Bridgewater Teen Named Somerset County Outstanding 4-H’er

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Bridgewater teen was among three to be chosen as Somerset County Outstanding 4-H’ers by the 4-H Association.

Wil Staats, 17, of Bridgewater, has been a Somerset County 4-H member for 11 years was chosen.

He is currently active in 4-H Woolly Ones sheep club, Branchburg Beef Dairy and Livestock 4-H Club and Somerset County 4-H Exchange. He is a youth member of the Somerset County 4-H Association and a member of the Somerset County 4-H Livestock Judging team. Wil is an artist. His favorite medium is clay and he has advanced his pottery skills in the 4-H Fine Arts Club.

Wil has held a variety of leadership positions and is most currently the president of Woolly Ones sheep club, Somerset County 4-H Exchange Club and a Teen Leader for the 4-H Fine Arts club. Wil has given a variety of presentations and demonstrations for his clubs to help the younger members and helps with many of the County events including Science-sational Day, Carnival, Open House, and Food N Fun.

On the State and National level Wil has attended the Livestock Symposium, Citizenship Washington Focus. Wil has planted Trees for the Million Tree Project, has coordinated a Relay for Life Team for the American Cancer Society and shares his animals with preschools and others.

The award is based on a member’s participation in several areas including:

• Club involvement is very important;
• Offices held;
• How well they mentor younger members;
• How they help leaders plan and implement educational activities in their project areas.
• Participation in county events;
• Public presentations;
• Judging teams;
• Helping out at 4-H Association events, such as the Somerset County 4-H Fair and camp counselling.
• Participation in State Events and National Events.

"Most importantly an Outstanding 4-H’er must be an exemplary role model, demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to community service," according to the 4-H Association.

(Photo, 4-H)

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