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Franklin County 4-H Members Showcase Talents at 2026 Summer Roundup

Submitted By: Madaline Musser, Franklin County 4-H Summer Assistant

Franklin County 4-H members gathered on July 30 for the 2026 Franklin County 4-H Summer Roundup, an annual event that provides youth with the opportunity to exhibit projects they have worked on throughout the year and celebrate their accomplishments.

Projects on display reflected the wide variety of skills and interests developed through 4-H programming. Members showcased their hard work in projects ranging from candy making and sewing to beaded banners, terrariums, desk décor, gardening projects, and more. Each exhibit demonstrated the creativity, dedication, and knowledge that members gained through participation in their local 4-H clubs.

While projects were being evaluated by judges, participants enjoyed an engaging lineup of educational workshops designed to encourage learning and teamwork. Workshops offered throughout the day included making Trinket Boxes, Team Building activities, Rain to Drain Water Conservation, and a Grass Seed Craft. These hands-on experiences gave members the chance to learn new skills, connect with fellow 4-H’ers, and continue exploring topics related to leadership, environmental stewardship, and creativity.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding achievements of exhibitors. Best of Show honors were awarded to the following members:

  • Candy Making Junior: Hailey Gross
  • Candy Making Senior: Sarah Aldrich
  • Sew Much More Junior: Ava Mellott
  • Sew Much More Senior: Sophia Gordon
  • Sew Much Fun Junior: Paola Chavez
  • Separates Senior: Sophia Gordon
  • Container Gardening – Baggy Corn Junior: Hinlee Moreland
  • Container Gardening – Baggy Corn Senior: Sebastian Martin
  • Self-Determined – Tie Dye Junior: Hailey Gross
  • Self-Determined – Tie Dye Senior: Sarah Aldrich
  • Self-Determined – Beaded Banners Junior: Veil Wenger
  • Self-Determined – Beaded Banners Senior: Sebastian Martin
  • Self-Determined – Desk Decor Junior: Lenora Craven
  • Self-Determined – Desk Decor Senior: Sebastian Martin
  • Microwave Cooking Junior: Cora Simmers
  • Microwave Cooking Senior: Sarah Aldrich
  • Self-Determined – Terrarium Junior: Jackson Thompson
  • Self-Determined – Paper Mache Junior: Jackson Thompson

The Franklin County 4-H program is proud of every member who exhibited a project and participated in Summer Roundup. The event highlighted not only the accomplishments of individual members but also the positive impact of 4-H experiences that help youth develop valuable life skills through hands-on learning.

A special thank you is extended to the many volunteers, judges, leaders, and supporters whose time and dedication helped make the 2026 Summer Roundup a success. Their efforts ensured that members had a rewarding experience and an opportunity to celebrate all they achieved throughout the year.

Through events like Summer Roundup, Franklin County 4-H continues to empower young people to learn, grow, and thrive while showcasing the talents and achievements of local youth.

David W. Wood 1950-2026

David enjoyed many things throughout his life, including model planes and cars, hunting, fishing, and working with his hands.

Mary C. Plank 1937-2026

Mary dedicated many years of her life serving as a certified nurse’s aide, providing compassionate care to those in need.

Mark Alan Stoddard 1959-2026

Born on December 19, 1959, Mark was the son of the late George Otis Stoddard, Sr. and Sandra Elizabeth (Robinson) Stoddard.

Donna L. Rebuck 1939-2026

Donna was known for her kindness, creativity, and beautiful artwork—decorative pieces, watercolors, and acrylic paintings.

Lee Wayne VanTine 1946-2026

Though quiet and reserved by nature, Lee possessed a gentle spirit and a steady presence that brought comfort to those around him.

Fleeing and eluding

Chambersburg Police Department is attempting to identify the subject involved in a fleeing and eluding incident involving a black e-bike. Chambersburg Police are attempting to identify the individual photographed below.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.