2020 Recipients

Abigail Bruner - Indiana County

Abigail hosted a workshop for her community where she taught American Sign Language. Born with Down Syndrome, Abigail's parents used sign language to communicate with her from a young age. She wanted to share this knowledge with others to help them communicate better with those who sign. In the end, 45 people attended the workshop and learned the alphabet, numbers, and common phrases. Some attendees reported that they want to communicate with deaf customers at their place of work, a non-verbal child in their Sunday School class, and a host of other organizations.

Tristan Cole - Greene County

Tristan identified a need to be addressed at the Washington County Sportsman's Club. The fence separating a shooting range from the pedestrian area had fallen into disrepair. Tristan recruited volunteers from the 4-H Shotgun club whom he taught how to build the fence and worked alongside them on this project. In one day, they were able to remove the original fence, build a new one, and clean up the surrounding space.

Kaitlyn DeLeo - Bucks County

Kaitlyn recognized a need at her local horse barn. Several fences and jumps were in poor shape and needed some repairs or sprucing up. In the end, she and some helpers repaired jumps and fences, painted, and planted flowers. The tasks had increased from her initial assessment, and both weather and scheduling became a challenge, but in the end, the facility can now be used by the local community.

Makayla Gould - McKean County

Makayla refurbished a fire bell and improved the flowerbeds around it at the Smethport Fire Department. Through several fundraisers and collecting donations, she was able to supply the bricks, soil, paint, flowers, and other supplies. The process involved power washing the existing structure, painting the bell, constructing a brick base, and planting the flowers. The fire department was extremely thankful for Makayla's efforts.

Lucas Hayman - Somerset County

Lucas conducted an essay contest in which the winner would receive a swine project from his family to raise and utilize as a 4-H project. Throughout the year, he mentored this fellow member in the care of the animal. At the end of the project, the pig was donated to the local fire department who in turn used it for a community dinner.

Julia Jumper - Westmoreland County

Julia, prior to being named Westmoreland County Fair Queen, wanted to create an equal opportunity that her male peers could earn at the fair. She enlisted the fair board's support to create a Fair King program. She carried out the planning process including creating criteria for the contest, promoting, recruiting, and hosting the pageant. Throughout the project, her leadership skills were strengthened in delegation and adaptation to change. She also gained a greater understanding of event planning.

Hannah Noel - Westmoreland County

Hannah hosted a charity square dance for the Mended Little Hearts of Southwestern Pennsylvania. She was in charge of setting up the venue, coordinating a silent auction, providing food and drink, and providing the entertainment. In the end, a total of $2,500 was donated to the charity.

Robert Schick - Venango County

Robert recognized that his Extension Office at the Venango County Fairgrounds did not have a proper flagpole set up. Rather than the one rusty pole in existence, he set out to add enough poles to house an American, Pennsylvania, and 4-H flag. Robert was able to construct the new flag poles and bases where the 4-H can now host a proper ceremony during 4-H events.

Brenna Tento - Montgomery County

Brenna hosted a skating party to raise money for the Mitzvah Circle Foundation. In total, $800 was raised to purchase school supplies and toiletries. Being short of the goal, Brenna learned the value of coupons as she and her volunteers did their best to help the money stretch further to support the foundation. The group also volunteered at the foundation, getting to see quickly how needed these items were; the day they volunteered, most of the toiletries went to families in need.

Caela Tobin - Bucks County

Caela led a sewing class for 4-H and Girl Scouts. The item for the class, a pillowcase dress, was then sewn for the organization "Little Dresses for Africa". In total, 30 dresses were made by 20 helpers. She hopes to have inspired an interest in sewing amongst her peers who attended the class. Through the project, she was able to engage her school's Family and Consumer Sciences Department to help with the pattern and example dress, as well as gained time management and instructional skills.

Hannah Wareham - McKean County

Hannah constructed and installed portable Blessing Boxes, in which local community members can stock food, toiletries, and seasonal items - like hats and gloves- while those in need are able to take the items for free. A few unforeseen challenges along the way forced Hannah to change her plans. Rather than house the boxes at local churches as initially intended, the boxes were installed at Extension Offices in McKean, Potter, and Warren Counties. This change became its own blessing, as it will allow 4-H clubs to carry on her mission long after the Diamond Award is obtained.