The Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame and Teen of the Year awardees were recognized at the 2024 Ohio 4-H Conference earlier this month. This year the awards were generously sponsored by Dr. Elizabeth and Mr. Nelson Thomas and Tim and Karen Corcoran.
Teen of the Year
Emily Scaff, Scioto County
Throughout her time in the Ohio 4-H program Emily has embodied the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better.” In 2023, she finished out her 4-H career with another
clock trophy and Outstanding of the Day award for her project work at the Ohio State Fair and served as secretary of the Ohio State Junior Fair Board. She represented the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council as president and then junior advisor, was a delegate to National 4-H Conference and the National 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute, and a member of a national curriculum design team. Moreover, she has been a mentor and positive role model to up-and-coming 4-H members.
Teen Hall of Fame
Travis Allen, Licking County
Thanks to experiences in Ohio 4-H, Travis has become more confident, empathetic, and compassionate, growing into a strong leader with a genuine interest in helping others. He has a deep appreciation for the lessons learned through 4-H and is a shining example of the Ohio 4-H mission—empowering young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. As a camp counselor, president of the Hartford Junior Fair Board, and member of the National 4-H Conference Youth Leadership Team, Travis serves as a role model for younger 4-H members. He represents all that 4-H has to offer and, in the future, he will continue to share the impact of 4-H on his life in all that he does.
Aubrey Barger, Licking County
A leader, follower, encourager, cheerleader, teacher, and thoughtful friend to all, Aubrey has had an immeasurable impact on the Licking County 4-H program. She loves project work, volunteering with others to support a common cause, and using her time and talents to help others. Aubrey has taken advantage of every opportunity 4-H offers to further develop her skills, whether it be through the Junior Fair Board, state camps, or Teen Leadership Council. She is a mature, kind, dedicated young lady who has developed a passion for 4-H and is committed to educating others about 4-H opportunities and encouraging them to participate.
Madilyn Lawson, Huron County
With a sense of enthusiasm and passion for 4-H that extends into everything she does, Madilyn is a fierce advocate for the Ohio 4-H program at the club, community, state, and national level. She has taken advantage of every opportunity presented to her through 4-H and encourages her peers to capitalize on these positive experiences as well. Madilyn has attended state camps, volunteered as a camp counselor, served as a member of the Huron County Junior Fair Board and Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council, and represented Huron County as the 2022 Junior Fair Queen. She makes it her personal mission to educate and advocate for 4-H and is always the first to thank those who made her 4-H experiences possible.
Sydney Hamilton, Highland County
As a one-of-a-kind camp counselor, mentor, and leader, Sydney has grown into an exceptional, well-rounded young adult because of the Ohio 4-H program. She is able to look at and address community and national needs, is always willing to lend a helping hand, and constantly encourages her fellow 4-H members to become more involved. In 2022, Sydney served as the Highland County Junior Fair Queen, but her 4-H involvement stretches beyond the county level through her participation in state camps, membership on the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council, and position as a 4-H Committee youth representative. Every year Sydney has grown in her ability to lead by stepping up at all levels of 4-H, and she serves as an excellent role model for all 4-H members.