St. Johnsbury--Fred Mead, a long-time adult 4-H volunteer with the University of Vermont Extension 4-H Shooting Sports Program, is the recipient of the seventh annual Sean Tillotson Sportsmanship Award.

The Castleton resident was honored at the annual Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports Jamboree, held July 16-18 at the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club in St. Johnsbury. He was chosen by jamboree participants who described him as kind, compassionate, funny, hardworking and helpful when something is difficult to understand, according to Lisa Muzzey, the 4-H Shooting Sports Program coordinator.

The award is presented in memory of 4-H'er Sean Tillotson to a youth or adult at the jamboree who demonstrates dedication, enthusiasm and a willingness to assist and encourage others. These are the same qualities embodied by Sean, a National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador and member of two Vermont shooting sports 4-H clubs at the time of his death. He passed away unexpectedly in 2014 en route to a national youth leadership conference in Wyoming.

Mead is a volunteer with the Oxbow Mountain 4-H Shooting Sports Club in Pawlet where he provides rifle instruction for club members. He also has assisted at several state 4-H shooting sports jamborees and events.