Attention all Pinellas County 4-H’ers:
Help us celebrate the end of the school year with a summer bash at Walsingham Park. Burgers, hot dogs, chips, and veggie burgers will be served. We do, however, request that you bring a side dish.

At this event we will recognize the graduated seniors and wish them success as they move on in life.
Socialize with your fellow Pinellas County 4-H’ers and participate in the exciting process of electing the board of 4-H County Council. Nominate yourself or a 4-H'er you know to become a candidate for County Council.

With food, games, and your fellow 4-H’ers, there’s no better place to be.
When: June 10th from 6:00 – Dark
Where: Walsingham Park, Largo
Cost: Free

Please R.S.V.P to jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org
so that we know how much food to supply

plus we will tell you the shelter number!

May 4-H Updates

Pinellas County 4-H had a spectacular day at District Events in Manatee County. Of the 34 4-H members competing, 24 came in first in their age/subject category. This is wonderful because we had so many Pinellas competitors and that so many came in first. The results are testament to the wide range of topics our 4-H'ers cover in their project work.
District Events is the advanced level for 4-H members who have already presented their demonstration at the county level. Youth from the six district counties compete for blue ribbons and District medallions. In Pinellas County Junior and Intermediate Medallion winners receive a scholarship to 4-H Camp Ocala. Senior winners receive a scholarship to 4-H State Congress. These scholarships are all funded by the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation.

Here is the breakdown by club of the Junior and Intermediate winners:

• 4-H2O - Anissa P., Annelise V. Michaela P. & Lexa A.


• Clever Clovers - Stefan M.


• Imagine That - Amanda P.


• Crazy4Canines - Shannon P., Nicole S. & Katie H.


• Seminole Riders - Elena D.


• Hare Raisin' Homesteaders - Lacey S.


• 4-H Youth Frontiers - Brandon P.


• Ochs Garden - Abby V.


• BBB - Matthew I.

The same for the Senior winners:

• Crazy4Canines - Danielle H., Allison S., Sarah H. & Savannah K.


• Hare Raisin' Homesteaders - Colleen M.


• All Things Equine - Amanda B.


• The Conservatives - Olivia C., Beverly S. & Teressa S.


• 4-H2O - Emily V.

Congratulations to all who presented their demonstrations and talent acts at County and District Events!

Many of you know Chrissy Willett, leader of the 4-H Average Joe's. Chrissy has been one of the most generous and hardworking 4-H leaders, often volunteering to help with committees and special events. Chrissy is also battling esophageal cancer. Her friends (there are many) have organized the To Chrissy With Love benefit to help with medical costs. It will take place this Saturday in downtown Palm Harbor. For more information please visit http://tochrissywithlove.weebly.com.

There will be music, a bake sale, gift baskets, and games. The benefit starts at 12:00 noon. It sounds like a lot of fun with some really good people. What better way to spend the afternoon?

4-H Area E Horse Show - Not Just Horsin' Around

The results this year at Area E were the best Pinellas County 4-H'ers have ever earned. Of the 30 exhibitors, 15 are advancing to the state show in July. It was not so long ago that Pinellas did not have 15 riders to send to the area show and now we are advancing 15! The top point earners were Jade Baranich, Sara Poppleton, and Amanda Benedict. Also advancing are Megan Jones, Emily Reiter, Olivia Toccalino, Kristen Venable, Eliza Cappello, Shelby Comerford, Jenna Kijowski, Carol Nunez, Lauren Tribiano, Deanna Van Riper, Morgan Wright, and Celine Frings.

These 4-H members represent 7 different clubs and show how strong the 4-H horse program is in Pinellas County. While these 4-H'ers worked hard for their success, they benefited from the strong support of their parents and 4-H leaders. 4-H horse leaders and volunteers spend an incredible amount of time and energy with their club members. They freely dispense their knowledge, wisdom, and expertise so a child can experience the benefits and joy of working with a horse.

Of course, there is more to the 4-H horse program than riding in a show.

According to Dr. Ed Johnson, "The purpose of the 4-H horse program is to provide young people an opportunity to participate in a series of activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline, and responsibility while creating an atmosphere for learning and awareness of the life about us."
(Taken from Florida 4-H Area & State Horse Shows Official Rules 2011).

As it is with any 4-H program, 4-H members learn citizenship, leadership, and life skills. Best of all, they learn these skills while learning about something they love.

If any Pinellas 4-H families have pictures to share from Area E, please send them or the link to jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org to be posted.