From left are: Matthew Bond, Ogdensburg, Connor Hardiman, Potsdam; Mia Brown, Gouverneur; Bill McKentley, Potsdam; Heather Tweedie, Gouverneur; Josiah McCarthy, Potsdam; Adam Romlein, Potsdam; Robert Rastley, Gouverneur.

Members of the St. Lawrence County 4-H Horticulture Club excelled at the National Junior Horticulture Association Convention in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Oct. 6.

The New York State Team consisted of three youth from St. Lawrence County, who were among the top four contestants at the New York State 4-H Horticulture Competition, held at the New York State Fair on Aug. 24.

The County 4-H’ers were Adam Romlein of Potsdam who took first place in the competition, Josiah McCarthy, also of Potsdam, came in third and Mia Brown of Gouverneur placed 15th. As a team, they placed second in the nation in total points scored.

Other St. Lawrence County 4-H’ers who competed in the Horticulture Open and Honors levels placed as follows: Robert Rastley, Gouverneur, first in Extemporaneous Speech and second in Horticulture Honors Division; Heather Tweedie, Gouverneur, third in Horticulture Honors Division; and Connor Hardiman, Potsdam, placed 3rd in the Horticulture Open Division.

The competition involves plant identification, judging and a written knowledge test.

The 4-H Horticulture Club would like to thank their mentor, Bill McKentley, of St. Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, for his dedication, passion and willingness to share his wealth of knowledge, Diane Romlein for her commitment and beautiful gardens and Ted and Sue Bebee of Saratoga County for their guidance and direction.

The generosity of the following sponsors is greatly appreciated: Dr. James Ferriter, Dr. David Zysik, Waldroff Equipment, Elliot's Farm Supply, Mr. John McCarthy and Mrs. Colleen Tweedie.

Any youth interested in joining the St Lawrence County 4-H Horticulture Club or 4-H can contact Amy Sands at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 379-9192. The 4-H Horticulture Club meets once a month. Membership to 4-H is $10.00 per family plus $1.00 per child for the year. 4-H membership is open to all youth ages 5-18 years of age. We are also in need of 4-H leaders especially in the Canton and Potsdam area.