ROCKPORT — The Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club, a program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, housed here in Rockport at Aldermere Farm, has been busy this year. They have attended multiple shows exhibiting their beautiful Belted Galloway cattle and competed in multiple life skill competitions around New England – public speaking, clipping, animal science quiz bowls, and showmanship. They have also contributed countless hours of volunteer time at the farm and other local nonprofits.
 
The 4-H slogan is “learn by doing” and that is just what these young leaders are doing.  
 
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the 4-H members attended the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Achievement Awards Celebration to celebrate their work with other 4-H clubs around the local counties. Each 4-H member has an extended Project Record portfolio they keep throughout the year documenting the goals, work and education they have achieved through the project. The Aldermere Achievers 4-H Club sure did achieve as they all received blue ribbons on their project record portfolios.
 
Elizabeth Eaton received the top prize for the Advanced Project Record division and Julia Benson received top honors in her Intermediate Division.

Other awards are given during the Achievement Awards to honor skills beyond the records. Adam Eaton received the Team Player Award for his efforts in keeping the club organized and motivated. Britney Jackson and Julia Benson both received the Leadership Award for implementing new management strategies. Isabelle Baker received the Catherine Watier Green Award, an award given to a youth member who shows exemplary behaviors in environmental protection, for her efforts encouraging her school to switch to reusable silverware in their cafeteria.
 
The Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Contest was also celebrated that evening. Photos by two Aldermere Achievers 4-H members, Elizabeth Eaton and Isabelle Baker, were among 12 photos selected to be displayed at the U-Maine Cooperative Extension in Waldoboro in 2020.
 
Somehow between all this hard work, they have found time to fundraise for a trip to travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the North American International Livestock Expo, the largest livestock show in the world! This November they will compete with peers from across the United States.
 
We wish them luck on their journey and congratulations on a great 4-H year!