Chester County 4-H held its Spirit of 4-H Award presentation on Aug. 12 during the Chester County 4-H Fair. Three local teens were recognized for their leadership and service to the 4-H program and their community. Melissa Johnson received the Spirit of 4-H Award, and David Gober and Ronak Suchindra were given Certificates of Achievement.

Johnson, of Glen Mills, is the president of the SPARKS 4-H Club and a member of 4-H Teen Council, Golden Fleece 4-H Sheep Club, and Gum Tree 4-H Horse Club. She served as a camp counselor this summer and has helped many 4-H members with their projects. She created and led many club meetings and participated in club and county service projects. Johnson attended Capital Days and the State Leadership Conference in person and virtually attended the National Agriscience Summit. In addition, she is currently working on her 4-H Diamond Award. Johnson said 4-H has given her the skills to tackle any problem.

Gober, of West Pikeland Township, is a member of Northern Chester County 4-H Horse Club. He is a leader in his club and has participated in several 4-H leadership events. Gober credited 4-H with showing him how he can impact his community and the world. He said that 4-H has allowed him to meet many people who have impacted him and his interest in helping others. He added that 4-H has influenced his goal to become a veterinarian.

Suchindra, of Upper Uwchlan Township, is an active member and leader in the Clover Rovers 4-H Robotics Club. He has participated in Pennsylvania and National 4-H leadership events and was recently recognized by the National 4-H Council and Invisalign as a ChangeMaker. Last year, as a response to the pandemic, he created Kids Connect, which links children through a free, online platform where they can share their knowledge and help others to learn skills. Suchindra said 4-H has helped him to develop his skills in robotics, critical thinking, public speaking, organization, and time management; helped him to gain self-confidence and patience; and taught him the importance of being a good role model and helping his community.

The Spirit of 4-H Award was started in 1998 by Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club. The award went to the 4-H member who demonstrated the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community. In 2007, Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club, with the support of the Chester County 4-H Program Development Committee, made the Spirit of 4-H Award a countywide accolade that is awarded to one Chester County 4-H member at the Chester County 4-H Fair.

Club leaders with 4-H are asked to nominate one member from each club who demonstrated the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community. Nominees are asked to complete and return an application to be reviewed by the 4-H Program Development Committee, which selects the winner.

Chester County 4-H welcomes youths with various project interests to participate in its program. For more information, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.