It’s high times for Prince Edward County’s 4-H program.

Local clubs that run the gamut from traditional agriculture groupings such as the Beef, Dairy and Horse clubs to groupings like the Cake Club and the pre-teen Cloverbuds introductory club gathered at Free Methodist Church Friday December 6 to celebrate 2024.

And what a year it was for 4-H in Prince Edward County.

After a century of “learning by doing” in this community, participation is on the upswing. Club leader Jane Thompson noted overall overall enrolment for 2024, including the ages 6, 7 and 8 Cloverbuds group, hit 114, an increase of 13 percent over last year and PEC 4-H’s highest participation level in several years. 

Ms. Thompson said much of the credit for this increase goes to the volunteer leaders who have each taken the time to complete the extensive screening and training required by 4-H Ontario.   

“We are fortunate to have several new leaders this year. Some are parents of members or former members themselves. But others are new to the community and have chosen 4-H as a wonderful way to meet people and learn about the County,” she said. “They are mentored by our more seasoned leaders, some of whom have been leading clubs for over 35 years.”

The prime focus of the annual Awards Night are the achievements of the members, and every member who completes at least one six week club is acknowledged. In many instances, local young people aged 9-21 participate in a number of clubs and demonstrate the 4-H pledge of offering their head to clearer thinking, heart to greater loyalty, hands to larger service and health to better living for the club, community, country and world.

Member Shannon Zantingh took home the 2024 Gay Lea Award of Achievement for having participated in two dozen clubs over the last five seasons.

Other major award winners included:

The Graduate Award and the Ontario Ploughmen’s Award were given to Alexa Prinzen.

The Outstanding First Year Member (sponsored by R.John Garside) was presented to Blake Rice.

The Outstanding 2nd Year Member (sponsored by Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance) was taken home by Alex Courneyea.

The Monica Alyea Communications Award was won by Julianna Wilson.

4-H’s Top Senior Member was presented to Maria Prinzen.

Other top club members in 2024 included: Finely Sarley and Adam Cherwinka( Cloverbuds); Hazel Krentz and Paige Baldwin (Beef); Leah Nurse (Dairy); Archer Hele (Exploring 4-H Club); Gabriel Ponzo, Madison Osborne and Sadie Adams (Horse).

PEC 4-H is hosting a skating party and club registration night at the Picton Arena Jan. 25, 2025 from 7-8 p.m.

For more information, please visit the 4-H website.