4-H Award Celebration recognizes more than 210 youth

The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee along with the Washington County 4-H County Council held the annual 4-H Awards Celebration Nov. 7.

This event celebrated the 2020-21 4-H year and recognized 4-H’ers and volunteers for their hard work. Over 250 youth, volunteers and family members gathered to celebrate 4-H at the KC Hall in Washington.

4-H Volunteers received awards for their dedication and contributions to the Washington County 4-H program.

Ted Greiner was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedicated work in the sheep and livestock judging department.

Don Lewis was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for his 24 years of work with the Washington County Fair Board making significant impact on the fair brochure, website, campground and round barn projects.

The Partner in 4-H Award went to CBI Bank & Trust for their support of the 4-H Participation Award and Extension partnership throughout the year.

4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Donnie Hiller who has been a committed volunteer to the rabbit and poultry department.

The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Scott and Renee Sieren with their three daughters, Shawna, Shelby and Staci. Both Scott and Renee were active in Washington County 4-H, raised their children through the program and continue to support the county fair as significant volunteers.

It was a successful night recognizing many 4-H members. Sixty-eight 4-H Participant of Excellence Awards sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust were given, along with 210 Outstanding Record Book Awards for youth who have completed annual records to show goals, learning and financial records.

4-H Club leaders were recognized for years of service who were celebrating five-year anniversaries.

• Five Years: Brandon Freel, Dave Gerot, Carrie Garman, Emily Baetsle, Jamie Martin and Jessica Nafziger.

• 10 years: Angela Taylor and John Wagner.

• 15 years: Don Pfeiffer and Bob Spenner.

• 25 years: Kathy Ebert.

• 30 years: Barb Swailes

• 45 years: Jim Schneider.

Schneider has been a 4-H Club leader for 45 years and was honored with a well-deserved standing ovation.

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.