Local teen recognized as finalist in 4-H Equine Program
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JERSEY SHORE -- A local teenager has earned one of the top honors in the 4-H Equine Program.
Phaedra Bower, 18, of Jersey Shore, was recognized as one of the top 5 finalists for the McAllister Outstanding Equine Member Award during the awards ceremony at the PA State 4-H Horse Show.
The award was named to honor a longtime volunteer, Dr. Scott McAllister of Centre Hall, who has spent a lifetime giving to the horse programs in Pennsylvania. He values the 4-H program as a place for youth to develop communication, leadership and horse skills.
This award is to recognize an outstanding 4-H member active in the 4-H horse/horse science program. Emphasis is on the member and his/her participation in the horse program, plus his/her leadership and impact on club, county and community in general. To be considered for this award, members must be at least 15 years old and in at least their third year of 4-H. They also must complete an application outlining their involvement in the 4-H program which they submit, along with two letters of recommendation, to their county extension office.
The extension office then selects one member from their county to be submitted to the state level where the materials are distributed to three judges. Scores are awarded in 10 different categories including the member's personal 4-H story, Leadership, Community Service and involvement in non-4-H activities.
The top 5 highest scoring members were invited to the awards ceremony held during the PA 4-H State Horse Show at the end of October.
Bower has been involved in the 4-H program for the past eight years. She has participated in many 4-H events including Capital Days, Camp Brule, Barn Safety Day and numerous community service projects. She has participated in the PA State Junior Horse Championship Show, a show especially for horses 1 through 5 years of age, every year for the past five years with her Chincoteague Pony, Legacy's Island Renegade.
She has also competed in the PA State 4-H Dressage Championship Show since it was added to the 4-H program in 2020, advancing to finals every year; finishing one year as state champion and most recently earning a spot in the top 10 with two different horses.
She has also competed at the State Horse Show in Harrisburg and been a top 5 finisher in Saddleseat.
In addition to completing performance horse projects, she has also completed projects in many different areas including First Aid, Fiber Arts and all levels of Visual Arts project books. Her artwork and equine educational displays and posters have earned recognition at both the local and state level, including best in show and several blue ribbons at the PA Farm Show.
In addition, Phaedra has helped many of the younger club members with not only their horse projects but also led games and worked with them on construction skills and craft projects. She has also served as club historian and multiple terms as club president and is serving as a teen leader for the 2023-2024 4-H year.
It was Bower's extensive involvement in 4-H activities and her dedication to serving not only her club but her community that led her to the top 5 finalists in the state.
Finalists were awarded grooming trays donated by C&M Pine Products, of Spring Mills, and leather halters and leads donated by Perri's leather. The top scoring member, John Bruner from Indiana County, received a wooden tack trunk.
"I think that 4-H encourages youth to reach for the stars! It is not only the horse show or project, but it is forming connections and working as a community. 4-H members, such as Phaedra, not only grow as an individual, but become leaders, mentors and inspirations to others," says Clinton County 4-H Educator Christine Showers.