Chester County 4-H recently presented the 2024 Spirit of 4-H Award to David Gober and a Certificate of Achievement to Megan Johnson.

The Spirit of 4-H Award was started in 1998 by the Saddle Up 4-H Horse and Pony Club. 4-H club leaders nominate one member from each club who demonstrates the most spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything for 4-H or the community. Once nominated, the members are asked to complete an application to be reviewed by the 4-H Program Development Committee, which selects the winner.

Gober recently graduated after being a member of the Northern Chester County Horse and Pony Club for 10 years. He credits 4-H with helping prepare him for future life and his intended career as an equine veterinarian. Gober has been active in county, state, and national 4-H events, and he completed the requirements for the 4-H Diamond Clover Award last year with his Project Elevate, a service project benefiting people enlisted in the military. He received a plaque in recognition of his Spirit of 4-H Award, and his name will be displayed on a plaque at the 4-H Center.

Megan, 12, started in 4-H as a Cloverbud member. She is active in the West Chester Sewing Club and Milk and More 4-H Community Club in Chester County, and she is also a 4-H member in Montgomery County. Megan credits 4-H with helping her learn to solve problems with animals, projects, and people. She also noted that the 4-H motto of "make the best better" is important; she learned that doing something multiple times promotes learning and improvement.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a community of more than 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Penn State Extension 4-H youth development educators in all 67 counties throughout the commonwealth administer local 4-H programs through nonformal education and outreach. To find a local program, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.