• By April W Bowman
• Posted Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Forsyth 4-H'ers Win District and State Volunteer of the Year Awards

NC 4-H Youth Volunteer Awards are presented annually to individual teens that have provided exemplary service to their communities during the previous year. The program is designed specifically to recognize those 4-H’ers aged 14 -18 who excel in volunteerism and/or service to their communities. The awards were presented virtually July 20 as a part of the annual North Carolina 4-H Congress awards ceremony.

The North Central District Award winners were Luke Arrowood, and Laurelyn Ridge. The North Carolina 4-H Volunteer of the year award went to Shyanne Knepp.

• Luke Arrowood, 16, son of Carla and Mark Arrowood of Lexington, NC. Arrowood is a Junior at Arrowood Academy and a member of N.E.S.T and Trailblazers Teen 4-H Clubs. Luke has been a member of the Forsyth County 4-H Program for 12 years and has served as a volunteer for the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission for the past 11 years, as well as Operation Christmas Child. Luke's volunteerism has a proven record as a recipient of the gold level Presidential Service Award with reporting more than 100+ hours of service. Luke displays a diligent work ethic as he is always willing to serve others within his community.
• Laurelyn Ridge, 16, daughter of David and Crystal Ridge of Kernersville, NC. Ridge is a Junior at Ridgecrest Christian School and is a member of the Trailblazers Teen 4-H Club. Laurelyn has been involved in many activities during her tenure as a 4-H’er in Forsyth County. She has used her skills in cooking and baking to ensure items for the Forsyth Jail and Prison ministries. Additionally, she has helped packed more than 40 boxes for Operation Christmas Child for the past few holiday seasons. She constantly finds innovative ways to give back to the community and other youth in and out of 4-H.
• Shyane Knepp, 18, daughter of Kim and Kevin Knepp of Pilot Mountain. Shyanne has been a member of Forsyth County 4-H for six years. She has established a credible record of being a notable volunteer and advocate for the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission planning and preparing food for over four meal deliveries this year. Shyanne has volunteered over 155 hours at “Seed of Hope” Camp for at-risk, foster, and adopted children. Shyanne is exemplary youth in action and highly deserving of this award.

ABOUT 4-H
4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

For more information about community service projects or 4-H, email, April Bowman, Extension Agent, Livestock, Forages, and 4-H Youth Development at awbowman@ncsu.edu or call 336-703-2855.