1:07 p.m., Dec. 20, 2010----Ten Delaware youth were selected to participate in the National 4-H Youth Congress, which was held recently in Atlanta, Ga. This leadership development conference is considered the flagship event of the 4-H program, providing youth with an unparalleled opportunity to learn about community involvement, culture diversity and service to others.

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“I am very proud of the Delaware 4-Hers who represented our state at Youth Congress,” says Jan Seitz, associate dean and director of University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. “I know these students will take the knowledge they have gained and put it to good use in community service projects and other activities here in Delaware.”

Four youth from New Castle County participated in the Youth Congress: Olivia Marshall of Hockessin, Laurel Hutchison from Wilmington and, from Newark, Sara Somers and Helen Bryan. Five youth represented Kent County: Patricia Pritchett, Colleen Carter and Melanie Jackson, all from Felton; Lee Severson from Dover and Bree Wilkins of Milford. Daisy Wharton, of Laurel, represented Sussex County.

Wharton is a 13-year 4-H member, most recently with the Buttonwood Club. Her 4-H project areas of concentration include textiles and clothing as well as the performing arts. Wharton is the daughter of Kip and Wendy Wharton of Laurel. She currently is a freshman at Liberty University.

Wilkins is a member of the Houston Cardinals 4-H club. Her 4-H project areas include livestock, public presentation, leadership and citizenship. She attends Milford High School and is the daughter of John and Lynn Wilkins.

Severson is a member of New Horizons 4-H club. He has focused on projects in the shooting sports, horticulture, small engines and leadership. He attends Smyrna High School and is the son of Vincent and Diane Severson.

Pritchett, Carter and Jackson are all members of the Midstate 4-H club. Jackson's projects have included swine, goats, poultry, clothing and citizenship. Carter has concentrated on projects related to foods, goats, leadership, poultry and swine. Pritchett has worked on horticulture, health, citizenship and foods projects.

Jackson is the daughter of Ed and Jackie Jackson and attends Lake Forest High School. Carter is the daughter of Ronnie and Joanne Carter and also attends Lake Forest High School. Pritchett is the daughter of Marvin and LeeAnn Pritchett and attends Polytech High School.

Marshall is a member of the New Castle County 4-H Sheep Club. Sheep have been her main project but she's also been involved in the Healthy Lifestyles project for the past four years. She attends the Charter School of Wilmington and is the daughter of Carla and Craig Marshall.

Hutchison is also a member of the New Castle County 4-H Sheep Club. In addition to focusing on sheep, she has been involved in leadership and citizenship projects. Her parents are Scott and Leta Hutchison. She attends Cab Calloway School of the Arts.

Somers is a member of the Summit Bridge 4-H club and attends Middletown High School. She is the current president of State 4-H Teen Council and has focused on projects related to animals, foods, performing arts and sewing. She is the daughter of Linda and Brian Somers.

Bryan is a home-schooled student and a member of the New Castle County 4-H Sheep club. She is the daughter of Carolyn and Anthony Bryan. This is Bryan's second year in 4-H but she already has accomplished much with her sheep project.

For more information about Delaware 4-H, contact the state 4-H office at 302-831-2509.

Article by Margo McDonough
Photo by Danielle Quigley