Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4‑H alum whose journey demonstrates the program’s lasting impact. This month’s feature is Johnathan Dorsten, a Williams County alum who spent 13 years as a member of the Sharpshooters of Williams County 4-H club.
Introduced to 4‑H by his mother, Johnathan was enrolled as soon as he was eligible. Over his 13 years in the program, he focused primarily on shooting sports projects. “Pistol was my favorite, but I also took archery, rifle, and crossbow,” he shared. Beyond shooting sports, he explored leadership, robotics, woodworking, and swine projects.
Johnathan’s first leadership roles in 4-H were serving as his club’s safety officer and news reporter. During the last five years of his 4-H membership, he served as the club president. As a 4-H teen, his involvement extended beyond the club— he became a certified junior pistol leader, attended National 4‑H Congress and Citizenship Washington Focus, and participated in several 4‑H camps.
As a camp counselor at Williams County 4‑H Camp, Johnathan created one of his favorite memories. At the close of his senior‑year camp, he presented awards to campers who had stood out during the week. “This was a time I could make a positive impact on younger 4‑H’ers, just as my counselors had done for me.”
Two mentors played key roles in Johnathan’s 4‑H journey. Club volunteer JoAnn Skiles encouraged him to reach his full potential. At the Ohio Shooting Education Camp, he met Tom Johnston, who “instilled basic leadership fundamentals in me and helped launch my shooting sports career,” said Johnathan.
Today, Johnathan competes as a collegiate athlete on the Ohio State University Varsity Pistol Team. He credits 4‑H with teaching him leadership, teamwork, and shooting fundamentals. “4-H has given me the foundation to excel in the sport of competitive shooting and has allowed me to compete as an athlete for Ohio State.”
After graduating from Ohio State this spring, Johnathan plans to pursue a master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. He credits 4‑H with helping him develop time‑management skills and the ability to complete projects effectively—skills he applies daily to his coursework and campus involvement.
Johnathan continues to give back to 4‑H by assisting with pistol instruction when he returns home to Williams County and by helping coach aspiring members of the Ohio National Pistol Team.
Johnathan advises current 4‑H members to pursue projects they are truly passionate about and to commit to learning deeply. He also encourages them to try new things. “After you find your passion project, I would recommend exploring as many other projects as possible that interest you, at least for a couple of your years in 4-H.”