College Freshman Is National 4-H Youth in Action Award Winner
The National 4-H Council recently announced that freshman Samuel Sugarman, known on campus as “Bubba,” won the 2017 4-H Youth in Action Award for Agriculture. He is one of only four Youth in Action Pillar winners nationwide. Last year, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) also honored Bubba with the Congressional Gold Medal for Service for his work in agricultural education.
During high school, Bubba created a free Farm Tour program to connect youth in California with animals and nature. He led hundreds of farm tours to teach youth about sustainable agriculture, where food comes from, and respect for animals and the earth. “When children grow up disconnected from their food, from animals, and from the earth, they miss opportunities to develop qualities of stewardship, compassion, patience, and gratitude," Bubba says. "As a teen leader, I saw how beneficial it was for urban children to interact with the animals."
Bubba is planning a double major in business administration and political science. He is a member of the rugby team and the campus fire brigade, plays the cello in the orchestra, and serves as Co-President of his freshman house. His recognition by the National 4-H Council includes a $5,000 scholarship and serving as spokesperson for 4-H Agriculture programming. In March, he will be officially honored at the National 4-H Council Legacy Awards in Washington, DC.
Watch a short video about 4-H and Bubba’s Farm Tour program in Encinitas, California.