Washington Co. 4-H award celebration distributes 230 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 6. This event celebrated the 2021-2022 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. During the award application process over 410 4-H awards were earned and assigned and 230 of those were presented to recipients Sunday.

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.

Don Pfeiffer was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedicated work as a club leader to Bows & Bullets and valuable fairgrounds and extension support of 16 years. John Wagner was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for his years of work as a club leader but also with the Washington County Fair Board making significant impact on the fairgrounds and Extension partnerships. The Partner in 4-H Award went to Greiner Crop Services for their support of the Washington County Fair Livestock auction, livestock judging teams and other 4-H activities throughout the year. 4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Keith Murphy who has been a committed volunteer to the livestock auction for 66 years. The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Steve and Pam Davis family with their children Arial, Kim, Mindy Eric and nephew Marcus. Both Steve and Pam were active in Washington County 4-H and raised their children through the program and now support grandchildren doing the same. The entire family are key volunteers for the sheep committee during valuable times of weigh-ins, check-ins and show day.

The 4-Hers 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:

Tyler Alderton: Dairy

Taylor Bartholomew: Bucket Bottle Calf

Tess Berdo: Beef

Braydon Clough: Rabbit

Emily Conger: Food & Nutrition

Grace Conger: Food & Nutrition

Zoey Dennler: Horse & Pony

Peighton Ford: Swine & Beef

Taylor Garman: Clothing

Ava Greiner: Food & Nutrition and Clothing

Adelyn Huston: Communication & Sheep

Caedyn Huston: Citizenship & Sheep & Communication

Katie Leichty: Dairy

Lauren Lukavksy: Beef

Annie Morrison: Rabbit & Dog

Brynn Northup: Beef

Grace Puttmann: Dog

Sophia Puttmann: Dog

Hannah Rodgers: Communications

Blake Sheetz: Beef

Jade Sheetz: Beef

Joanna Vakulich: Poultry

Brynn Younge: Swine

It was a successful night recognizing many 4-H members. 130 4-H Participant of Excellence & Merit Awards sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust were given. 238 Outstanding Record Book Awards were given 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 5-year anniversaries. 5 Years: Aimee Reed and Keith Conrad. 10 years: Mike Berdo and Chelsea Marsengill. 15 years: Ralph Cox

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 Horse & Pony 4-H Club and Franklin Cubs 4-H Club shared the honor this year with their years of service to their special projects. The Horse & Pony Club hosts special kids day activities at the horse barn annually during the county fair. The Franklin Cubs 4-H Club fair board once a week on work nights May — July with fair preparations. Members were present to receive the $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.