Wakulla County 4‑H members praised after state shoot; leaders plan teen town hall and community events

Rachel Pienta told the Board of County Commissioners that Wakulla County's 4‑H shooting sports team performed strongly at the state shotgun match in Jacksonville despite a wind advisory with sustained winds of 25–35 mph and gusts over 40 mph. "They demonstrated focus, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition," Pienta said, noting the state match is a 150‑target event and that several local youth placed at the state level.

Pienta named individual results, saying Parker Smith earned first place in senior trap and Emiliano Cadena placed third in senior skeet and fourth overall in the senior division; she added Cadena has earned a spot on the Florida 4‑H state shotgun team and will travel to Nebraska this summer. "This is the second year in a row that we have put a Wakulla 4‑H youth on the national team representing Florida," she said.

Commissioners asked about equipment and costs. Organizers said novices train on grant‑provided shotguns from Friends of the NRA and that families often purchase calibrated firearms as youth progress. They warned that competitors may shoot roughly 300 rounds across multi‑day national competitions and said fundraisers will be needed to cover ammunition and travel.

Youth leaders also described recent statewide and national leadership experiences. "At Ignite, 4‑H youth gathered from across the country," Cayden said, recounting workshops he and other local students led on podcasting and noting they interviewed the CEO and president of the National 4‑H Council. Emily, who also attended Ignite, described visiting the DEA Museum and said a display of substance‑use victims reinforced the need for prevention. "One part that really stuck with me was the wall highlighting victims of substance use," she said, and she urged residents to support an upcoming teen event.

Emily and other organizers invited the public to a two‑part, free event at the Wakulla Extension Office on May 16: a teen town hall, "Prevention Before Intervention," followed by a safe‑space sunset social dance hosted by adult leaders of Future Leaders of Wakulla. Organizers asked for sponsors to help cover dinner and swag bags and asked interested donors to contact Dr. Rachel Pienta for coordination.

In a separate comment, 10‑year‑old Riley Shafer described a Pet Pals club project that raised roughly $400 for the animal shelter and donated toys created by club members. He asked residents to volunteer, donate supplies or foster animals to support the shelter.

The board did not take formal action on the public comments. The commission moved on to awards and business items after the public comment period.