4-H Award Celebration distributes 400 awards

The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee along with the Washington County 4-H County Council held the annual 4-H Awards Celebration November 10. This event celebrated the 2023-2024 4-H year and recognized 4-Hers and volunteers for their hard work. Over 380 youth, volunteers and family members gathered to celebrate the 4-H award recipients at the KC Hall in Washington.

4-H Volunteers were awarded for their dedication and contributions to the Washington County 4-H Program. The Washington County 4-H program runs smoothly and can grow to do so much only with dedicated and caring volunteers, so it is deserving volunteers be recognized during the Awards Celebration.

Michael Huston was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for his work supporting the Crops Scouting Team, Tall Corn Contest, beef check-off and historical projects of the Livewires 4-H Club. Moore’s Towing was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for their dedicated support to a variety of 4-H programs including Quilts of Valor, Spring Preview Show, Go Getters Rabbit show and beyond. The Partner in 4-H Award went to Washington Lions Club for their support of county fair Kids Day, Stay Safe Take a Break Bags, and fair awards. 4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Shawna Sieren who is a dedicated fair support volunteer helping with many livestock shows, behind the scenes work in the office and nonlivestock judging day. The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Gary Sheetz Family with their children and grandchildren. The family has been involved with the beef department for decades, serves as volunteers and donated the updated Herdsmanship board to the fairgrounds.

The 4-H’ers who receive Project Awards have been committed this past year to that specific project area. They become an expert by not only completing a project exhibited at the county and many times state fair — but have also taken the opportunity to give some sort of public speech on that topic, and also been involved with some leadership and teaching others as well. These youth received a 4-H Project Award:

It was a successful night recognizing many 4-H members. 123 4-H Participant of Excellence & Merit Awards sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust were given. A record number of 251 Outstanding Record Book Awards were given for youth who have completed annual records to show goals, learning and financial records at an exceptional level.

4-H club leaders were recognized for years of service who were celebrating 5-year anniversaries. 5 Years: Jake Hotchkiss, Jennifer Moore, Jessica Keil, Maria Meller. 10 years: Katherine Sieren. 15 years: Ted Greiner, Jim Bohr. 30 years: Joe Tebockhorst

First year members were given a certificate and seal, marking one year of membership in 4-H.

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.

Community Service is a critical and valuable component to 4-H. Almost 100% of our 4-H clubs complete a club community service project throughout the year in a variety of ways ranging from Highway clean up to packaging meals to raking leaves for elderly to sponsoring needy families for the holidays. A competitive Club Community Service Award is offered through an application process. The Limecreek Livewires 4-H Club was recognized with this honor after their work with the Mid Prairie Holiday Assistance program. Last year they were able to help 10 individuals during the holiday season. The club was is to receive a $50 award that goes toward their next community service project.

For more information on how to get involved with the 4-H program as a member, volunteer, or sponsor, please contact Amy 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.