Tag: York County 4-H

The stage was set. All summer long, York County 4-H’ers had been tending to their tomato plants—watering, staking, pruning, and hoping for the perfect harvest. They all started the same way, with six small tomato plants—this year’s chosen varieties were Celebrity and Sun Gold—handed out at the start of summer. Each young grower transplanted their plants into a garden or container, then spent weeks battling weather, pests, and the unknowns of plant growth.

Yesterday, it all came down to one thing: the York County Tomato Judging Contest. Six titles were up for grabs. Ribbons, bragging rights, and a summer’s worth of work were on the line. The York County Master Gardeners stepped in as judges, inspecting each tomato with care, weighing entries to the gram, and debating over shapes, colors, and, yes… even the “worst” looking fruit.

Finally, the results were in:

2025 Winners

• Heaviest Open – Caroline Huffstetler – 355 g
• Heaviest Project – Morgan Webbie – 319 g
• Best Tomato – Natalie Estes
• Best Plate of 3 – Katelyn Huffstettler
• Worst Looking Tomato – Evie Martell
• Green Tomato – Raelynn Harris

Some tomatoes impressed with size, others with perfect form—and some, well, made everyone laugh. But every entry told a story of patience, learning, and determination.

This project isn’t just about who grows the biggest or the prettiest tomato. It’s about watching something you’ve nurtured from seedling to harvest, learning through trial and error, and discovering that sometimes the journey is just as rewarding as the ribbon.

A huge thank-you to the York County Master Gardeners for judging this year’s contest, and to the families and volunteers who made the Tomato Project possible. We can’t wait to see what grows in 2026!

Once a quiet spot with little 4-H activity, Fort Mill has blossomed into a thriving hub of youth development and community engagement. The Fort Mill 4-H Community Club has grown to nearly 50 active members, supported by 11 dedicated volunteers, creating a vibrant space where young people learn, lead, and give back.

Reviving 4-H in Fort Mill

Recognizing the need to reconnect youth with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, Extension staff and volunteers worked to rebuild the 4-H presence in Fort Mill. Through dedicated outreach and engaging programming, the club has quickly become a favorite for youth eager to explore STEM, agriculture, and leadership.

A Garden Grows with Community Spirit

Youth-Driven and Youth-Led

What sets Fort Mill 4-H apart is its emphasis on youth voice and leadership. All activities are planned and led by the young members themselves, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and community impact. From STEM projects to poultry care and leadership workshops, Fort Mill youth are at the helm.

Serving the Community and Building Life Skills

Looking Forward

Fort Mill 4-H is more than a club — it’s a launching pad for future leaders, innovators, and community advocates. With continued support and engagement, this thriving club will keep inspiring youth to grow their skills, confidence, and commitment to making a difference.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

As the school year comes to a close, York County 4-H is excited to celebrate a fantastic year of growth and learning through our Afterschool Clubs. This year, over 350 youth across York County engaged in hands-on 4-H programming, discovering new skills, exploring agriculture, and building confidence in safe, supportive environments.

Our clubs reached students at the following schools:

• Bethany Elementary
• Bethel Elementary
• Clover Middle School (6th–8th grade)
• Ebinport Elementary
• Griggs Road Elementary
• Herald C Johnson Elementary
• Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary
• Larne Elementary
• Lesslie Elementary
• Midway Christian Academy
• Mt. Holly Elementary
• Riverwalk Academy (3rd–8th grade)

Celebrating Success Across York County

At Bethany Elementary, the Bethany Buds After School Club wrapped up their year with a “MOO-velous” celebration focused on dairy cattle. Thanks to Stacie and Hallie Jean Harris for bringing Piper the cow and teaching our youth about showing dairy cattle! Appreciation also goes to Ms. Guerin for supporting all our “crazy plans,” the dedicated parents who support 4-H, volunteers who stay after school every month, and Crossroads Cafe at McGill’s for treating everyone to ice cream.

Meanwhile, at Mount Holly Elementary, our 4-H club closed the year with an energetic “Ag Olympics.” Students competed in farm-themed relay races, celebrating teamwork and healthy competition. This event was made possible by the wonderful support of Ms. Ramsey, Agriculture Teacher at ATC, and two graduating ATC seniors who helped run the activities. It was a fun and fitting finale to a year filled with growth.

Across all schools, youth have engaged in diverse projects — from gardening and raising animals to crafts and nutrition lessons — designed to spark curiosity and build life skills like leadership, responsibility, and public speaking.

The Power of Community

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our 4-H volunteers, parents, teachers, and community partners. Their commitment helps create meaningful experiences that inspire our young people to explore their interests, try new things, and develop into confident leaders.

As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we are also looking forward to the future. York County 4-H Afterschool Clubs expect continued growth, fueled by strong community support and exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success — we can’t wait to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders through 4-H!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

Caroline plans to major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson, aligning perfectly with her interests in agriculture and animal care—interests that have been further nurtured through her 4-H experiences. Whether she’s competing on the range or preparing for a future in animal sciences, Caroline continues to make York County proud.

We look forward to seeing Caroline represent both York County and Clemson University on the national stage and wish her continued success in her collegiate shooting career.

Congratulations, Caroline—we’ll be rooting for you every step of the way!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

York County 4-H is celebrating a major milestone—we’ve officially enrolled over 600 youth for the 2024–2025 4-H year! This exciting benchmark represents more than just a number. It’s a sign of a thriving, diverse program that’s capturing the hearts and curiosity of young people across the county.

And this is only the beginning.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St. York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

4-H Journalism Project Takes Off
This fall, we launched the York County 4-H Journalism Project, giving youth the opportunity to dive into the world of media and storytelling. Participants are learning about interviewing, photography, and article writing while covering local 4-H events. Through this project, they are developing valuable communication skills and gaining hands-on experience in journalism. We look forward to seeing their stories come to life and sharing their work with the community!

Celebrating Agriculture Month
November was all about agriculture in York County 4-H! As part of Agriculture Month, we hosted special activities highlighting the importance of farming and local food production. Our 4-H’ers participated in farm visits, hands-on workshops, and educational sessions about livestock, crops, and sustainability. This month-long celebration reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and inspired youth to explore careers in the ag industry.

York County 4-H at the SC Women in Agriculture Conference
Nine York County 4-H’ers and 4-H alumni had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 South Carolina Women in Agriculture Conference. This event provided valuable networking, mentorship, and learning experiences for our young leaders interested in agriculture. Their participation highlights the impact of 4-H in fostering future agricultural professionals and advocates.

Swine Project Nears Completion
We are nearing the end of our annual Swine Project, with over 80 pigs in this year’s program. This initiative continues to grow, offering youth hands-on experience in animal care, responsibility, and agricultural education. We are excited to see the project’s continued expansion and the skills our participants develop along the way.

Celebrating 2025 SC Miss 4-H: Dacy Freeman
A big congratulations to Dacy Freeman, who has been named the 2025 South Carolina Miss 4-H! Her dedication to 4-H and leadership within the program exemplify the best of what 4-H has to offer. We are proud to have her represent York County at the state level.
Robinson McDaniel and Jethro Yost were also crowned at the 2025 SC 4-H Showcase. Both youth are York County 4-Hers.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer, we are excited about the day-camp and overnight camp opportunities that York County 4-H’ers will have. These experiences provide youth with unforgettable learning, leadership, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Thank you to everyone who supports York County 4-H—we couldn’t do it without you!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

Inspiring Leadership Through Civic Engagement

The York County 4-H Legislative Day, held on Monday, November 18th, 2024, brought together 4-H’ers, council members, and community leaders for an evening that highlighted civic engagement and leadership. This annual event provides youth with the opportunity to learn about local government, share their 4-H experiences, and express gratitude for the support of county leaders.

Learning from Leaders

Christi Cox, chairman of the York County Council, began the evening with an engaging presentation on the history and processes of the county council. Her talk shed light on how local government operates and the vital role it plays in shaping the York County community.

Following her presentation, the evening transitioned into a unique networking opportunity. 4-H youth met and spoke one-on-one with council members, gaining valuable insights into the responsibilities and rewards of public service. This time allowed for meaningful conversations and helped build connections between the next generation of leaders and current policymakers.

4-H’ers Take the Stage

The evening culminated during the regularly scheduled council meeting, where three outstanding 4-H members—Natalie Estes (15), Noah Parise (11), and Avery Smith (12)—delivered powerful two-minute speeches.

Each 4-H’er expressed heartfelt gratitude to the council for their continued support of the York County 4-H program. Their stories were a vivid reminder of the profound impact 4-H has on youth development.

Strengthening Civic Engagement

York County 4-H Legislative Day is more than an event; it is a platform for youth to connect with local leaders, learn about governance, and share their voices. We are deeply grateful to the York County Council for their ongoing encouragement and support, and for inspiring our 4-H’ers to pursue leadership and service in their communities.

Through events like this, 4-H continues to empower young people to grow into informed, active citizens who are ready to “Make the Best Better.”

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

It’s been an exciting and busy few months for York County 4-H, and we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible milestones, achievements, and upcoming events that have kept our 4-H family thriving.

A Look Back: Achievements and Milestones

Over the past six months, York County 4-H has seen tremendous growth and enthusiasm, with over 500 registered members taking part in various projects and events that span our five program areas: STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Lifestyles, Civic Engagement, and Natural Resources. Here are just a few highlights from recent months:

Summer Camps: Fun, Learning, and Adventure

This past summer, York County 4-H offered a variety of engaging and educational summer camps that provided youth with opportunities to explore new interests, build friendships, and develop important life skills. From agriculture-focused camps, where participants learned hands-on about animal care and gardening, to STEM camps that sparked creativity and problem-solving, there was something for everyone. One of the highlights was our outdoor adventure camp, where youth enjoyed fishing, team-building activities, and learning about natural resources. These camps not only helped 4-H’ers gain knowledge but also created lasting memories and fostered a love for learning in a fun and supportive environment. We can’t wait to see what next summer holds!

York County 4-H Banquet

On August 29th, we gathered at 145 Blackburn St. in York, SC, for the 2024 York County 4-H Banquet. This event celebrated the dedication and achievements of our 4-H’ers, with 177 awards presented to members who excelled in their respective projects. A total of 75 youth were recognized for their outstanding efforts, and we had the honor of hearing from McKenna Johnson, a York County 4-H Alumna who is now studying at Clemson University. She inspired everyone in attendance by sharing her 4-H journey and the impact it had on her life. We also heard from Gavin Lewis, our 2023-2024 Teen Council President, who reflected on the past year and looked forward to the bright future ahead for York County 4-H. 

Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic and Supreme Showman Contest

This summer, York County 4-H hosted a Multi-Species Showmanship Clinic, providing our youth with hands-on training in showing a variety of animals, including cattle, goats, poultry, and swine. Participants had the chance to work with experienced mentors, learning the skills needed to handle and present different species in a competitive setting. This clinic culminated in the highly anticipated Supreme Showman Contest, where our talented 4-H’ers showcased their skills in front of judges, competing for the prestigious title of Supreme Showman. The contest not only tested their knowledge and abilities across multiple species but also demonstrated their dedication, hard work, and versatility as livestock exhibitors. This event proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding opportunities for our 4-H youth to demonstrate their mastery of showmanship and animal care. Congratulations to Senior 4-Her, Mattie Johnson, for being awarded this year’s Grand Champion in our Supreme Showman Contest.

Fall Livestock Show

The highly anticipated Fall Livestock Show was held on September 6th and 7th in Rock Hill. This event continues to be a highlight for our members who raise livestock, as well as a fantastic opportunity for the broader community to see firsthand the hard work our youth put into caring for their animals. Over 100 youth from all over the county gathered to show their livestock. Shows included Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Horses, Poultry, and Meat Goats. We were honored to have the continued support of Councilman Tommy Adkins, who backed this event, and Councilwoman Christi Cox, who showed her support for the Dairy Goat project. These relationships between our 4-H members and local leaders demonstrate the strong ties we’ve built within the community.

Introducing the 4-H Bluegrass Project

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new 4-H Bluegrass Project, a unique opportunity for youth to dive into the world of Bluegrass music while developing leadership skills and a sense of community. This project has been a dream in the making for nearly two years, and we are excited to finally kick it off! Bluegrass music holds a special place in many of our lives, and through this project, we hope to share that passion with the next generation. Participants will not only learn to play and appreciate Bluegrass music but also gain valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, and public speaking. The project will culminate in a trip to the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) in Nashville, TN, where members will experience the heart of the Bluegrass community. This project is sure to be an unforgettable experience, combining music, leadership, and community service in true 4-H spirit!

Stay Tuned for More!

As we head into the fall, we encourage everyone to stay connected with York County 4-H through our newsletters and social media pages. With so many exciting projects, events, and opportunities on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our 4-H’ers. Whether it’s through leadership, community service, or showcasing their skills in competitions, York County 4-H youth are proving they have what it takes to succeed and make a positive impact.

Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making these incredible experiences possible. Your dedication to York County 4-H helps ensure that we continue to “make the best better” for our community.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events!

Kristin Kunde

York County 4-H Agent
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress Street
York, SC 29745

803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu