Washington County 4-H honors youth, volunteers in unique year

The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee were forced to modify the annual 4-H Awards Celebration due to COVID and then modify again due to weather challenges on Oct. 25, but did manage to host a condensed version face to face for adult awards and top intermediate/senior special awards. They will work with County Council to bring other adults to the 4-H Club setting to celebrate all the good work of 4-Hers in the 2019-2020 year.

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

Bev and Mike Black were awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for their dedicated office work support provided to the Extension staff on a weekly basis. KCTC was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for their unique and powerful livestream work to bring the 2020 exhibitor only county fair livestock shows to viewers not able to attend the fair.

The Partner in 4-H Award went to KDK Sales, Greg & Heather Koch, for their 2020 County Fair support to bring an online livestock option to exhibitors and buyers. 4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Pat Schneider who has just retired after 10 years as beef superintendent. Schneider was a member of the Riverside Ramblers himself and in combination with his brothers and sisters exhibited 216 cattle at the Washington County Fair. He raised three children through the program and soon grandchildren with the next generation of Schneider cattle.

The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to David and Kris Moeller with their service for 20 years to the rabbit program. Both were members of Washington County 4-H, and raised three active children through the program. David served as a club leader and then rabbit superintendent for 20 years. The Washington County 4-H program runs smoothly and can grow to do so much with dedicated and caring volunteers and business support, so it is deserving they get a portion of the Awards Celebration program each year.

4-H Club leaders were recognized for years of service who were celebrating 5 year anniversaries. Five years: Suzanne Black, Megan Eaton, Miranda Malichky, Jessica Read, Matt Stalder, Karen Trotman; 10 years: Jeanna Gerot, Angela Hazelette, Julie Stout; 15 years: Jean Lenz; 20 years: Pam Davis; 25 years: Ann Lampe

4-H'ers will be recognized at club meetings for Outstanding Record Books, Honorable Mention Record Books, CBI Bank & Trust's Participant of Merit/Excellence and 4-H Project Awards. First year members will receive a certificate and seal, marking one year of membership in 4-H.

For more information on how to get involved with the 4-H program as a member, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Amy Green at the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811. Follow 'Washington County 4-H - Iowa” on Facebook to see many photos of the 4-H Awards Celebration event and other details of upcoming 4-H events and youth programs.

4-Hers honored with 'I Dare You” Leadership Award

Three outstanding senior 4-Hers, Isaac Black, Taylor Brinning and Roy Carter, were awarded the national I Dare You Leadership Award in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living and potential for leadership at the 4-H Awards Celebration Oct. 25. This is the highest honor given to Washington County 4-H youth.

The I Dare You Leadership Award is presented each year by the American Youth Foundation (AYF) in cooperation with principals, counselors, county 4-H agents, church groups, and other organizations across the country. The award was first offered in 1941 by the late William H. Danforth, founder of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, who challenged young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of service. The award takes its name from the book, I Dare You!, written by Danforth, in which he commends the balanced life of mental, physical, social and spiritual development as the backbone of leadership.

'Uniquely all three of the recipients this year are the youngest in their families and I had worked with their older siblings too and I just continue to be amazed at how kids are good and giving and smart and they just keep getting better,” shared Amy Green, Washington County 4-H & Youth Coordinator. 'As nine-year members, these young people have done a lot of learning and growing invested in this program. We are so proud of them and know they will continue to make the best better after their 4-H experience.”

Black, the son of Chris and Tara Black of Ainsworth, is a member of the Highlanders 4-H Club and 4-H County Council. 'Isaac's positive attitude, willingness to volunteer, and step in to get the job done has been a foundation for his success and giving and we know he will continue to make the best better,” said Green.

Brinning, the daughter of Shane and Kathleen Brinning of Keota, is a member of the Prairie Pride 4-H Club and 4-H County Council. She is the 2020 Washington County Fair Queen. She has excelled in the livestock project areas but what she speaks most proudly of is her work with younger members in 4-H. 'She has put in some dedicated hours to these experiences. She cares for the people around her and will do what is right,” said Green.

Carter, is the son of John and Kim Carter of Washington. He is a member of the Jackson Jets 4-H Club and 4-H County Council. What stands out about Carter among his peers is the way he has gotten involved with 4-H beyond the county lines. He was a member of National 4-H Congress last year and Iowa 4-H State Council this year. 'He has used 4-H to step out of his comfort zone and grown. He is a server, giver and leader in big ways,” said Green.

In addition to a certificate of recognition, these honored 4-Hers received a copy of Danforth's inspirational book, I Dare You! This award is sponsored in Washington County 4-H by Moore's Towing.