4-H Award Celebration in Keokuk County

The Keokuk County 4-H & Youth Committee, along with the Keokuk County 4-H County Council, held the annual 4-H Awards Celebration November 12. This event celebrated the 2022-2023 4-H year and recognized 4-Hers and volunteers for their hard work. Over 150 youth, volunteers, and family members gathered to celebrate the 4-H award recipients at the Keokuk County Expo Hall.

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

Chad and Jina Heisdorffer were awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for this year because of their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program, and striving to make it better.

The Partner in 4-H Award went to Andy Hinnah of Cropland and WinnField United for their support of the Keokuk County Fair as proud sponsors for all the shirts that Clover Kids and 4-Hers wear during fair.

The Family of 4-H award was presented to the Chad and Emily Belvel family with their children. The whole family is very dedicated to 4-H and are always willing to lend a helping hand throughout the whole year. They volunteer at day camps, during fair, in the office, and are always a phone call away.

The Leader of the Year was awarded to Tina Frank. Tina has been a leader for many years as well as a swine superintendent. She is very passionate and dedicated to our 4-H program.

The Superintendent of the Year was awarded to Matt Collins. Matt has always served a big role in fair and as a Beef Superintendent. He always makes sure the barn gets bedded and cleaned out along with ensuring the safety of our livestock and youth.

The 4-Hers who receive Special Awards have been committed this past year to their community and 4-H program in the county. These youth receiving Special 4-H Awards were:

Neela Thompson: Outstanding 1st Year 4-H member

Carley Clarahan: Outstanding Intermediate 4-H member

Kylee Reed: Outstanding Senior 4-H member

Madison Fry: Intermediate Citizienship Award

Gabrielle Kustes: Senior Citizenship Award

Madison Fry: Intermediate Leadership Award

Madison Fry: Senior Leadership Award

Lexi Swearingen: AK-SAR-BEN Award

Gabrielle Kustes: The Danforth “I Dare You” Award

Receiving record book awards from the Patriotic Panthers 4-H Club were: Sawyer Cason, Carley Clarahan, Maci Crow, Bentley Clark, Ethen Echelberry, Izaak Echelberry, Eleanora Ferrell, Kylee Kier, Sam Loper, Cole Millikin, Haylea Oostra, Colt Reed, Kylee Reed, Iris Steinhart, Lexi Swearingen, Teagan Swearinge,n and Colten Voyles.

Patriotic Panthers receiving their first year member certificates were: Maci Crow, Bentley Clark, Eleanora Ferrell, Stephen Jacobs, Kylee Kier, and Colten Voyles.

Graduated senior members honored was Kylee Reed and Kendyl Noel.

It was a successful night recognizing many 4-H members and Volunteers!

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

The 4-H County Council members are key youth leaders in the 4-H program. They assist in multiple ways at the annual 4-H Awards Event. 2023-2024 members include Haylea Oostra, Mason Clarahan, Lexi Swearingen, Madelyn Sieren, Brayden Woods, Tierney Greiner, Jolie Wehr, Makenzie Belvel, Cael O’Rourke, Carley Clarahan, Brianna Belvel, and Addy Tremmel.