The Washington County 4-H & Youth Committee along with the Washington County 4-H County Council held the annual 4-H Awards Celebration November 5. This event celebrated the 2022-2023 4-H year and recognized 4-Hers and volunteers for their hard work. Over 300 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.

Stephanie Sexton was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated work to the beef department expanding the spring open show and adding the Beef Top Stockman class. Harry Walker was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award for his years of work as a club leader, youth committee member and the bucket bottle superintendent for seventeen years. The Partner in 4-H Award went to Keota Veterinary Clinic for their support of the Washington County Fair as swine department vets and fair award sponsor and other 4-H activities throughout the year. 4-H Alumni of the Year award was given to Ellie Anderson who brough the Bacon Buddies show to the 2023 Washington County Fair. The 4-H Family of the Year was presented to the Roger and Kathy Brinning family with their children and grandchildren. Both Roger and Kathy were active in Washington County 4-H and started dating at the county fair over 50 years ago. They raised their children through the program and now support grandchildren doing the same. The family has played a variety of volunteer roles through county council, youth committee, superintendents, and club leaders.

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:

Emma Alderton: Bucket Bottle

Tyler Alderton: Dairy

Taylor Bartholomew: Bucket Bottle

Braydon Clough: Beef

Reese Conrad: Science & Technology

Halle Cuddeback: Home Improvement

Zoey Dennler: Horse & Pony

Peighton Ford: Swine

Adyson Gerot: Dairy Goat

Madilynn Liska: Music

Annie Morrison: Dog

Brynn Northup: Beef

Nicolas Pacha: Poultry

Gwen Piette: Communication

Hannah Rodgers: Communication & Health

Jade Sheetz: Beef

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. 213 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: Erin Marsh, Angela Greiner. 15 years: April Cuddeback, Deb Kleese, Jayme Sieren. 35 years: Jim Hotchkiss.

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 cleanup 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 Bows and Bullets 4-H Club was recognized with this honor with partnership and adoption of Parkview Nursing Home. They have visited the residents multiple times for pumpkin delivery, ornament making and summer game time. Members were present to receive the $50 award that goes towards 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.