The 85th annual 4-H Recognition for Excellence program was held on November 5 at Lake Storey Pavilion, Galesburg. Valerie Erickson, Knox County 4-H Federation President, was mistress of ceremonies; with the Knox County 4-H Federation Board presenting the awards.
Receiving the 4-H Meritorious Service awards were Dean Emstrom, Debbie Jackson and Deb German for their significant contributions to the Knox County 4-H program. The Outstanding 4-H Alumni awards were presented to Gary and Mary Beth Bowman for their citizenship, leadership and career accomplishments following membership in 4-H.
Kristin DeSutter was honored for selection to National 4-H Congress and state Blue Awards in personal development and achievement. The I Dare You Leadership award was given to Matthew Geitner. The award goes to members who excel in personal development as well as leadership. The award is sponsored by the Oneida Nite Owls Association for Home and Community Education.
The Top 4-H Club award for the past year was presented to the Walnut Grove Progressors, led by Christi Main and Keith and Jean Ann Erickson. The award is sponsored by the Knox County Farm Bureau. Walnut Grove Progressors also was awarded a state award in Environment and Natural Resources. The Membership Award for the most new members was given to Delong Livestock and the Walnut Grove Progressors. County recognition for work in Environment and Natural Resources went to the Wataga Trailblazers, led by Diane and Pete Holmes.
A project achievement medal was given to Kasi German for Animal Sciences. County project Blue Awards for continued excellence in their project areas were presented to Matthew Geitner in food, nutrition and health; Luke North in plants and soils; Anne Geitner in home and family and food, nutrition and health; and Logan Bowman in achievement, food, nutrition and health, personal development, and plants & soils.
Awards were presented to the following younger (ages 8-11) 4-H members for excellence: Dedra Ratermann, Morgan Carlson, Harly Bagwell, Madelyn DeSutter, Darcy Ratermann, Hannah Libby, Gabe Witherell, and John DeSutter.
Club officer awards were presented to Madison Flack, Secretary; Anne Geitner, Treasurer; Tiffani Fink, Reporter; and Katie England, Hannah Libby and Cari Zellmann, Historians.
Ten year 4-H member service awards were presented to Logan Bowman, Scott Erickson, Nicholas George, Claire Johnston, Jessica Krans, Samantha Krause and Jordan Newell.
Scott Erickson received the Corn Project award sponsored by the Knox County Corn Growers Association. Horticulture Awards sponsored by Prairieland Gardeners were presented to Leslie Carman, best floriculture exhibit and Brooke Anderson for best horticulture exhibit. The Electricity award went to Nicholas Dennis.
Clothing awards for the top 15% were Emily Newell, Lauren Mangus, Amy Newell, Kristen LaFollette, Anne Geitner, Caroline Corbin, and Samantha Krause.
Logan Bowman was presented with the Knox County 4-H Premier LCP award. Volunteer coaches honored were Rebecca Curry and Pauline Curry for Horse Bowl and Hippology and Gay Johnson and Amy Brucker for Robotics Teams.
Blue Ribbon clubs honored were 4-H Spinners, Bright Horizons, Cloverleaf, Delong Livestock, Hague Hustlers, K’ville Clovers, Knox County Power Clovers, Rio Livestock, Rusty Spurs, Walnut Grove Progressors, Wataga Trailblazers and Williamsfield Town & Country.
Forty-two 4-H Leaders were honored with significant awards presented for Bronze Clover Award 1 year- Lori Emken and Shari Robinson; Silver Clover Award 5 years - Adam Beardsley; Gold Clover Award 10 years - Kelvin Lumberry; Pearl Clover Award 15 years - Lynn Brown; and Emerald Clover Award 45 years - Robert Palmer.
Fifty–six members were honored for receiving the 4-H standards of excellence in their first year in 4-H.
4-H youth development is the educational outreach program for University of Illinois Extension, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Urbana-Champaign.
(Matthew Geitner, Delong Livestock, named with the I Dare You Leadership Award for personal development and leadership.)
(Club Officer Awards were presented to Tiffani Fink, Walnut Grove Progressors, Reporter Award; Hannah Libby and Cari Zellmann for Historian Awards; Annie Geitner, Delong Livestock for Treasurer. Not present were Madison Flack, Rio Livestock for Secretary and Katie England for Historian Award.)
(Outstanding 4-H Alumni awards went to Gary and Mary Beth Bowman, Maquon.)
(Bob Palmer was recognized for 45 years of service as a 4-H Leader. Story and photos submitted by Knox County 4-H.) |
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