Sonny has given 40 years of service to the young people of Massachusetts 4-H. He began his involvement with 4-H at an early age, and by age 16 he became a horse club leader. As an adult, he has given up many vacation days to chaperon youth at state and national events such as State 4-H Teen Conference, National 4-H Congress and National Horse Round-Up. He is active in many horse events such as State 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology and statewide horse competition. He was instrumental in establishing the Salute to Excellence program, which honors key volunteer leaders in the state.
Almeida continues his active volunteerism at the county, state and national levels. At the state level, he serves as a director on the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation and as past president of the State 4-H Advisory Council. Recently he served as President and Vice-President of Camp Farley in Mashpee. The State 4-H Horse Program and Teen Program have benefited from his work as a coach and advisor. His efforts have resulted in the Massachusetts’ 4-HYFD program receiving national recognition at events in Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL and Chevy Chase, MD.
