Many people believe that to be considered an agricultural family, you have to live on a farm, grow corn, and milk cows. This is not the case though, as one Kent County family has proven with their unique approach to the ag industry.

“Family of the Year” sounds like a distinguished title for any family to hold, but the Steffy’s of Kent County have claimed that designation with pride. Elizabeth Steffy, a sophomore at Kent County High School, is the oldest child in the family that was named Maryland State 4-H Family of the Year. It was she who described how such an honor was bestowed upon her relations.

It began when Elizabeth was eight years old. Her swimming instructor told her about 4-H, and the limitless opportunities that it offered. Soon, she joined the Galena 4-H Club, which she has been an active member of for the last four years. From there, Elizabeth began to take part in public speaking, visual demo, home arts, crafts, sewing, baking, photography, and consumer judging.

At the state level this past August, Elizabeth was awarded championship honors in the Home Arts Division and for her homemade quilt. She is now president of her 4-H club, and is a senior ambassador for Kent County 4-H. The summer saw Elizabeth working in the Extension Office as an assistant secretary.

Beth Hill, the 4-H and Youth Faculty Extension Agent for the Kent County Extension Service, nominated the Steffy family at the county level for Family of the Year. From there they were judged at the state level among families from all of the other Maryland counties. A panel of judges consulted tirelessly to make the difficult decision. Nonetheless, the end result was congratulations bestowed on the Steffy’s. Actually, it wasn’t until two weeks before the Maryland State Fair that the family found out the results.

“We had no idea we would be chosen until we got the letter a week before the award breakfast,” she said. The breakfast that she speaks of was a special meal to recognize award winners on August 22 at the Maryland State fairgrounds in Timonium.

When all is said and done, awards and recognition having been received, the true payoff that comes from being involved in 4-H for the Steffy’s is the recognition that they receive from the people that they help. Their numerous community activities, such as toy drives and heart walks, have made the experience truly worthwhile.