4-H awards night fills KC Hall

The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee along with the Washington County 4-H County Council held its annual 4-H Awards and Family Fun Night Nov. 6. This event celebrated the 2017-18 4-H year and recognized 4-Hers and volunteers for their hard work. Over 330 youth, volunteers and family members gathered to celebrate 4-H at the KC Hall in Washington.

4-H Volunteers were awarded for their dedication and contributions to the Washington County 4-H Program.

Kerri Bell was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated promotion of 4-H and support at countless 4-H events. Karen Guengerich was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for her decades of service to support the Horse Department area during the county fair and beyond. Receiving the Partner in 4-H Award was Amy Martin from Washington County Hospitals and Clinics for her partnership to bring the after-school Kids in the Kitchen Club to Stewart Elementary. 4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to John Carter who continues to support the program after playing many roles as leader, foundation member, council member and sponsor. The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss Family with their decades of service as club leaders and supporters of Horse and Pony project area. Jim has been a leader for 30 years of the Horse and Pony club. He has coached horse judging teams and hippology and traveled to national contests. They were members themselves, raised their children in 4-H and now their grandchildren also are learning in the program. The Washington County 4-H program runs smoothly and can grow to do so much with dedicated and caring volunteers, so it is deserving they get a portion of the Awards Night.

The 4-H Intermediate Citizenship Award was given to Wyatt Stout which is the top honor given each year to seventh-to-ninth grade 4-H member committed to serving others. He promotes 4-H in a positive way, and is actively involved in the 4-H program, and has demonstrated skills in citizenship, leadership, and community service.

The Green Acres 4-H Club received the Community Service Award for the 117 thank-you goodie bags they made and delivered to EMS crews across the county for National EMS Appreciation Week. Members were present to receive the $50 award that goes toward their next community service project.

4-H'ers were recognized individually for Outstanding Record Books, Honorable Mention Record Books, CBI Bank & Trust's Participant of Merit/Excellence and 4-H Project Awards. First-year members were given a certificate and seal, marking one year of membership in 4-H. Clubs were also awarded with a certificate if they donated to the 4-H'ers for 4-H campaign.

Current seniors were recognized for the involvement in the Washington County 4-H program and thanked for their hard work over the years. This program wishes these seniors the best of luck this year and hope 4-H continues to play an important role in their lives.

4-H'ers and families enjoyed a potluck supper during the presentation of awards. Burgers were grilled by Washington County Cattlemen and water donated by Vetter's Culligan Water.