Member Spotlights

Tommy, Contra Costa County

Tommy, Clayton Valley 4-H Club, Contra Costa County

Tommy clearly has a passion for working with animals.  He has been in 4-H for, “as long as I can remember!”  He has participated in all of the animal projects offered through the Clayton Valley 4-H Club in Contra Costa County.

Tommy is currently the teen leader of the county embryology project that successfully hatched a batch of “fruit loop chicks,” whose feathers were dyed blue, green or red.  This cute and colorful display was created in order to demonstrate a vaccination technique used by scientists.  Tommy also facilitated an experiment that tested the effects of diet on poultry egg strength.  The embryology project also created educational displays of poultry anatomy and embryology by preserving eggs at various stages of development.  With his advanced knowledge, Tommy gives demonstrations at local schools.

In addition to his embryology project involvement, Tommy has also hosted county showmanship clinics for dog and pygmy goat projects. “Showmanship is, when you really get down to it, a competition of who can sell the ‘perfect image’ of themselves the longest,” says Tommy, “I've studied showmanship so closely, I have it down to a science.”  He loves the challenge of competition and working with his two Australian Sheppard dogs, Wilson and Lacey.

“To me, sheep are the most fascinating creatures on the earth,” said Tommy.  With a herd of 50 sheep under his care, Tommy certainly has many chances to observe their behavior.  He notes that, “sheep are biologically programmed to follow patterns or habits. It's interesting how much one can learn from something that cannot speak or communicate to you directly.”

Though he enjoys all of his 4-H endeavors, Tommy’s favorite project is the advanced veterinary science project, which is led by a practicing veterinarian. In this amazing project, Tommy assists with animal surgeries.

Sharing knowledge with other club members is important to Tommy. He routinely speaks to members about animal care, emphasizing prevention procedures such as shots, dehorning, and castrations.

Outside of 4-H, Tommy continues to demonstrate his love for animals through his work at a dog boarding kennel and a veterinary clinic. As for future plans, Tommy wants to become a veterinarian and specialize in viruses. Looks like he is well on his way!

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant, mereese@gmail.com