4-H Award

State Rep. Clark Chapin has been honored with the 2009 Meritorious Service to 4-H Award.

University of Connecticut Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Greg Weidemann presented the award to Rep. Chapin. 

Dean Weidemann said, “Role models like Representative Chapin, who come through our 4-H program and go on to serve in the General Assembly exemplify why the focus of 4-H is helping young people develop leadership, citizenship and public speaking skills.  We seek to have youth become active participants in their communities.  We provide the opportunities and tools to learn important life skills and Clark is proof of that.”

“Many of the things learned in 4-H now help me serve the people of the state in the legislature,” said Rep. Chapin. “Not only leadership skills, but also a concern for the land and the environment are traits young people still learn today in 4-H.” 

In presenting the award, the 4-H noted that Clark Chapin is an alumnus of the New Milford 4-H Dairy Club. He has been a strong supporter of 4-H in the Connecticut general assembly and supports 4-H events held at the Capitol. 

He is a regular feature at the 4-H Fair, judging herdsmanship which grades how clean and neat 4-H exhibits are as well as participating in celebrity events. 

Bonnie E. Burr,  in charge of volunteer management and development, at the Cooperative Extension System, University of Connecticut said, “Clark always makes time to come out of committee meetings to talk with our young people when they come to the Capitol.  He constantly encourages 4-Hers to engage in our citizenship programs and to become more involved in their communities.  His support of the Litchfield County 4-H Fair has strong ties to when he was a 4-Her and showing his dairy heifers at the fair. We can always count on Clark to bring encouragement and insight to any 4-H event he attends.” 

Rep. Chapin has been a state representative for the past nine years, and he is ranking member on the legislature’s Environment Committee.