Local 4-Hers, family, friends and guests gathered on Sunday, Nov. 9, to celebrate the achievements of the Clarke County 4-H program.
The 4-Hers spend their time volunteering in the community, working on projects to showcase at the county fair, attending different project workshops to educate themselves on ideas, organizingevents at the county fair and much more.
This year’s 4-H conference and county fair theme was “Ticket to Success,” and was also used as the theme for 4-H awards night.
The evening began with carnival games, pictures and face painting. The 4-H and youth committee helped serve dinner prepared by Junction Creamery and Clarke County Cattlemen. After dinner, Libby Nible, a state 4-H Council Representative, talked about out-of-county opportunities 4-H offers and her experience as a 4-H member.
The youth council organized and presented all the awards throughout the evening.
They started by introducing all the 4-H leaders and project volunteers who included: Kathy Taylor, Krystal Miler, Rebecca Smith, Lori Henrichs, Matt Brokaw, Denise Brokaw, Lawra Mathes, Doug Heaberlin, Staci Heaberlin, Steve Queck, Dara Queck, Bobbie Fuller, Jolleen Thacker, Annette Brummel, Sheryl Gilbert, Carrie Benda, Amber Richardson, Carolyn White, Amy Boyer, Nancy Crabtree, Darwin Downing, Paula Hein, Randy Shifflett, Gerard Linskens, Eric Barr, Jeff Webb, Ami Heckman and Lori Erhrardt.
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 4-H staff. These members include: Jessica Lange, Diane Rinner, Amy Boyer, Marcia Pontier, Karen Morris, Elizabeth Nold and Leland Dolecheck.
They also introduced the extension council, which include: Randy Barnard, Elva Downing, George Dutrey, Paula Hein, Wendy Short, Jamie Porter, Ronda Schrodt, Derrek Kelso and Jan Short.
Last year, Clarke County 4-H was awarded a $2,500 Monsanto grant, which was used to go toward project scholarship. This gives 4-Hers in grades fourth through 12th grade the opportunity to receive up to $100 to go toward a project that the 4-Her must showcase at the Clarke County Fair. Dean Spalding, Devin DeVore, Breianna Klein and Trinity Miler each received this scholarship.
This past year there were 45 first-year members. This included all fourth grade students and any older youths that completed their first year as a member. Those youth include: Alexis Watson, Alivia Bakley, Alma Heckman, Autumn Emery, Allen Jaeger, Braeden Barr, Breanna Selsor, Brooke Stevens, Brysen Wookey, Calleigh Klein, Carter McCann, Chailyn Beydler, Clay Allen, Cody Parish, Colby Feehan, Daniel Willis, Eisen Barr, Elijah Keller, Emma Decker, Emma Janssen, Gabe Hatcher, Gabriel Phillips, Hannah Paschke, Jacob Jamison, Jadie Bowlsby, Jairus David, Jessinda Davenport, Kacey Boyer, Kale Wheeler, Keara Wheeler, Kelli McAfee, Kennedy Mills, Kobe Woods, Konrad Boyer, Meghan Gould, Rainon Terrell, Ryleigh Luce, Samantha Cowling, Shannon Willis, Shayla Hembry, Tegan Carson, Tivon Spurgin, Tyler Binning, Valerie Cobb and Will Cook.
This past year, there were four leader who reached a milestone in the world of 4-H. Doug Heaberlin, Lawra Mathes and Randy Shifflett have been volunteering their time and talent for 10 years and received their gold pin. Darwin Downing has been a sheep project leader for 30 years and received his ruby pin.
Clover Kids, who are youths in kindergarten through third grade, were recognized. There were 68 Clover Kids this past year. These youths got the opportunity to come on stage, introduce themselves and receive their gift.
Therew were 13 youths who took the time to complete their 4-H project records. These individuals included Andrew Barnard, Nicole Barnard, Adam Barnard, Will Cook, Carter Wilken, Colby Wilken, Allen Jaeger, Trinity Miler, Kacey Boyer, Konrad Boyer, Noah Heckman, Dean Spalding and Zoey Spalding
Each year, there is recognition for a a person or business 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 Danny Palmer.
There is also recognition for an adult who provides numerous unselfish acts of service to the Clarke County 4-H program by illustrating the giving spirit of heart and hands. This year the council selected two award recipients for the Clarke County 4-H Volunteer of the Year award, which was presented to Jay Kent and Scott May.
There are the 4-Hers who had perfect attendance at their club meetings. Those members included: Shelby Mathes, Leia Decker, Gage Decker, Kendra Boles, Mackenzie Keller, Alexis Benda, Kelsey Benda, Sidney Benda, Easton Brokaw, Ashton Spidle and Monique Smith.
The awards ended with thanking the youth council for their hard work and dedication with organizing, decorating and announcing the entire awards banquet. These youths included Gabe Crawford, Rileigh Hiatt, Trinity Miler, Anna Sereg, Daylee Hembry, Frank Thacker, Mackenzie Keller, Leia Decker, Sydney Garrett and Ann Taylor.