Wayne County 4-H is celebrating 46 graduating seniors, many of whom have participated with the organization for 10 years.
According to the biographies submitted to 4-H officials, some graduates plan to study agriculture-related majors, while other members plan to attend trade school or begin careers such as machining.
Some of those occupational opportunities are in other counties or states. Faithe Jones plans to attend Troy Price Horseshoeing School in Uniondale and work as a farrier, and Mia Hilbert plans to complete a summer internship and fall gap program at Pinehoven Ranch in Montana before taking Ivy Tech classes next spring.
Over the years, members’ projects included child development, metalworking, microwave cooking, horse/pony, tractor safety/operator skills, construction toys, fashion revue, photography, ceramics, leather, basketry, foods, consumer clothing, baking, sand art, crochet, baked foods, woodworking, collections, sewing, crops, needlecraft, food preservation and several livestock animals. Their favorite memories encompassed a variety of activities.
For instance, Jacob Myers will remember winning the state junior lawn and garden operator’s contest, and Noah Hazelbaker’s talents with tractors led to a state fair victory. Samantha Bell, Leo Russell and Jordan Maupin enjoyed competing at the state fair.
Aidan Munchel had a champion heifer that competed in the grand drive and Benjamin Benders enjoyed working with calves before the fair. Winning grand champion in contesting was a favorite of Grady Andrews. Weston Sawyer met his goal of winning best of show. Wendy Canterbury, Owen Mitchell and Katelynn Meyer will remember their reserve grand championships. Sydney Gerkin excitedly earned Grand Champion in poultry in her first year of 4-H.
Dalton Justice enjoyed round robin showmanship.
Setting a good example has been important to many members. David “Zane” Schneider helped younger swine showmen in the barn, and Liliana Griffey’s club/FFA chapter helped host the kiddie tractor pull.
Some moments were lighthearted. Stephanie Abshire competed in the goat dress-up contest with her favorite goat. Havanna Harris recalls water balloon fights after a long day of horse shows. Brookley Miller was dumped out of a wheelbarrow during Battle of the Barns. Lorna McKinney liked being on the queen’s court with “amazing girls” and walking around the fairgrounds. Lauren Lacey will fondly recall the fun of 4-H camp, and Aubrey Alexander enjoyed the fair atmosphere all week with her friends. Josie Retz met the Moron Brothers after watching them perform at the fairgrounds.
Aubry Jarvis provided service through Junior Leaders at the fair and shopped for kids at Christmas. Emma Griffey enjoyed helping run concession stands as 4-H Club fundraisers.
Rachel Berry made family memories while participating in the fair with all of her cousins.
The 4-H graduation and awards program starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, in First Bank Expo Hall at the fairgrounds.
Wayne County’s 4-H grads
10-year members and their schools:
- Centerville: Grady Andrews, Jordan Maupin, Lorna McKinney, Mary Freeman, Olivia Van Winkle
- Hagerstown: Brooke Stuart, Brookley Miller, Gretta Smith, Havanna Harris, Joseph Thompson, Leland Waterman, Levii Slaven, Mia Hilbert, Owen Mitchell, Seth Taylor, Stephanie Abshire, Sydney Gerkin
- Indiana Gateway Digital Academy: Wendy Canterbury
- Lincoln: Aidan Munchel, Benjamin Benders, Jacob Myers, Leo Russell, Liliana Griffey, Samantha Bell
- Northeastern: Brianna Shaw, Dalton Justice, David Schneider, Josie Retz, Lydia Smith, Rachel Berry, Samantha Whallon, Weston Sawyer
- North Farm Academy: Emma Griffey
- Richmond: Holly Trotter, Jordan Swoveland
- Union City: Katelynn Meyer
Additional members:
- Nine years: Aubrey Alexander, Centerville; Aubry Jarvis, Options Charter School; Faithe Jones, homeschool; Noah Hazelbaker, Winchester Community; Toby Shoemaker, Northeastern
- Eight years: Luke Cottrell, Lincoln; Lauren Lacey, Northeastern
- Six years: Lily Black, Centerville
- Four years: Hailee Shaffer, Centerville
- Three years: Kiley Seeley, homeschool
A version of this article appeared in the June 25 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.