More than 150 4-Hers, family, friends and guests spent Sunday, Nov. 3, at the third annual 4-H awards banquet held at Clarke County Fairgrounds.
Youths in 4-H spend their time volunteering in the community, working on projects to showcase at the county fair.
The evening began with a meal prepared by Clarke County Cattlemen and 4-H and Youth Committee. Hannah Al-Mazroa, the state 4-H Youth Council representative, talked with members about getting involved in many areas of 4-H and encouraged them to participate in out of county opportunities.
The 4-H Youth Council organized and presented all the awards throughout the evening. They started by introducing all the 4-H leaders and project volunteers. Each of these volunteers received a gift for their support to the 4-H program.
The 4-H and Youth Committee was recognized for their help in implementing a balanced 4-H program for Clarke County that supports the mission of the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program and serves in an advisory capacity to the ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H staff. They also introduced the Extension Council.
This past year, the organization had 38 first-year members. This included all fourth-grade students and any older youths whocompleted their first year as a member. Each member received a certificate, their first-year member pin and a gift.
Clover Kids, who are youths in grades kindergarten through third, were recognized. This program gives them the opportunity to belong to a 4-H club and participate in activities, as well as prepare them for joining a community club once they’re in the fourth grade. There were had 95 Clover Kids this past year.
This year, there were seven 4-Hers who completed their 4-H record books. These individuals included Kaitlyn Boyer, Devin DeVore, Andrew Barnard, Adam Barnard, Nicole Barnard, Colton Hiatt and Rileigh Hiatt.
Last year, 4-H was awarded one of the two $2,500 Monsanto Grants for Clarke County. The 4-H and Youth Committee had the responsibility of deciding how to spend the award.
They decided to create what is called a Project Scholarship. This gives 4-Hers the opportunity to receive up to $100 to go toward a project the member must showcase at the Clarke County Fair.
Applications may be filled out after the 2014 Clarke County Fair and will be awarded at next year’s banquet, giving the 4-Her a full year to plan and create their project. They will be awarding up to $100 to a junior, intermediate and senior each year.
Each year, a person or business is recognized who has given extended service to the 4-H program through leadership, citizenship and service.
This year the “Friend of 4-H Award” went to Lynch Livestock. Clarke County 4-H Volunteers of the Year were awarded to Nancy Crabtree and Ronda Schrodt who organize and facilitate a dog obedience program each year.
There 20 4-Hers who had perfect attendance at their club meetings.
Clarke County has added two new special-interest clubs to its list — Robotics and Horse and Rider.
There are five senior 4-Hers — Paul Queck, Dakota Matlage, Jarrod Coe, Jesi Johnson and Maci Snell.
The group that made the 4-H Awards Banquet possible, the 4-H Youth Council, was also recognized.
The evening ended with some prizes and a special quote selected by the Youth Council, “4-H is about more than just ribbons and awards. It’s about the people, the experience, the life-long skills, the memories, and the county fair. It’s about being a role model, giving back and making the best better.”