- Author: Eve Solana Roxane Dowdell
The CA 4-H Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding achievements of members, volunteers, program staff, and groups within the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. This 4-H year, we awarded nine awards to youth, adults, and groups. Each winner demonstrated excellence in their corresponding category. Keep reading to learn about each award...
Robert Brownlee Science Award
The Robert Brownlee Science Award recognizes science inquiry and experiential learning in 4-H work to help youth increase knowledge, skills, and competencies, and to improve their attitudes about science. This includes increasing science awareness and use in 4-H projects by testing predictions and making sense of observations. The Robert Brownlee Science Award is sponsored by the Robert Brownlee Foundation. In honor of the visionary, Robert Brownlee (1942-1991), the Foundation was established in 1987 to provide financial awards for creating and maintaining innovative programs for youth.
Andrew L., Yolo County
Andrew earned this award for his work starting an Astronomy Project at his 4-H club. After attending a local summer camp in 2022, Andrew learned about astronomy and developed the skills to lead a project. Andrew also designed and delivered a presentation about the different types of telescopes to his club, classmates, and county. From giving his presentation to leading the project, Andrew has been putting his skills to great use. Andrew has inspired curiosity and developed leadership skills. Andrew will be furthering his astronomy knowledge and leadership skills as a 4-H Camp Staff member this summer.
Levi S., San Diego County
Levi received this award for his role as a Junior Leader for an Electricity & Electronics project at 56 Ranchers 4-H, Levi's home club. Using his experience with technology, Levi created and presented the MIT Scratch Online Programming for the project and guided the project members through it. Levi also developed a Pencil Vending Machine utilizing his electronics, programming, and mechatronics skills. Levi is on his way to Regional Presentation day with a presentation based on his project.
Member Mentoring
The Member Mentoring Golden Clover award is awarded to a member for changing the life of another youth in a positive manner. This award is only open to youth members. The Member Mentoring award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.
Myah D., Placer County
As her 4-H club's president for four years and a Placer County Ambassador, Myah earned this award for her efforts to keep 4-H alive in her club, county, and beyond. Myah is always there to lift up her fellow 4-H'ers when they win ribbons at the county fair or participate in CA 4-H State Field Day. Regardless of the obstacles (like a pandemic) and with a friendly face, Myah never stops encouraging every youth she meets. She knows that as long as she can instill a spark for 4-H and community service, the members she supports will ultimately take her place as a mentor in the lives of future 4-H members.
Stephanie C., Sonoma County
Stephanie earned this award for going above and beyond to contribute her time as a gentle and kind mentor to her fellow project members. In addition to serving as a club officer, Stephanie leads multiple market livestock projects as a teen leader, supporting her project members and guiding them through visiting buyers, writing letters, and more. Stephanie demonstrates hard work, determination, and motivation, and she is working to pass those qualities onto other 4-H members in her community.
Member of Excellence
This category is awarded to a youth member for their personal achievement and improvement. Setting and completing goals, excelling beyond expectations, overcoming hardships--these are all examples of outstanding contributions to the 4-H Youth Development Program that are considered for this award. The Member of Excellence award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.
Samantha R., Ventura County
Samantha earned this award for using her 4-H grown skills such as creativity, public speaking, intelligence, and leadership skills to take on roles and responsibilities on every level. From a Club Executive Board Member to a County Ambassador to a California representative for Citizenship Washington Focus, Samantha exemplifies a confident and patient 4-H'er who is committed to actively serving her community. Ever since Samantha was just nine years old, she carefully included other members and encouraged them to be active contributors to the success of their projects, activities, and responsibilities. Samantha has already made goals to return to the 4-H program when she ages out, highlighting her dedication to 4-H and its members.
Civic Engagement
This category recognizes a youth member, group, adult volunteer, and/or program staff for contributions that demonstrate living the definition of civic engagement: working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. The Civic Engagement award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.
Alameda County 4-H Rising Stars
This team of nine 11 to 14-year-old Alameda County 4-H'ers earned this award for their work leading a County Community Service and Civic Engagement Field Day that benefited their county 4-H program. In addition to securing community partners to host activities and presentations, the Rising Stars team increased participation and engagement by developing a Table Decorating contest for each participant. This contest showed attendees the many service opportunities available in their county. This team of young leaders not only hosted an event that was said to be "one of the best events in the past several years" by attendees, but this team inspired attendees to be active members in their community.
Collaboration & Outreach
This category may be awarded to a member, adult volunteer, and/or group for increased public awareness of the CA 4-H Program. Awardees have involved new youth and adults in 4-H, reached out to communities that have historically not benefited from 4-H, and created partnerships with other youth development organizations. The Collaboration & Outreach award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.
J.E.D.I. Youth Task Force, Statewide committee
The J.E.D.I. Youth Task Force earned this award for creating and leading the Hope for Tomorrow Mental Health Awareness Event in September of 2023. Through this free event, this team not only raised awareness about mental health in underrepresented communities and provided free resources to attendees, but broke the silence surrounding mental health and offered support to those who needed it. The youth leaders recruited over forty resource vendors for the event and recruited members to join the 4-H Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Committee in the future. The youth's commitment to collaboration and outreach is evident and remarkable.
Lifetime Achievement
This category is awarded to an adult volunteer who has dedicated a significant portion of their adult life to the 4-H Program. Those awarded are outstanding volunteers who demonstrate a significant positive impact for 4-H youth. The Lifetime Achievement award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.
Tiffany Salters, San Joaquin County
A lover of 4-H and what it stands for, Tiffany earned this awarded for the unbelievable amount of work she has given to the 4-H program over the last decade. From community club leader of Valley View 4-H to leader of the Youth Task Force Team under the JEDI Advisory Committee, Tiffany strives to make 4-H accessible, safe, and fun for everyone. Tiffany brings passion, empathy, and respect to all she does, supporting the 4-H'ers in her community and beyond.
Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Golden Clover Award
The Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership, and promotion of 4-H camping and outdoor adventures such as camping, fishing, hiking, climbing, GIS/GPS, among others. The Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award is sponsored by the Friends of Jack and Robert Clay. Following a tragic accident in 1987, this Memorial Award was established by the family and friends of Jack Clay and his son, Robert, who were enthusiastically involved in the 4-H camping and outdoor adventure projects as leader and junior leader in Alameda County.
Tammy Hill, Napa County
Tammy earned this award for her unwavering dedication to the 4-H camp community. Since 2002, Tammy has held the position of the Napa County 4-H Camp Advisor/Director. Providing 4-H teens with the opportunities to contribute their leadership skills, Tammy played a pivotal role in transforming Napa's camp program into a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment for everyone. Even with the challenging times of the pandemic and the tragic loss of the Napa County campsite, Tammy strove to carry on the meaningful aspects and traditions that Napa County is known for. Tammy also has contributed a great deal to the CA 4-H Camping Advisory Committee, hosting data parties, camping conferences, and various other activities with other phenomenal youth and adults on the committee.
CONGRATULATIONS again to all of our 2023-2024 winners!
We celebrate each of you for all you do to help young people reach their full potential and thrive.
These youth, groups, and adult awardees will be announced during the Closing Ceremonies at the 4-H State Leadership Conference this July.
Now accepting nominations for 2024
Help us recognize the excellent work that California 4-H members, volunteers, groups and staff have been accomplishing in 2024. You can apply and/or nominate a person or group for a Golden Clover Award. Please see the Golden Clover Awards page to learn about all the categories. Nominations are open until September 9, 2024.
- Author: Erica Pettey
The California 4-H Horse Classic Team traveled to Denver, CO in January to represent California 4-H at the National Western Roundup. The Horse Classic team included Pyper, Skyler, and Maya from Marin County 4-H, Merideth from San Diego County 4-H, and Lillie, Sarah, and Catherine from Riverside County 4-H. This talented team competed in the Hippology, Team Demonstration, and Individual Demonstration contests. We're thrilled to share that they placed as the Champion Team in Hippology and Team Demonstration!
Qualifying Educational Contests at Horse Classic
The educational contests at the California 4-H State Horse Classic are qualifiers for the Western National Roundup. Registration is opening soon for the contests and the horse riding competition of Horse Classic. For updates and information, please see the Equine Event site. Study materials are available on the Resource Center - Equine Science page.
- Author: Aidan Reyes
Your mission, if you so choose to accept it, is Anything is Possible!
Do you want to take your camp experience to the next level? Are you a camp staff, leader, or director looking to refresh your camp program?
The 2024 California Camping Conference offers the latest and greatest insight into the ideal camping experience! Various workshops will be dedicated to improving your camp. These workshops include topics on traditional camp activities and how to update them for modern times. Roleplay scenarios, learn about diversity and inclusion, and network to share ideas! During the conference, there will be announcements on updated rules and policies that you won't want to miss.
Send your executive staff to this fun and informative conference in the scenic coastal redwoods of Santa Cruz. The California 4-H Camping Conference will be held from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 10, 2024. We hope to see you there! Learn more and register on our Camping Conference event page.
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- Author: Lily Quiles
I'm Lily Q from Contra Costa County and I was declared the Overall Champion of the National Fashion Revue Constructed Category at the 4-H Family & Consumer Science (FCS) National Championship 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. I have a passion for sewing and fashion. I have been learning how to sew since I was 8 years old. Due to my disability I wanted to learn how to alter clothing because it's hard to find clothes straight off the rack that fit me. I joined 4-H three years ago and have been a part of the sewing and textile project. My sewing mentors are Teri and Allie. They have taught me so much over the years. My goal at Nationals was to make them proud!
This past year I made a stylish faux leather jacket and competed in the leather creations category for my second year in Fashion Revue. It took me a total of 63 hours to complete the jacket. It was the most challenging garment I had made so far. I placed first at the County level then advanced to State and won there as well. After that I qualified to go to Nationals and represent California 4-H. I was so excited to travel to Texas and compete against other teens from around the country. I was notified that I had to construct a garment to go under my leather jacket, so I made a wrap polyester dress in a month.
The 4-H Family & Consumer Science National Championship 2024 was held in San Antonio, Texas on January 10-13, 2024. It was a great experience to meet so many other teens who enjoy fashion like me. There were several workshops, I learned about consumer waste and how I can do my part to minimize it, I participated in sewing a quilt block to add to a beautiful quilt for Quilts of Valor. Plus, we had a state pin exchange! I collected pins from 12 different states! I made new friends who share an appreciation for sewing. I competed against 14 other contestants. They all had well-constructed garments with each one showing their individual personalities. We had to do an interview and modeling of our garments. During the fashion show we got to walk down the catwalk and show off our lovely outfits to our family and friends. Once our contest was complete, we had a free day to go sightseeing and shopping. We were walking distance from The Alamo and the gorgeous San Antonio Riverwalk.
My favorite part
The last day of the nationals was the award banquet. My favorite part of the competition was the awards because you're so excited to hear the results but then nervous too. Sitting there waiting for your name to be called is both thrilling and terrifying. The competition was so good, you really don't know who the judges are going to pick. Every contestant there looked and sounded great. 2nd place overall went to Olivia, the other contestant from California 4-H. I was so happy for her. Then when they announced first place and said my name I was so excited and surprised. I received a ribbon and a jewelry box. California 4-H took the top two spots for National Fashion Review. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget!
I highly recommend to all fellow 4-H'ers: "If you get the chance to go to Nationals, believe in yourself and do it!"
-To Make the Best Better-
Lily Q
- Author: Andrew Logan
Our California 4-H Horticulture Team headed to Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 6th to participate in the 2023 National Junior Horticultural Association (NJHA) annual convention. The event included teams from all over the country. Each state brings a state display which highlights agricultural products from their home state. Our theme this year was nut production and we shared samples of various California nuts. It was an exciting and educational experience for all!
Representing California 4-H
Our California 4-H team members— Allura Andersen (Contra Costa County), Richard Paseman (Alameda County), Andrew Logan (Yolo County) and Karenna Henneker (Alameda County)—qualified for the event by being among the highest scoring seniors at the State Field Day Plant Identification Contest in May 2023. Throughout the fall, our team practiced both individually and together via Zoom with our wonderful and dedicated coach, Michael Rethwisch, who taught us so much in a short time. We are so grateful for his support and wisdom.
Our California team did extraordinarily well in the competition, placing 2nd overall! We also placed well individually:
4-H Senior Individual category
- Andrew Logan - 1st place
- Richard Paseman - 5th place
- Allura Andersen- 10th place
Open Individual category: Karenna Henneker, 1st place
In addition to our team, two California 4-H'ers attended the NJHA convention to participate in the open class divisions. In the junior division, James Logan of Yolo County 4-H placed first, and Grace Logan of Yolo County 4-H placed 2nd! They were inspired to join our team at the NJHA convention from participating in the Plant Science Contest at State Field Day, where they placed 1st and 2nd at the Junior level. We are so proud of all their amazing accomplishments and hard work.
Learning, Fun and Team Bonding
The NJHA convention was full of amazing opportunities to learn about horticulture and to make lasting friendships and connections with teammates. The team participated in several workshops and tours, including to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Food Innovation Center. We toured the facility and learned about aquaponics, hydroponics, and horticulture therapy. In addition, we had several study sessions and workshops with NJHA leaders, our coach Michael, and even a very exciting round of Horticultural Connections, a jeopardy-like game complete with buzzers, pitting states vs. each other in a fun and friendly way.
Sharing a Passion for Horticulture
The NJHA convention is a wonderful opportunity for youth who are passionate about horticulture to meet new people with similar interests and learn from experienced horticulturalists from all over the United States. The highlight of the convention is the Plant Identification Contest, where youth identify 100 different plant samples, answer 80 multiple choice questions, and complete a judging section, where youth grade plants by quality and uniformity.
We are all grateful for:
- The support from our families, who encouraged over the last several months and for attending the convention with us
- State and County 4-H leaders for their generous support
- NJHA leaders for convening such an inspirational convention, and
- Especially our coach, Michael Rethwisch, for his support, expert coaching and encouragement to do our very best.
Plant Science Contest at State Field Day
We'll be hosting the Plant Science Contest at State Field Day again this year in May, on the UC Davis campus. Subscribe to the state 4-H newsletter to stay updated on contest registration and event updates as it gets closer.
