Hillsborough Teens Named Outstanding 4H-ers

Written by Michael Deak

Three Hillsborough residents were among seven people honored as the 2013 Outstanding 4-H'ers of Somerset County.

Honored were CarolAnne Bekus, Brianna Glowinski and Kristen Obermeier.

Also honored were Daniel Peterson of Middlesex, Melissa Smutko and Jennifer Versfelt of Bridgewater.

Ernest Hall of Raritan and Debra Johnson of Skillman were recognized as Somerset County Outstanding Alumni for 2013 for their outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H program, both in their youth and as adult volunteers.

They all were recognized at a special reception at the July 17 4-H Association meeting.  

CarolAnne has been an active horse club member for seven years. She helped reinstate the Teen Horse Council as a way to bring the horse clubs together into a cohesive division from the youth level.

She has participated in county and state presentations, state horse shows, and was the Round Robin Junior Showman.  At state horse shows she always volunteers to help with any of the jobs that need to be done.

Brianna, who has a wide range of interests, has hosting a very successful fundraiser, made cupcakes, changed spark plugs and, most importantly, served as an inspiration and mentor to youth members and adult volunteers.

Most recently, Brianna has encouraged and inspired the younger members of the 4-H program to participate in the public presentation program. Brianna has represented Somerset County 4-H locally, nationally and internationally in Russia in youth exchange programs.

Kristen has been a member of the Woof Dog club for a dozen years, where she is currently the president. She works with both members and their parents to answer their questions.

Kristen is also an active member of the Just Kidding Goat Club. She has participated in both state and county presentations. At the 4-H Fair she works tirelessly making milkshakes, sno-cones and dipping ice cream cones.

The annual Somerset County 4-H Fair begins Wednesday, Aug. 7 at North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.