4-H Ontario honours Emmerton with Coronation Medal

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Bolton resident has been recognized for winning a prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. 

4-H Ontario is proud to share that Kayla Emmerton received the medal from Ontario Senator Rob Black in a March 22 ceremony at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel in Richmond Hill.

With roots in rural communities, 4-H Ontario is a non-profit youth development organization which brings youth ages six to 21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders together to learn through fun hands-on activities and mentorship.

4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.

Emmerton has been with the Peel chapter of 4-H for over 12 years and has been instrumental in raising the voices of local youth. In addition to her work with 4-H, she's also been a Director of the Albion Bolton Agricultural Society and co-chair of the youth volunteer committee. 

“Kayla served as the 4-H Ontario Representative on the 4-H Canada Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and through this role, also held the position of YAC representative on the Canadian 4-H Council,” noted a 4-H Ontario in a statement. “She was the founder of the 4-H Ontario Youth Voice Committee and as a 2024 4-H Ontario Ambassador, continues to encourage youth to speak up and share their voices.”

Three other Ontarians involved with 4-H were also recognized on March 22 — Brad Adams, Shannon Benner, and John Drummond.

Hugh Maynard, Interim CEO for 4-H Canada, and shared his view of the value 4-H brings to communities and individuals.

“Leadership is an essential ingredient in organizational success, and the communities served by 4-H Ontario know this more than anyone,” said Maynard. “The King Charles III Coronation Medal provides us with a rare opportunity to celebrate outstanding leadership and recognize four accomplished leaders who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H movement, and their communities, over the years.”