4-Hers met up with FFA Members and advisors from all four York County school districts for the second annual York County Youth in Agriculture Presentations Night held March 20th at York Comprehensive High School.
People from all over the county came to see what York County agricultural education is all about. Many 4-H clubs got sign-ups for new members and others got ribbons for accomplishments. Lots of kids turned in artwork, written articles, brag boards, and showed off their ribbons.
While they may be young, these kids are determined to show their love for agriculture.
There were two big awards given out to people who had dedicated their careers to agricultural education and inspired kids to continue doing what they love.
Lee Petitgout and Margie Sippel were named 2025 York County Educators of Excellence.
Petitgout taught agriculture and advised FFA at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill for 13 years. She developed many effective programs to connect suburban students and their families with local growers and educate the community about agricultural issues. She currently serves as a director of the South Carolina Farmer and Agribusiness Association at Clemson University.
Sippel served as the York County 4-H Agent until retiring in 2013 and continues to volunteer with York County 4-H.
“She created a ‘making the best better’ culture ensuring that every student had the opportunity to grow and succeed under her leadership…she remains a devoted 4-H volunteer continuing to serve the youth of York County with the same passion and dedication. She is a true servant leader. She never hesitated to roll up her sleeves and work alongside the young people she mentored. Her passion and unwavering commitment set a standard for excellence that future 4-H agents strive to follow,” said current York County 4-H agent Kristin Kunde.
There were many things to do and see, from a petting zoo with a pony, goat, sheep, cow, bunnies and chickens to art contests and brag boards highlighting students’ individual journies in agriculture education.
The brag board topics varied from why you should join FFA to 4-Hers’ animal projects. Some had their goals and how they accomplished them, some had their animal record book and the animal feed that they listed in their book, and a few had a board showing off their ribbons and how they won them.
In the long run, this will benefit them by being able to exhibit and show how they get their stuff done and it’s all while doing what they love.
The animals were outside showing how the kids handle them, show them, care for, and love them.
Kristin Kunde brought her Black Angus beef calf, Daisy; an FFA member brought two of her goats; Mckenna Jonhson brought her Shetland Pony, Magic (who loved getting all the pets and attention); Olivia and Lani Valentine brought their dairy goat, Pumpkin Pie and two of their bunnies; and Hadley Rissel brought one of her show chickens. They showed the livestock aspect of ag which is what they seem to love most. Another group had all of their FFA plaques that are won by getting top chapter (1st place overall) at competitions, LDEs (Leadership Development Events), and CDEs (Career Development Events) that they study for based on what they enjoy.
New this year was an Ag Pitch Contest where youth gave a pitch on an agriculture-related business plan.
York County’s love for agriculture was evident all around. Whether you’re a journalist, animal shower, or competitor, we all have one thing in common and that’s our love for Ag.
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