Breaking News
Community News

Wood County 4-H honors members, volunteers for 2025 achievements

By Staff Reports 20 min read

PARKERSBURG – The Wood County 4-H program celebrated another successful year of youth leadership, community service, and personal growth during its annual 4-H Achievement Day held Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Wood County 4-H Camp.

The event recognized 4-H members, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication and achievements throughout the 2024-2025 program year.

Families, friends, and community supporters gathered to honor the outstanding accomplishments of youth from across the county. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed food and fellowship during the 4-H Open House Trunk or Treat celebration.

"I enjoy Achievement Day because it's a time to recognize all the hard work our 4-H members and volunteers have put in over the past year," said Lindsey Boso, Wood County 4-H Program Assistant. "I'm honored to work for the organization that shaped me and to help the next generation of 4-H'ers discover their own passions and prepare to make a difference in the world."

The theme for this year's celebration highlighted the mission of 4-H to help youth become Beyond Ready for life by developing essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, compassion, respect, communication, and responsibility. Research shows that 4-H members are twice as likely to set leadership goals, participate in community service, and live life with purpose and intentionality.

Club Awards

Outstanding Club Members were recognized by 4-H clubs across Wood County for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and involvement.

From the American Brushpoppers 4-H Club, outstanding members were Sawyer Crowe, Harlee Donato, Justin Donato, and Willow Piersol.

From the Belleville 4-H Club, honorees included Karson Pigott, Sophia Burgess, Evan Banks, Kelsey Dennis, Cooley Dixon, and Morgan Wicker. Belleville 4-H also received first place in the National 4-H Week Club Display competition.

The Fairview 4-H Club recognized Braxton Amos as its outstanding member.

The Lubeck Lucky Clovers 4-H Club honored Chase Boso, Sabrina Heddleston, Bonnie Lyons, Chase Breen, and Camryn McLain for their achievements. Lubeck Lucky Clovers also received second place in the National 4-H Week Club Display.

The Rebels 4-H Club celebrated Breya Barrett, Mason Ewing, Anna Kaufman, Mason Lewis, and Josephine Myers for their outstanding service and participation.

From the Sand Hill Explorers 4-H Club, Jacob Anderson, Lycan Cline, and Hannah (Lent) Arnold were recognized.

The Saulsbury 4-H Club honored Ava Anderson, Jillian Riddle, Bodee Walters, and Emilee Allison.

The Sharp Shooters 4-H Club recognized Addalynn Fleak, Levi Watkins, and Abrianna Fleak.

Finally, from the Woodchucks 4-H Club, Maddie Waybright and Skylar Hart were named outstanding members.

Friend of 4-H

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Kent Welding for their steadfast and ongoing support of the Wood County 4-H program. Over the years, Kent Welding has designed, fabricated, installed, and donated essential equipment to improve barns and facilities--from announcer stands and stall door stoppers to wash racks and barn gates, including other renovations when we returned to the 4-H grounds for our "Wood County 4-H & FFA Summer Showcase" in 2021.

The Kent family's 4-H legacy spans multiple generations, with deep ties as members, volunteers, and supporters. "Kent Welding has gone above and beyond to make our grounds a better place for youth," said Lindsey Boso. "Their work embodies the spirit of 4-H service and community partnership."

Volunteer Service Recognition

4-H is only possible through the time and dedication of its volunteers. Many Wood County volunteers have been serving for decades, continuing to invest in youth because they believe in the power of the 4-H program.

* 5th Year Silver Clover Leaders: Caroline Barnes, Miranda Lewis, Jonathan Riddle, and Christy Young.

* 10th Year Gold Clover Leaders: Krista Bell, Debbie Gilbert, Staci Lawrentz, Shelley Lewis, Toni Murphy, Barbara Townsend, and Brendan Williams.

* 15th Year Pearl Clover Award: Kelly Casto.

* 20th Year Diamond Clover: Shauna Kelley, Becky Murphy, and Keith Murphy.

* 25th Year Emerald Clover Leaders: Cathy Garrison and Pete Garrison.

* 30th Year Ruby Clover Leaders: Betty Bargeloh, Larry Bargeloh, Jill Lewellyn, and Matt Lewellyn.

* 35th Year Sapphire Clover Leaders: Don Barnes, Julie Barnes, Kelly Collins, Linda Dearth, Linda George, and Jody Lindsey.

* 45th Year Emerald Clover Leader: Annie Lewellyn.

* 50th Year Ruby Clover Leader: Norma Thomas.

Wood County 4-H proudly honored Norma Thomas for her 50 years of service. A longtime volunteer with the Lubeck Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, Thomas has spent countless summers teaching crafts and quilting at camp, sponsoring scholarships, and helping with the club's beloved "Taco Buggy" fundraiser. Her half-century of leadership has touched generations of 4-H members and families.

Outstanding 4-H Volunteers

Two longtime 4-H leaders were honored as Outstanding 4-H Volunteers for their remarkable dedication and impact on the Wood County 4-H program.

Jill Lewellyn has served as a devoted 4-H Club Leader with the Sand Hill 4-H Club and as a Teen Advisor with the Wood County 4-H Teen Leaders for 30 years. She organizes meetings, activities, and fundraisers that help provide camp scholarships for youth. Jill has served as a counselor at Cloverbud, Younger, and Older 4-H Camps, and has also been part of the staff at state 4-H camps. Beyond 4-H, she's active in her church as a youth leader, Sunday School and Junior Church teacher, Women's Fellowship leader, and Relay for Life coordinator. Her steady leadership and compassionate service make her an exemplary role model for 4-H members and peers alike.

Matt Lewellyn, also honored as an Outstanding 4-H Volunteer, has been a steadfast 4-H leader for 30 years. He serves as a conservation project leader and an active member of the Sand Hill 4-H Club. Matt organizes outdoor education programs, tree plantings, and service projects, and supports numerous fundraisers and adopt-a-highway efforts. He has dedicated 13 years as a 4-H camp counselor, teaching fishing and STEM activities, while helping lead county fundraisers and Conservation Weekend. Outside 4-H, Matt serves as a ministry leader, deacon, and Relay for Life volunteer. His quiet strength and servant leadership truly embody the spirit of 4-H.

State-Level Volunteer Awards

Several Wood County volunteers earned recognition at the state level for their outstanding service to 4-H across West Virginia.

Debbie Sleeth received the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award for 39 years of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to generations of 4-H youth. A leader with the Lubeck Lucky Clovers and the Wood County 4-H Teen Leaders, Debbie has guided youth from their first projects through leadership roles. She served as a counselor at Alpha II, Dance Weekend, and Teen Leader Weekend and has taught line and folk dancing at camp for nearly three decades. Her compassion and generosity--whether in the camp kitchen, preparing awards, or funding scholarships -- exemplify lifelong service.

Staci Lawrentz earned the Excellence in Agriculture and Natural Resources Award. As Chair of the Wood County 4-H Horse Project, she has grown participation to make it one of the strongest programs in the region. She also coordinates the Regional Horse Camp, where enrollment has risen significantly in recent years. Staci leads by example -- repairing barns, cooking at camps, co-leading the Bits and Bridles Club, and helping secure a $30,000 grant to improve the horse arena. She continues her family's 4-H legacy through compassion, action, and impact.

Kelly Casto was recognized as Camp Volunteer of the Year. A longtime 4-H leader, Cloverbud mentor, and camp coordinator, Kelly has been an integral part of county programming for more than 15 years. Known for her ability to make every youth feel welcome and valued, Kelly's leadership with the Wood County 4-H All Stars and Teen Leaders has inspired youth to serve and lead with confidence.

Brittany Affolter received the Outstanding 4-H All Star Award for her extraordinary service and dedication. As Treasurer of the Wood County 4-H Leaders' Association, Co-Goat Project Chair, and Camp Volunteer, Brittany goes above and beyond in managing finances, fundraisers, sponsorships, and livestock preparation. Her commitment to the Belleville 4-H Club and countywide programs strengthens 4-H year-round.

Teen Leader Awards

Teen leadership is a vital part of 4-H, where older youth guide younger members, plan community service projects, and build leadership skills that last a lifetime.

First-Year Teen Leader Membership Pins were awarded to Reagan Lawrentz, Brantly Poling, Noah Stout, Hannah Mayo, Kinsley Moncman, Josephine Myers, Ady Matheny, Abigail Gibson, Brennan Taylor, Paisley McDonald, Olivia Tice, Sophia Williams, and Jasmine Greening.

Achievement in Service Awards recognized Paisley McDonald, Jasmine Greening, and Morgan Wicker for outstanding records of service to 4-H and the Teen Leader organization.

Achievement in Leadership Awards were presented to Hailey Barnes and Ady Matheny for demonstrating strong leadership within 4-H and their communities.

Outstanding Service Awards went to Lucas Lewellyn, Ali Evans, and Emma Casto, honoring county-level Teen Leaders with exceptional volunteer and community service achievements.

Outstanding Leadership Awards were given to Jennessa Lewellyn and Camryn McLain for exemplary leadership within both the Teen Leader program and the broader 4-H organization.

State 4-H Awards

Wood County 4-H members earned numerous honors at the state level for excellence in poster design, photography, writing, public speaking, shooting sports, and livestock judging.

In the State Dairy Poster Contest, Savannah Tice (Intermediate Division) and Lycan Cline (Senior Division) received state certificates.

* 4-H Promotion – General: Roane Nutter, a Junior, received a Red Ribbon. Sophia Williams, an Intermediate, earned a Blue Ribbon. Morgan Wicker, a Senior, was awarded a White Ribbon.

* 4-H Promotion – Club/Special Interest: Lycan Cline, a Senior, received a White Ribbon.

* 4-H Promotion – Camp: Daxton Taylor, an Intermediate, earned a Red Ribbon. Kinsley Moncman, a Senior, received a Gold Ribbon.

* 4-H Promotion – Beyond Ready: Jayden Dearth, a Senior, received a Red Ribbon.

* 4-H at Fairs - 100th State Fair of WV: Skylar Hart, a Senior, was awarded a White Ribbon.

* Agriculture: Sophia Burgess, a Junior, received a Red Ribbon. Landon Banks, an Intermediate, earned a White Ribbon.

* Dairy: Savannah Tice, an Intermediate, received a Blue Ribbon. Lycan Cline, a Senior, earned a Red Ribbon.

In the State Photo Contest, blue ribbon winners included Sophia Burgess, Jayden Dearth, Jordan Dearth, Shyanne Dearth, Callie Dixon, Shayleigh Gard, Landon Moles, Kinsley Moncman, Karson Pigott, Kayleen Staats, Morgan Wicker, and Maylin Wolfe.

For the State Writing Exhibition, Sophia Burgess and Morgan Wicker received blue ribbons for their essays featured at the State Fair of West Virginia.

In addition, Wood County 4-H had 62 blue ribbon still projects displayed at the State Fair this year -- a record number of state-level recognitions.

In the State Visual Presentations Contest, Morgan Wicker received a blue ribbon for her presentation titled Swinging through West Virginia.

This year's Shooting Sports season concluded with outstanding performances from local athletes across multiple divisions. Competitors demonstrated remarkable skill in both air rifle and archery events, earning several top placements and recognition.

In the Senior Division Air Rifle, Morgan Wicker distinguished herself by finishing 4th overall, securing eligibility to compete at the National level -- a significant achievement that highlights her dedication and precision. Cooley Dixon also placed 7th overall.

The Archery competitions saw strong showings across Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions. In the Junior Division, Abrianna Fleak ranked 18th, Sophia Burgess placed 22nd, and Addalynn Fleak came in 23rd. The Intermediate Division featured Braden Whitlatch earning 16th place.

Senior Division archers turned in impressive results: Morgan Wicker claimed 3rd place, also qualifying her for National Competition, Josh Steele secured 6th, Cooley Dixon finished 10th, and Josephine Myers placed 19th.

At State 4-H Camps, Katie Daley served as Chief of the Seneca Tribe at Alpha II State 4-H Camp, representing Wood County with leadership and pride.

In April, local youth competed in the Stockman's Judging Contest held during the West Virginia Beef Expo. The Wood County Senior A Team, composed of Audrey Kent, Morgan Wicker, Skylar Hart, and Bodee Walters, earned 19th place, while the Wood County Senior B Team -- Emilee Allison, Sophia Burgess, Lorelei Dent, and Kayleen Staats -- placed 23rd. Junior participants included Justin Donato and Maddie Waybright, who represented Wood County as individual competitors.

At the State Fair of West Virginia, in August, Maddie Waybright proudly exhibited her Market Lamb and qualified for the Final Drive in Showmanship and placed 18th in the Market class

Service Awards

In addition to competitive accomplishments, Wood County 4-H youth were recognized for their commitment to community service. Through the 4-H service awards program, youth document their volunteer work, helping their clubs, communities, country, and world. Those who submitted service logs were honored with certificates based on age group.

Helping Hands Certificates were awarded to youth ages 5-10 who submitted service logs. This year's recipients include Avalee Anderson, Chase Boso, Addalynn Fleak, Colton Fleak, Bryson Heddleston, Sabrina Heddleston, Montgomery Lupardus, and Parker Matheny.

Making a Difference Certificates, recognizing youth ages 11-15, were presented to Braxton Amos, Evan Banks, Landon Banks, Hailey Barnes, Sophia Burgess, Kelsey Dennis, Callie Dixon, Cooley Dixon, Abrianna Fleak, Avery Fogle, Emmy Fullerton, Reagan Lawrentz, Jenna Lewellyn, Bonnie Lyons, Brantley Mace, Ady Matheny, Paisley McDonald, Cate McLain, Camryn McLain, Josephine Myers, Brantly Poling, Caleb Shore, Noah Stout, Lily Sundstrom, and Morgan Wicker.

True Leaders in Service Certificates went to members ages 16 and older who completed service logs. Honorees in this category were Chase Breen, Emma Casto, Lycan Cline, Katie Daley, Ali Evans, Cate Evans, Jasmine Greening, Brayden Keeney, Lucas Lewellyn, Hannah Mayo, Kinsley Moncman, and Olivia Raber.

County 4-H Awards

The County 4-H Awards were also presented to youth who showed excellence in project work, club involvement, and leadership. Project Medals were awarded to members who completed two years of work in the same project area and submitted the required documentation. This year's medal recipients include Braxton Amos (Bicycling), Hannah Arnold (Lamb and Rabbit), Landon Banks (Swine and Know Your State), Evan Banks (Cooking 101), Hailey Barnes (Art), Kelsey Dennis (Poultry and Cooking 101), Callie Dixon (Poultry and Wildflowers), Justin Donato (Sheep), Brayden Keeney (Self Determination, Honeybee, Poultry, Rabbit), Reagan Lawrentz (Horse Project), Madison Waybright (Beef, Horse, and Rabbit), Adyleigh Matheny (Goat and Leadership), Karson Pigott (Goat), Brantly Poling (Goat), Aubrey Stoops (Poultry and Rabbit), Dixie Swiger (Horse and Swine), and Maci Swiger (Horse and Swine).

Wood County 4-H members achieved outstanding success across a variety of competitions during this year's Wood County 4-H & FFA Summer Showcase, earning high honors in livestock, still project exhibitions, and special recognition awards. Youth from across the county demonstrated excellence, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the events.

The 4-H Still Project Best of Show awards were presented to youth who excelled in project work across multiple categories. Each recipient received a $25 premium in recognition of their achievement. Best of Show winners included Kelsey Dennis (Poultry - Animal Science, and Cooking - Food & Nutrition), Morgan Wicker (You Can Quilt - Communication and Expressive Arts, and Know Your State - Miscellaneous), Elizabeth Ludwig (Entomology - Environmental Education & Earth Science), Camryn McLain (GEM Mental Health - Health & Safety), Jenna Lewellyn (My Hands to Larger Service - Leadership & Community), Maylee Bland (See Them Sprout - Plant Science), Evan Banks (Tractor - Technology and Engineering), Cate Evans (Exploring 4-H - 4-H), and Brennan Taylor (Archery - Shooting Sports).

A major highlight of the Showcase was the Austin Shawver Master Showman Award, which honors the legacy of Austin Shawver, a dedicated 4-Her known for his outstanding showmanship in beef and swine. Senior showmanship winners from each livestock species were invited to compete in a rigorous contest requiring them to demonstrate skills in showing beef, swine, sheep, and rabbits. This year's Master Showman winner was Reagan Parsons, who was awarded a traveling plaque from the Saulsbury 4-H Club, a belt buckle donated by the Shawver Family, and a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Ward's Farm Supply and Kent Welding.

The Showcase also featured Grand and Reserve Champion Showmanship and Market Awards across all species divisions, recognizing top showmen in their respective age groups and categories.

In the Swine Division, Reagan Parsons took Grand Champion in Senior Showmanship (17 and older), with Skylar Hutchinson earning Reserve. Junior Showmanship (14-16) saw Garrett Nelson as Grand Champion and Spencer Steele as Reserve. Intermediate Showmanship (11-13) was led by Grand Champion Sophia Burgess and Reserve Champion Remi Radcliff. In the Beginner category (10 and under), Colton Fleak and Karson Pigott earned Grand and Reserve Champion, respectively. Remi Radcliff also won Grand Champion Market Hog, while Morgan Smith earned Reserve.

The Lamb Division celebrated Michelle Sampson (Senior), Morgan Wicker (Junior), Joey Kallner (Intermediate), and Madison Waybright (Beginner) as Grand Champions in showmanship, with Reserve titles going to Leilani Navarro, Lorelei Dent, Abram Dent, and Harlee Donato. Morgan Wicker also claimed Grand Champion Market Lamb, and Madison Waybright earned Reserve. In the breeding category, Lorelei Dent swept both Grand and Reserve Champion Ewe Lamb titles.

In the Goat Division, Kaelyn Clark (Senior), Lorelei Dent (Junior), Sophia Burgess (Intermediate), and Karson Pigott (Beginner) each took Grand Champion titles in showmanship. Reserve Champions included Hannah Arnold, Ady Matheny, Connor Nelson, and Parker Matheny. Connor Nelson won Grand Champion Market Goat, with Ady Matheny taking Reserve. Reagan Lawrentz earned Grand Champion Breeding Doe, and Ady Matheny secured Reserve.

The Beef Division featured Bodee Walters (Senior), Kayleen Staats (Junior), Anna Kaufman (Intermediate), and Madison Waybright (Beginner) as Grand Champion Showmen. Reserve Champions were Jordyne Lockhart, Kyra Bell, Grace Koon, and Alexis Collins. In the beef classes, Dalton Isaacs and Remi Radcliff won Grand and Reserve in Feeder Heifer; Madison Waybright and Bodee Walters won in Feeder Steer. Kayleen Staats earned Grand Champion Market Steer, with Alexis Collins receiving Reserve.

In the Rabbit Division, Grand Champion Showmen included Miryan Lewis (Senior), Lainey Lewis (Intermediate), Emmy Fullerton (Junior), and Morgan Smith (Beginner). Reserve Champions were Jordyne Lockhart, Nathanael Blair, Lillian Blair, and Lunden Schneider. Miryan Lewis and Aubrey Holden won the Breeding Rabbit Litter Pen division. Jordyne Lockhart earned both Rabbit Best of Show Doe and Grand Champion Market Rabbit, while Maddie Waybright and Lunden Schneider claimed the respective Reserve titles.

The Poultry Division showcased exceptional talent with Kendyll Marshall and Skylar Hutchinson earning Grand and Reserve in Advanced Chicken Showmanship. Collin Lewis and Aubrey Holdren topped the Intermediate class, while Justin Donato and Callie Dixon led the Beginners. Callie Dixon also took Grand Champion Market Chicken, with Skylar Hutchinson earning Reserve. Justin Donato swept Best of Show titles with his Call Duck Hen and American Serama Rooster. Kendyll Marshall earned Best of Show Hen in the Silkie class.

In Turkey Showmanship, Grand Champion titles went to Davian Miller (Advanced), Collin Lewis (Intermediate), and Mayci Moles (Beginner), with Reserve Champions Kendyll Marshall, Aubrey Holdren, and Myleigh Moles, respectively. Myleigh Moles and Cayden Moles earned Grand and Reserve Champion Market Turkey.

The Horse Division concluded the Showcase with competitive excellence. Olivia Stewart was named Grand Champion in the Contest Horse Senior Division. Ashlyn Carson took Grand Champion in the Junior Division, with Madison Waybright earning Reserve. Riley Smith won the Contest Pony Junior Division, while Trinity Probasco took the top title in English Horse Senior. Western Horse Senior was led by Kyra Bell. Reagan Lawrentz and Maci Swiger claimed Grand and Reserve in the Western Pony Junior Division. Dixie Swiger earned Grand Champion in Gaited Pony Junior, Kay Barrett took top honors in Gaited Horse Junior, and Lane Mullen won the Driving Horse Junior Division.

Another big highlight of 4-H summer events is our three residential 4-H camps held in June. These camps provide incredible opportunities for learning, growth, and fun.

Several members were recognized for earning their 4-H Charting Pins, a significant milestone in the 4-H journey. Charting recipients included Chase Breen, Lucie Cline, Camryn McLain, Kinsley Moncmon, Colorado Sampson, Lily Sundstrom, and Ben Supple.

At Younger Camp, tribal leaders from each group were announced. In the Delaware tribe, Lilly Kelley served as Chief, with Maylin Wolfe as Junior Sagamore and Bonnie Lyons as Senior Sagamore. The Mingo tribe, which also earned the 2025 Spirit Stick, was led by Chief Braden Whitlatch, Junior Sagamore Sophia Burgess, and Senior Sagamore Kay Barrett. Trinity Gregg led the Cherokee tribe as Chief, alongside Grace Koon and Maci Swiger. Jaxon Swiger served as Chief for the Seneca tribe, with Logan Sims and Savannah Tice completing the leadership team.

The Younger Camp "H" awards, recognizing excellence in Head, Heart, Hands, Health, and Spirit, were presented to Jaxson Swiger (Head H), Braden Whitlatch (Heart H), Trinity Gregg (Hands H), Lillian Kelley (Health H), and Rose Casto (Spirit).

Older Camp also featured strong leadership across all tribes. The Delaware tribe, winners of the 2025 Spirit Stick, was led by Chief Camryn McLain, Senior Sagamore Emma Casto, and Junior Sagamore Chase Breen. Mingo tribe leaders included Chief Skylar Hart, Senior Sagamore Olivia Raber, and Junior Sagamore Collin Lewis. Cherokee tribe leaders were Mallory Marks (Chief), Mason Lewis (Senior Sagamore), and Ali Evans (Junior Sagamore). Seneca was headed by Chief Erin Carmicle, with Cate Evans as Senior Sagamore and Audrey Sundstrom as Junior Sagamore.

Older Camp "H" award winners included Chase Breen (Head H), Mallory Marks (Heart H), Ali Evans (Hands H), Camryn McLain (Health H), and Erin Carmicle (Spirit).

During Horse Camp, campers took on additional leadership roles through themed groups. Head group leaders were Chiefs Kasey Houser and Taylor Krolick, with Abigail Gibson serving as Sagamore. Olivia Stewart (Chief) and Josephine Myers (Sagamore) led the Heart group. Ashton Castleberry (Chief) and Maci Swiger (Sagamore) led the Hands group, while Kyra Bell and Trinity Probasco shared the Chief role for the Health group with Carissa Sands as Sagamore.

Horse Camp "H" awards went to Audrey Kent (Head), Madison Waybright (Heart), Tatum Brotherton (Hands), Kyra Bell (Health), and Olivia Stewart (Spirit).

The prestigious Rising Star Award, which acknowledges young people who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, 4-H project success, and community service, was awarded to Reagan Lawrentz, Brantly Poling, and Caleb Shore.

The County Outstanding 4-H Member Award honors individuals who have actively contributed to 4-H and served as role models to their peers. Winners were selected by an Extension professional from a neighboring county based on club leader recommendations and activity records. This year's Outstanding 4-H Members are:

* Junior Division (Grades 3-5): Karson Pigott (Male), Sophia Burgess (Female)

* Intermediate Division (Grades 6-8): Evan Banks (Male), Bonnie Lyons (Female)

* Senior Division (Grade 9-Age 21): Chase Breen (Male), Morgan Wicker (Female)

The Continuing Service and Leadership Award was presented to Erin Carmicle, Cate Evans, and Audrey Sundstrom for their ongoing dedication to 4-H beyond high school, continuing to serve at the county level.

This year's I Dare You Award winners, a national leadership award that honors young people who show character, leadership, and commitment to service, were Chase Breen and Lily Sundstrom.

Following the county-level awards, the highly anticipated Wood County 4-H Royalty Crowning Ceremony took place. The outgoing 2024-2025 Royalty -- Princess Ady Matheny, Prince Brantly Poling, King Lycan Cline, and Queen Reagan Parsons -- crowned the incoming court for 2025-2026. After a review of applications, 4-H records, personal stories, and references, an Extension professional from a neighboring county selected this year's Royalty.

The 2025-2026 Wood County 4-H Royalty are:

* Princess: Sophia Burgess

* Prince: Karson Pigott

* King: Mason Lewis

* Queen: Tessa Prunty

The ceremony concluded with a group photo of all honorees, marking the end of a memorable and inspiring year for Wood County 4-H. From camps to State accomplishments and leadership awards, these young people exemplify the core values of 4-H -- Head, Heart, Hands, and Health -- as they continue to grow into leaders of tomorrow. The new 4-H year officially began on October 1st. For those interested in joining 4-H or learning more about upcoming programs and events, please contact Wood County 4-H at 304-424-1960.

Starting at /week.