Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum with an inspiring story—from their personal experience in 4-H to the ways they continue to give back. This month, we feature Jenna DePizzo May, an alumna of Trumbull County 4-H who now teaches first grade in central Ohio.
Jenna’s 4-H journey began the moment she was eligible to join. With grandparents who were advisors of their daughters’ club and a mother who became a club advisor during Jenna’s time in 4-H, the program was more than just a hobby—it reflected family tradition. Growing up visiting her grandparent’s small cattle farm also made the transition into being a 4-H member natural for Jenna.
Two mentors played a key role in Jenna’s development: her mother, who guided her as a club advisor, and her Extension educator Michelle Adkins. Michelle was instrumental in encouraging Jenna to pursue opportunities she had not considered. “She helped me discover my voice as a young leader,” Jenna recalls. With their support, Jenna grew not only in confidence but in her ability to make a lasting impact.
Throughout her time in 4-H, Jenna consistently took rabbit projects, but she also explored a wide variety of other projects including leadership, babysitting, cooking, and public speaking through her local club, East Ohio 4-H’ers. As she entered high school, Jenna dove deeper into leadership opportunities—joining the Junior Fair Board, serving as a youth member of the Trumbull County 4-H Advisory Committee, counseling at Camp Whitewood, and participating in numerous community service activities.
"4-H helped me learn how to put a voice to my passions," Jenna reflected. One of those passions became youth and championing inclusion — causes she embraced with confidence thanks to the support and welcoming environment she found in 4-H. The program did not just teach her skills; it taught her to be unapologetically herself.
One of the most memorable chapters of Jenna’s 4-H experience was her involvement with the Trumbull County Fair. In 2008, she was crowned Trumbull County 4-H Queen alongside her close friend Tom Shay, who was crowned King. Together, they served in leadership roles on the Junior Fair Board, advocated for the program to local politicians and community members, helped plan events, and inspired younger 4-H members.
After aging out of the program, Jenna continued her involvement by interning with local Extension offices during college, where she helped organize events and mentor younger members. She also created and led a day camp for elementary-aged children, Kids Camp Wild, introducing them to the world of 4-H through hands-on activities. Through a 4-H international program, Jenna’s family hosted Japanese students, broadening her own perspective while sharing the values of 4-H across cultures.
Today, Jenna teaches first grade and credits 4-H with helping her find her passion for working with children. Her early experiences mentoring Cloverbuds in her club gave her a glimpse into the joys and challenges of teaching. “It’s a hard but very rewarding career to have,” she shares. Now in her twelfth year as an educator, Jenna says 4-H gave her the confidence, creativity, and patience that she brings to the classroom every day.
One of the greatest gifts 4-H gave Jenna was an appreciation for hands-on learning. She now brings that same energy into her classroom through programs like ChickQuest, which allows students to explore agriculture by hatching chicks and tracking their development. “This is a cool experience for students to have,” Jenna says, “especially since many of them wouldn’t encounter this kind of experience.”
To current 4-H members, Jenna offers this advice: “Try everything—even if you think it’s not for you—because the people in that experience will make it special.”
Jenna continues to support Ohio 4-H by judging essay contests and emceeing events when needed. After high school, she also served as an adult volunteer and was a member of the Trumbull County 4-H Advisory Committee until relocating to Columbus. Though her zip code has changed, her commitment to 4-H remains strong.