On June 17, the Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau, with the Monroe County Legislature, honored exceptional youth and adults who serve as youth advocates in the community at the annual Youth Awards ceremony. The Young Citizen of the Year and Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Awards represent one of the highest honors for youth and adult leadership, community service, advocacy and perseverance. These awards pay tribute to outstanding citizens who exhibit remarkable leadership, perform extraordinary acts on behalf of others, or have served as a role model for youth advocacy.
This year, three members and one volunteer from the Monroe County 4-H program were honored for their impact on and advocacy for the youth in our community. The 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County to youth who want to make new friends, have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.
Volunteer 4-H leader Barb Hull has been involved with the Monroe County 4-H program for over 20 years. Her Cloverbud club, Westside Science & Nature Explorers, formed in 2018 as a way to bring her grandchildren and their friends together, serves 25 youth ages five to eight years. The club meets regularly and covers a vast array of topics like public presentations, rocks and geology, building boats for boat races, and more. Youth also have learned about consumerism in support of agriculture literacy.
Hull is an active volunteer who participates in 4-H events and is part of the 4-H Advisory Committee. Recently, she read to a class of second graders for Ag Literacy Week and provided rabbits for the annual Mary Cariola Petting Zoo. Hull is generous with her time and talents, and is an ally to the youth of our community.
Recipient of a Monroe County Legislative Youth Citizen of the Year Award, eight-year-old Brianna Tindall, is a member of the Posh Ponies 4-H club, and participates in a number of community service projects. In 4-H, Brianna has presented at the county-level in 4-H Public Presentations and was chosen to represent Monroe County at the Finger Lakes District event in March. She also participated in the 4-H Horse Extravaganza contest, which has increased her knowledge of horses and life sciences.
Owen Avedisian is a 4-H member from Hilton who raises dairy animals and is part of the 4-H Dairy Project. He tentatively tried Dairy Bowl for the first time this year and loved it. He participates in 4-H Shooting Sports, and has learned the safe use of firearms.
This spring, Owen volunteered at the Monroe County Farm Bureau Legislative Dinner. His mother, Brenda, is a member and contributor to the organization. Owen and his family also participate in Agriculture Literacy Week and mentor an incubation and embryology project, both in the Hilton school district. Perhaps most impressively, Owen survived the (pretend) Zombie Apocalypse at 4-H Camp Bristol Hills in the fall of 2018, gathering with youth from across New York State who enjoy outdoor adventures. He is a young man who is trying new things and challenging himself. Owen is 11-years-old.
Ella Bohn is a 4-H horse project member. Ella has participated in a citizenship opportunity with Monroe County 4-H, spending a winter break in Washington, DC with 4-H members from across the country. At home, she is active with her horse at the local and state levels, participating in the state fair horse shows. She also increases her horse knowledge through participation in 4-H contests such as horse bowl and hippology. She also challenged herself this year by participating in the 4-H Horse Communications contest. She has qualified to attend the state contest and has already asked for feedback to improve the presentation that she has created. Ella is 16-years-old.
Learn more about 4-H at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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