Sumter County 4-H celebrates youth achievement and service

More than 60 youth members, families, community partners and adult volunteers gathered at the Meeting House on Monday, Aug. 31, for the Sumter County 4-H Youth Development Program's annual Achievement Banquet. The celebration recognized a year of dedication, leadership, service and project mastery under the theme "Growing Together: Rooted in 4-H, Ready for the Future."

The evening featured keynote speaker Christopher Sumpter, a 4-H alumnus, fourth-generation farmer and commissioner with the Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District. Sumpter shared how 4-H shaped his outlook on life, leadership and helped him develop skills he continues to use today.

"The Achievement Banquet is a special opportunity to recognize the many ways our youth grow through 4-H," said, Dr. Cindy Foley, Sumter County 4-H local agent. "Their accomplishments reflect hard work, confidence, creativity and a commitment to making a difference in Sumter County."

Awards and Recognitions

Outstanding Cloverbud Award

Evalynn Rotante was recognized for her enthusiasm, participation and strong beginning in 4-H, including her involvement in South Carolina 4-H Small Garden Project, Sumter County 4-H2O water science camp and Sumter County 4-H Summer Performance Camp.

Outstanding Junior Award

Koran Rich was recognized for commitment, progress, leadership and achievement in 4-H projects and activities. He supported all High Hills 4-H Club service projects that assembled and distributed more than 400 holiday gift baskets to local senior, nursing homes residences and veterans.

Outstanding Senior

Mary Foley was recognized for sustained service, leadership, initiative and exemplary contributions to Sumter County 4-H. Her involvement included co-chairing Wilson Hall's first 4-H Club, volunteering with the Sumter County 4-H Water GOAT Project, Sumter Rotary Farm to Table event, attending the SC 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Summit and supporting a Sumter Cooking Like a Chef Camp for 55 participants and representing Sumter County delegate at the 2026 SC 4-H State Congress held at Clemson University this summer.

Spirit Award

Charlie Rimmer was recognized for bringing energy, encouragement, teamwork and 4-H spirit to members and activities, particularly through his participation with the Community Literacy Lab 4-H STEM Club.

Club Awards and Volunteerism in 4-H

Six local 4-H clubs received bronze or silver recognition for participation, teamwork, community engagement and commitment to the 4-H program. Bronze Awards went to the Community Literacy Lab 4-H STEM & Coding Clubs, Team Perseverance 4-H Club and Crosswell 4-H Club. Silver Awards went to Sumter County 4-H Horse Club, High Hills Community 4-H Club and Wilson Hall 4-H Club.

Sumter County 4-H also recognized 29 volunteer nominees for their time, talent and encouragement they provide to members, families, club and special events.

Loretta Sanders, club leader of the High Hills Community 4-H Club and Hillcrest 4-H Garden Club, received the Volunteerism in 4-H Award for more than 10 years of service to Sumter County 4-H.

Sumter County 4-H Achievement Medals

Youth were recognized for special accomplishments in local, county and state projects and program areas:

Sumter County 4-H Canning Day: Jemond Jenkins

Sumter County 4-H Animal Science: Horse: Molly Feliciano

Sumter County 4-H Cooking Like a Chef Camp: Kira Stelle

Sumter County 4-H Small Garden Project: Evalynn Rotante

Sumter County 4-H Environmental Science: Soil and Water: Jane Foley

Sumter County 4-H STEM: Vincent Sieger

Sumter County 4-H Community Service: Koran Rich

Sumter County 4-H Leadership: Ethan Budden

Friends of 4-H Awards

The banquet recognized community partners, businesses and collaboration whose support strengthened the 2025-26 4-H program. Friends of 4-H plaques were presented to the City of Sumter, including its Litter Division and Swan Lake Iris Gardens; Costas Farms; Crosswell Home for Children; Judson Family Farms; Sumter Master Gardeners; Sumter Patriot Hall; Sumter Rotary Club; Tractor Supply Co (Sumter); and the Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District.

Join Sumter County 4-H

The 2026-2027 4-H year began Sept. 1, and the program continues to grow. Young people and families interested in joining Sumter County 4-H are invited to enroll at 4honline.com. Members explore hands-on projects, build leadership skills, serve their communities, and make lasting friendships. Membership costs $15 annually. For information about local clubs and projects, contact the Sumter County Extension Office at cgfoley@clemson.edu, visit Clemson.edu/extension/4h/county/sumter.html, or follow @clemsonsumter4h.

About 4-H

4-H is the youth development program of the nation's Cooperative Extension System and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through hands-on learning in STEM, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement, 4-H helps young people build practical skills, confidence, resilience and leadership for an ever-changing world. The program reaches youth in communities across the United States through public universities and local Extension offices.