Washington County 4-H hosts awards night

The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee along with the Washington County 4-H County Council held the annual 4-H Awards Night Nov. 3.

This event celebrated the 2018-2019 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.

Stephanie Sexton was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated promotion of 4-H and support at countless 4-H events. Gale Whitacare was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for four decades of leading the Horse department.

The Partner in 4-H Award went to Bazooka Farmstar and Premier 1 Supplies for their support of afterschool STEM Clubs at Lincoln Elementary.

4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Kevin Hora, who has served on the fair board for over 25 years and was committed to large projects this year including Farm Tough Challenge, campground expansion, new horse wash rack and cattle barn.

The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Marty and Marianne Van Roekel with their service as club leaders for years. They always promoted a variety of project areas, helped encourage communication events and wanted all 4-Hers to learn and experience work towards their goals.

'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,” said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H Youth Coordinator.

Eighty-eight 4-H Participant of Excellence Awards sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust were given out, as well as 216 Outstanding Record Book Awards

The 4-H Intermediate Citizenship Award was given to Zoey Dennler of the Green Acres 4-H Club. This is the top honor given each year to the 7th-9th grade 4-H member committed to serving others.

'She worked tirelessly on a large service project this year for Brinton Timber and promotes 4-H in a positive way through her involvement in so many 4-H activities,” Green said.

4-H club leaders were recognized for years of service who were celebrating five-year anniversaries. Five-year honorees: Dave Gerot, Doug Hoyle, Katherine Sieren, Paul Dunbar and Becky Kremer; 10-year honorees: Jodi Ebert, Mindi Rees, Ted Greiner and Jim Bohr; 15-year honorees: Rachel Fishback; 25-year honorees: Joe TeBockhorst.

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,” Green said.

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

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 Awards & Family Fun Night event and other details of upcoming 4-H events and youth programs.