(L-R) Gary Goodman, S.C. State Fair general manager, Kellye Rembert, 4-H youth development interim director, Julia Hoag from Chester County, Justin Steedly from Charleston County, Rebecca Keller from York County and Brittany Turnipseed from Richland County, and Fran Wolan, Extension field operations.

DATE: 8/14/06

CONTACT: Susie Grooms, (864) 656-3848; sgrms@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Four S.C. 4-H'ers receive Clemson University Presidential Trays

CLEMSON - Four outstanding young South Carolinians have been honored with the top award presented to 4-H'ers in the Palmetto State.

Julia Hoag, Chester County, Rebecca Keller, York County, Justin Steedly, Charleston County, and Brittany Turnipseed, Richland County, each received a Clemson University Presidential Tray and a $1,000 scholarship July 18 during State 4-H Congress ceremonies held at the Madren Center on the Clemson campus.

Hoag is the daughter of Ken and Vicki Hoag. She graduated from home school this year and will attend York Technical College in the fall.

She has been a long time member of the Chester County 4-H Horse Club where she competed nationally in 4-H Hippology and Horse Demonstrations.

Hoag is a volunteer with the county 4-H program, graduate of Junior Palmetto Leadership, 2005 state 4-H Horse Project winner, and 2006 National 4-H conference winner.

Keller is the daughter of Brian and Naomi Keller and a graduate of York Comprehensive High School. She plans to attend York Technical College this fall.

Keller was Teen Council secretary in 2005-06. She was also agricultural state project winner. Some of her 4-H projects she was involved in were: dairy project; pullet chain, livestock judging and dairy judging - both locally and nationally; and the 4-H goat project. She plans to participate in the 4-H goat project this year while attending York Tech.

She’s also a member of the York County Beekeeper’s Association and is a beekeeper.

Steedly is the son of John David and Bonnie Steedly. He attends Northside Christian School.

Steedly attended 2004 National WHEP competition and received a wildlife scholarship to attend camp in Clinton. He won third place in the state horse show and is now president of the teen council.

He plans to major in mechanical engineering in college and eventually become a missionary pilot.

Turnipseed is the daughter of Peggy Turnipseed and a rising sophomore at Columbia College.

She won first place in the talent competition at the national 4-H conference in Washington, DC. She’s a state winner in foods and nutrition; served on the state 4-H teen council; participated in poultry barbecue, eggonomics, business demonstrations, consumer judging, and clothing and fashion revue projects.

The 4-H Presidential Trays are the highest honor a South Carolina 4-H'er can earn. With more than 6.8 million youth involved in 4-H nationwide, it is one of the country's most diverse organizations. Originally focused on agricultural projects, 4-H has expanded to support the needs and interests of young people into the 21st century. The 4-H program crosses all economic, racial and social barriers.

Local 4-H agents are youth development professionals who provide leadership in each county as a part of the nationwide Extension system, which is a partnership among USDA, state land-grant universities, local county governments, and the private sector.

To learn more about joining 4-H or becoming a volunteer, contact your local Clemson Extension office or visit the state 4-H web site at www.clemson.edu/4h.

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