Member Spotlights

Tyler, San Bernardino County

Tyler, High Desert Magic 4-H Club, San Bernadino County

As a teen leader for both the dog care and training project and the therapeutic animals project, 16-year-old Tyler helps other members learn about obedience, showmanship, agility, and therapy work.  He has been training his dog Shadow (“my best friend and trusty 4-H dog since kindergarten”) for 12 years, and his new dog Bullet is learning fast.  Tyler incorporated community service into these projects by planning a fun day for a convalescent home and an “Agility Fun Run for Books.”

The shooting sports project has given Tyler many great opportunities.  As a teen leader, he shared his expertise with fellow 4Hers and honed his own skills.  Tyler wanted to educate others, so he spoke to over 1,000 first graders about gun safety.  Through the National Rifle Association, Tyler traveled to Washington DC for the Youth Education Summit.  Explains Tyler, “I participated in debates, gave a speech, went to the marine base in Quantico, used high tech equipment, shot guns at the NRA National Range, toured DC, met with Congressmen, and made friends from all over the US.”  Tyler also received a large scholarship from the NRA for his 4-H rifle involvement.

Perhaps the most impressive of Tyler’s 4-H activities this year was his community service project, which stemmed from a personal experience.  Tyler’s older brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age five.  The community rallied around the family, and his brother is now 21 and healthy.  When a local sheriff’s deputy learned that he had a brain tumor, Tyler, “remembered how the community had helped [his] family and [he] knew [he] had to help this deputy in some way.”  Tyler planned two pancake breakfast fundraisers along with a raffle.  Receiving overwhelming community support, he was able to present the sheriff with over $15,000.

Tyler’s achievements outside of 4-H are just as stunning.  Tyler maintains a 4.67 GPA and is vice president for his FFA chapter.  He is taking airplane flying lessons and logs many hours of community service in his position as captain of the Sheriff’s Explorer program.  Tyler stays in shape by training for triathlons.  Tyler has earned many awards for his extensive involvement and community service, such as the “Young Humanitarian of the Year.”

4-H remains one of Tyler’s primary and most fulfilling activities.  Tyler says, “4-H has given me the opportunity to gain confidence in myself and to know that I can make a difference in someone’s life.”  Next year will be Tyler’s last year as a member of 4-H, but you can be sure he’ll make the most of it.  

Author: Megan Reese, State 4-H Office Student Assistant, mereese@ucdavis.edu