects of Civic Engagement this past year. Not only did the club host its own Agriculture Day for its members, but Sloughhouse 4-H Club collaborated with Sheldon 4-H and Anne Megaro, UC ANR’s Government and Community Relations Director, to attend their first Ag Day at the State Capitol. Jaime Morrow, an adult volunteer for the club, spoke about their experience at Ag Day.
“At this event, the club was very successful in talking to government officials about [the youth’s] personal roles and responsibilities of 4-H member[s] by spreading knowledge, skills, and values they've learned. Many attendees acknowledged the club made a difference not only on Ag Day but...in aspects of their everyday lives. It was an honor to know youth voices were heard.”
The Sloughhouse Leadership Team meets regularly to discuss ideas on how to give back to the community while following the 4-H slogan, "Learn by Doing." This past year, the Leadership Team has spent a great deal of its time giving back to the community, combining their knowledge, skills, and values to make a difference. The Team facilitated the collection and delivery of food, toys, and other items to places like the Elk Grove Food Bank and Shriners Hospital for Children. The Leadership Team was proud to support the historic and longest-running charity football game, the 50th Annual Pig Bowl. From selling tickets to raising awareness at 4-H events, Sloughhouse Leadership Team contributed to the funds raised for local charities. Aside from monetary service, the Leadership Team has also served by donating handmade cards to the End of Watch Foundation, a non-profit foundation that honors law enforcement officers.
Through this project and their many service projects, the Leadership Team motivates their club to spread love, employ their skills, and make a true difference.
We congratulate the Sloughhouse 4-H Leadership Team for their engagement and contributions that have and will continue to make an impact in their community.
Collaboration & Outreach Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Collaboration & Outreach Award recognizes a member, volunteer, and/or group for increasing public awareness of the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program, involving new youth and adults in 4-H, reaching out to communities that have historically not benefited from 4-H, and creating partnerships with other youth development organizations.
AWARDEE: Mark Bush (Adult Volunteer), Sonoma County
Mark Bush has been a 4-H adult leader for over thirty years—long after his children had aged out of the program seventeen years ago. Bush has remained a project leader for multiple projects. He is currently leading the swine and poultry projects in Sonoma County. Additionally, Bush gives many volunteer hours at 4-H-related events. He has worked many shifts at the Chicken Que, an annual event that raises funds to support the Sonoma County 4-H programs. Bush has also been a junior livestock auction solicitor and secures buyers.
Mark Bush supports youth throughout Sonoma County without expecting anything in return.
As a proud alumni of the Gold Ridge 4-H Club, Mark Bush is a “standout in our club and the county”, said Michelle Sawyer, recipient of the Volunteer Leader Mentoring Golden Clover Award in 2022. “Former members love when they run into Mark and catch up with him.” Sawyer continued.
We congratulate Mark Bush for how he leaves a mark on so many members that came through the program.
Special Events and Activities Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Special Events and Activities Award recognizes a member and/or volunteer for individual leadership roles within 4-H camps, conferences, and trainings. This category is awarded for outstanding educational events or activities that involve youth-adult partnerships in planning and delivery, reach a wide array of youth, and strive to meet local needs.
AWARDEE: Michelle Mitchell (Adult Volunteer), San Luis Obispo County
Michelle Mitchell has displayed exceptionalism for almost a decade. For the entirety of Michelle's 4-H career, she has been a ”cornerstone of the [San Luis Obispo (SLO) County] 4-H community, contributing her time and expertise to various project groups, including the Garden Group, Dog Group, and the Horse Projects," said Ella Mitchell, the Community Education Specialist, CES, for Santa Barbara County. "Mitchell’s passion for education and mentorship is evident in how she 'helps run or initiate groups' and 'fosters valuable skills and knowledge among countless youth participants,” said Ella.
Beyond her club-level contributions, Mitchell consistently exceeds expectations at the county level. As the Countywide Horse Director, Mitchell was instrumental in shaping the equestrian program across SLO County. She oversees the organization of three countywide horse shows and three clinics a year.
“Under [Mitchell’s] direction, [each event] provides a platform for 4-H'ers to showcase their horsemanship abilities through competition and have fun doing it, fostering their love for horses and lifelong skills" ~Ella Mitchell, CES, SLO County
"Michelle's meticulous planning ensures that these shows not only run smoothly but also offer valuable learning opportunities for participants, from novice riders to seasoned competitors.” says Ella.
Mitchell’s commitment goes beyond the equestrian arena. She has demonstrated exemplary leadership at a large county-wide event and in a key volunteer role this year. Mitchell was the chair of SLO County's 4-H Field Day, which brought together 4-H youth from across the county for a day of fun, competition, and education. As the Financial Director for the County Volunteer Management Organization, VMO, Michelle manages the finances for the VMO board’s plans and promotions for the 4-H Program. “Her attention to detail has been crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of these initiatives and all of San Luis Obispo County’s 4-H program”, added Ella.
We celebrate Michelle Mitchell for her tireless efforts, innovativeness, and dedication to the California 4-H community. View this presentation for more about Mitchell’s contributions to the program we love so much.
Member Mentoring Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
This category may be awarded to a member for changing the life of another youth in a positive manner.
AWARDEE: Morgan F. (Youth Member), Sutter County
The youth members in Pleasant Grove 4-H Club have had quite the role model for a president this 4-H year. Even before she was installed as Club President, Morgan F. showed time and time again that she is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about the success and wellbeing of the 4-H'ers in her life. Members and parents alike have attested to the “impact she has made on their kids both as an officer and [junior] leader,” remarked Kristen Chiaratti, the Secretary for Sutter County 4-H.
“[Morgan] always has a positive attitude and connects with the kids in the most sincere way. She is always available [to] any of our members for help and encouragement.” ~ Kristen Chiaratti.
As a volleyball player, Morgan demonstrates hard work and dedication as well as graceful sportsmanship that she strives to pass onto her peers.
Morgan is an “embodiment of leadership for our club and that was very apparent [during the] last election, where she was unanimously voted in as President for the Pleasant Grove 4-H Club. Morgan is an absolute treasure. It has been a joy to watch her grow and mature into the amazing young lady she is,” added Chiaratti. You can see how beloved Felato is to her club members and the wider 4-H community.
We congratulate Morgan F. for her mindset of thriving to make a positive impact on the 4-H youth in her life.
Emerging 4-H Leader Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Emerging 4-H Leader Award recognizes an adult volunteer with five or fewer years of excellent 4-H volunteer service in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program.
AWARDEE: Allison Wright (Adult Volunteer), Alameda County
Plenty of us remember the challenge of keeping a 4-H club going strong in 2020. 4-H Club Leaders like Julie Ferrario were figuring out “how exactly we would get our clubs going and projects started when...social distancing was the norm.” Despite these challenges, Ferrario and their 4-H club were fortunate to have a new member and his mother join the 4-H club. After their first Zoom meeting of the year, Allison Wright reached out to Ferrario about having a Cat project. “Before I knew it, [Wright] had completed her training, figured out her curriculum, and opened the [Cat] project up to anyone else in [Alameda] County!” Ferrario explained. Leading one Cat project quickly grew to leading three projects the following 4-H year. One project was Engineering Disasters.
“[Engineering Disasters] was a fantastic way to engage young minds in figuring out engineering concepts by examining what went wrong in some famous disasters (like the sinking of the Titanic and the explosion on the Hindenburg). Still over Zoom for part of the year, Allison would make sure that everyone had all the materials needed to do a scientific experiment as part of each engineering lesson to get a better grasp of the science concepts.” says Ferrario.
Wright bounced off project members’ curiosity to guide them to answers and discoveries. “I still remember my son’s surprise when a balloon with just air inside quickly popped over a candle flame, but one that had some water inside along with the air was able to withstand the flame and actually put the flame out,” Ferrario remarked. Each year since then, Wright has added new projects to her 4-H club, sharing her passion for and knowledge of science and engineering as an engineer for Lawrence Livermore Labs.
“What I love is that [Wright] thinks outside the box and comes up with project ideas that are practical, exciting and very “hands-on,” involving all members in the planning and execution of project activities.” ~ Julie Ferrario, club leader
Wright does branch outside the realm of STEM, leading a project about donuts last year. The Donuts project incorporated several different recipes. Project members alternated between learning how to bake or fry their pastries. Project members also went on “Donut Expeditions” to try different styles of donuts at donut shops around their area. Speaking of thinking outside the box, Wright even timed one of the Donut project meetings to coincide with a solar eclipse. She provided all attendees with the appropriate eyewear to witness the eclipse safely while tasting the difference between old-fashioned and buttermilk donuts.
Allison Wright received this award for her outstanding demonstration of leadership, leading both youth and other adults to new heights. Wright embodies some of the best qualities anyone could ask for in a mentor or leader. She challenges youth members, practicing patience while youth reach their own “Aha moments” or experience failure. Wright fosters a safe setting and encourages the youth in her community to make their best better.
Fundraising Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Fundraising Award recognizes efforts in fundraising for both financial and in-kind donations generated for local, county, and state levels. Recipients share methods and processes to raise funds and educate others in the fundraising process.
AWARDEE: Santa Clara 4-H County Ambassador Team
The 4-H Pledge calls on members to employ their "hands for larger service." The Santa Clara 4-H County Ambassadors did just that with their “Fun Drive”, a fundraiser to collect books, clothing, and other household items that would have otherwise end up in a landfill. Held on November 19 and December 3, 2024, the Fun Drive drew 4-H families and local businesses from near and far to make their contributions to this community service project. Malia Sheaffer, one of the 2024-25 California 4-H State Ambassadors, participated in the Fun Drive and exclaimed: “We collected close to 8,000 pounds of donations estimated at $1,562! This contributed to the millions of pounds collected by Savers, [a local thrift store] annually."
"Not only have we helped our environment by preventing 8,000 pounds from entering our landfills, but we also raised funds which will be directed towards funding county-wide events, such as Leadership Overnight for all 4-Her’s.” ~ Malia Sheaffer, California 4-H State Ambassador who participate in the event
This successful Fun Drive took a great deal of time and effort to plan, coordinate, promote, and implement. Using their connections, the team secured a semi-truck from a semi-truck rental company owned by a 4-H volunteer in their county. On top of their efforts behind the scenes, the Ambassador team promoted their fundraiser by visiting local schools and businesses, sending countywide emails, posting on social media and next-door groups, and connecting with political figures and local news stations. Clearly, this team overcame every obstacle and showcased their commitment to making a difference in their community.
“Coming out of COVID-19, our county struggled financially to support the many events we were used to hosting. This fundraiser made many of the events in our county possible, and in return, youth had the opportunity to grow and explore new opportunities to make the best better. This fundraiser encouraged youth to partake in our service-learning project, adapting the mindset of reducing reuse and recycling.” said Maila.
We congratulate this team of superstars for their remarkable efforts, going above and beyond for the greater financial prosperity of their community.
Innovative Ideas Award
Sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation
The Innovative Ideas Award goes to a member, volunteer, and/or group for new, fresh, and creative 4-H work at the local, county, and state levels. Innovative 4-H work includes inventive educational activities, research ideas, service-learning projects, and other activities.
AWARDEE: Tuolumne 4-H County Ambassador Team
For several years, the Tuolumne 4-H County Ambassador Team has put on an annual event called “Teen Retreat” for Tuolumne County 4-H members. Supported by the County Leadership Team, the County Ambassadors facilitate several workshops at this one-day event to expand attendees' leadership skills. The program of the Teen Retreat is often inspired by the California 4-H State Leadership Conference (SLC) and incorporates ideas that attendees bring home. In 2023, the Tuolumne County Ambassador team was comprised of 2 youth members, Kiera D. and Ariella S., and two adult advisors, De Danicourt and Sue Moore. Kiera and Ariella attended the SLC in July 2023, learning to build their way to success at the LEGO-themed conference. When Ariella and Kiera returned from SLC 2023, they were excited about what they had learned and shared their takeaways with their advisors. The whole team brainstormed how their takeaways could be implemented to add new events.
“Kiera suggested having a new county event just for the junior members. She remembered being a junior member and feeling left out. Ariella said it could be similar to Teen Retreat, but for Juniors, with activities just for their age group." ~ Sue Moore, 2023-24 County Ambassador Advisor.
Kiera had been thinking about this since the spring when she had assisted at the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Friendship Conference, which is for third graders. She thought some of the activities she had seen that day could be implemented successfully for young 4-H members.
After their first meeting, the Junior Retreat planning team, made up of the County Ambassadors and the Leadership Team, decided their event’s theme would be “May the 4-H’s be with you,” based on Star Wars. Moore said, “Kiera, Ariella, and De all got to work...and found backdrops, cardboard Star Wars characters, inflatable lasers, and even Jedi cloaks.” The team even designed their own logo for the event, settling on a clover with light sabers crossed in front of it and a jedi cloak. After that, the Team worked to “find a location, pick a date, translate [the theme] into decorations and games, come up with activities that were educational and fun, [plan] food and games, and most importantly, enjoy the process themselves”. Because the planning team received sponsorship from their county council, the event would be free to all participants.
Planning for the Junior Retreat was in full throttle by October 2023. The Team was working to come up with the program sessions. The Team came up with the idea of turning each of the four H’s (head, heart, hands, and health) into a session. “The [members] could be divided into groups and rotate through the sessions. Make [the sessions] short with an activity to keep them focused.” Though the Team loved the idea, they determined a fifth session was needed. So, “helping” was added to the program. They had a structure for five sessions, games, and lunch that would all be completed in four hours.
Each member of the Team had their own marching orders. The adult advisors looked into the location availability and prices. The youth members finalized the sessions and other activities for breaks and assemblies. The youth were set on ensuring their sessions had a balanced mix of educational and entertaining elements. For example, Ariella created a life-size board game with squares on the floor that showed questions to answer and obstacles to overcome. This game taught the importance of Loyalty, while other sessions touched on animal control and the humane treatment of animals and living out the 4-H motto. 4-H really does stand out as a program because it promotes youth leadership and decision making. Creative ideas like these may not have a chance to come to life without the open space that the 4-H program fosters in youth and adult partnerships.
The planning of the Junior Retreat had its share of moments to practice the G.P.S. mindset, which promotes Goal setting, Pursuit of strategies, and Shifting gears. The Ambassadors and Leadership Team set the goal of having an event for Junior 4-H members to learn about the components of leadership. The youth leaders implemented strategies to bring about the event. For example, the Team built their session on Animal Control to ensure the youth members could apply the event to their Spark Achievement records. The youth leaders even had opportunities to adjust and adapt to unforeseen situations such as one of their sessions running too long. So, the planning team shifted the schedule to have the youth participants move through the sessions on Head, Hands, and Helping, then do the Heart session on loyalty last all together.
Creating a new event of this magnitude does not come easily. The Planning Team did a great deal to ensure the Junior Retreat had a fantastic turnout, and a fantastic turnout they had. “The juniors played games, laughed, danced, made dog treats, did hula hooping and jump roping. [They] learned about loyalty and mottos, decided partner drawing was hard, loved ‘Fishin’ in the Dark’, and got all the wiggles out Freeze Dancing,” Moore recalled. Throughout the full day, 4-H juniors were absorbing the essentials for being a great leader while enjoying hands-on activities. One of the participants shared what she liked most about the Junior Retreat: “I especially loved the interactive games like exercise and the friendship game. I really liked the dog treat making and learning about how to help animals in our community.”
From the moment the County Ambassadors and Leadership Team began planning the Junior Retreat to when they waved goodbye to their last participant, they put their 4-H skills to the test. We hope this event will continue in future years, giving junior 4-H'ers an opportunity to make their best better. Kiera, one of the County Ambassadors, summed up the event well: “It felt like my heart was going to explode from all the joy and fun in the room, and the chocolate cupcakes.”
Staff Partnership Award
The Staff Partnership Award recognizes 4-H staff who have created successful partnerships with 4-H volunteers, 4-H members, and other community organizations.
AWARDEE: Jonathan Stefani, Placer County
The Staff Partnership award is all about celebrating a 4-H Staffer who has gone above and beyond in welcoming community organizations into the 4-H family through collaborative projects. This year’s awardee has earned the award for the many connections he has brought to Placer County. As a relatively new program staffer, Jonathan Stefani came into the position of Community Education Specialist (CES) with over twenty years of experience as a 4-H adult volunteer. Keeping with the 4-H GPS (Goal setting, Pursuit of strategies, and Shifting gears) mindset, Stefani's primary goal as CES was to collaborate with other organizations of which he is a part. The Gold Country Fair was first. He instantly began building connections with their staff to create volunteer opportunities for 4-H youth in the county. This collaboration has led to "quite a bit of fundraising for the clubs through tip jars at Galas that are held at the fairgrounds," said Liza Stefani. This was one of many win-win scenarios that Jonathan Stefani introduced to both the 4-H organization and its partners.
Another impactful connection that Stefani has formed is with the Rotary Club of Auburn, a global humanitarian organization. For several years, the Rotary Club of Auburn has been supplying evaluators for various contests held throughout the county. Many of us have encountered the struggle of a shortage of evaluators for 4-H contests. This partnership addresses that issue. It provides a meaningful volunteer opportunity to the members of the Rotary Club and provides reliable, competent evaluators for county 4-H events. Furthermore, Stefani set out to connect with businesses to allow 4-H groups to host events at their facilities free of charge. For example, Stefani held an Animal Youth Fair at a local nursery, promoting 4-H animal projects to folks inside and outside the program. Local mandarin growers allowed Placer County 4-H members to pick mandarins to sell for a fundraiser.
“Jonathan never sees another organization as a competition; he always sees them as a collaboration waiting to happen”, added Liza Stefani. All the partnerships that Stefani has worked to create and to foster have had a progressive impact on Placer County 4-H and its members.
We celebrate Jonathan Stefani for exemplifying the Staff Partnership award, furthering the 4-H mission of giving young people access to opportunities that would be otherwise outside their reach.
Volunteer Leader Mentoring Award
The Volunteer Leader Mentoring Award recognizes a volunteer for being a trusted friend, counselor, or leader, and changing the life of a peer or youth in a positive manner.
AWARDEE: Susan Austin, Contra Costa County
We can all think of that person with a calming demeanor to which we can go for counsel or support. That person with a cheerful disposition who works selflessly to make a positive impact on the lives of others. For Neena Venugopalan and her daughter, this person is Susan Austin. The Venugopalan family enrolled in the 4-H program about four years ago after seeing what 4-H had to offer in the local newsletter. At the time, the family had recently battled a tragic loss which urged them to look for new social opportunities. It did not take long to discover that joining 4-H was “one of the best decisions [they] ever made in [their] lives”. Not only did they start participating in the club activities and fundraisers, but they met some of “the most encouraging and supportive people in the community,” like Austin.
Volunteering as the Treasurer Advisor of Tassajara 4-H for more than seven years, Austin has spent “several hours working on budgeting, account-keeping, fundraising, and putting together the Treasurer Book” with club treasurers like Venugopalan’s daughter.
Working closely with Austin throughout the year ignited a change in Venugopalan’s daughter. “She became more passionate, responsible, focused, confident, and motivated about raising funds for the club and the project leaders,” Venugopalan said about her daughter.
“My family feels very grateful for having her in our daughter’s life.” Austin eventually became a close friend, trusted confidant, counselor, and cheerleader to Venugopalan and her daughter.
In addition to being Treasurer Advisor, Austin has demonstrated her kindness and patience as a project leader and a County Ambassador Coach for Contra Costa for several years. Austin does her very best to provide guidance and support to every youth and adult that comes across her path.
Contra Costa County is fortunate to have someone like Austin who “never fails to sign up” for community meetings, potlucks, fairs, and other events. Venugopalan remarks that she has seen many youth members show interest in serving as Club Treasurer because of Austin’s mentorship to her daughter. Furthermore, when Venugopalan’s daughter was appointed to serve as the County Youth Finance Manager, she agreed to the new role only if Austin joined as the advisor.
“In spite of her already busy club and county roles, Susan agreed to be the County Treasurer advisor as well for the past two years. I see her with other club and county youth officers, driving them back and forth to meetings and events. [Austin] has always [been] their trusted friend.
Seeing her work hard and serving so selflessly in 4-H has not only been impactful for my daughter but inspired me to register as a 4-H volunteer and project leader!” - Neena Venugopalan
Austin shows her support for Venugopalan’s daughter beyond their 4-H activities, cheering her on at dance recitals and advising her on course selection at school. Venugopalan adds, “She volunteers her time not only for my daughter but for every youth member [in] Contra Costa County 4-H that reaches out to her for guidance.” We celebrate the tireless efforts that Austin has made to help her community. Not for accolades or a reward, but simply because she is dedicated to creative positive change in the lives of our youth.
Congratulations again to our 2024 Golden Clover Winners!
We celebrate each of you for all you do to help young people reach their full potential and thrive. Shoutout to the youth and adults who nominated these remarkable 4-H rockstars! And, a HUGE shoutout to the State Incentives & Recognition Advisory Committee who proudly reviewed, selected, and distributed the awards! The Golden Clover Award winners were recognized during the Closing Assembly at the 4-H State Leadership Conference on July 27.
Now accepting nominations for 2025
If you know of a Golden-Clover-worthy event, activity, 4-H story, or project, you can apply and/or nominate a person or group for a Golden Clover Award. Please visit the Golden Clover Awards page to learn about all the categories. Nominations are open until September 7, 2025.