Whitman County 4H members and leaders honored

Each year, the Whitman County 4-H Program honors the achievements of members and leaders at the Annual 4-H Achievement Program. This year the celebratory evening was Nov. 10 at the Public Service Building in Colfax. Emceeing the program were Morgan and Shania Hatley of the Albion Best Adventurers 4H Club.

Receiving special recognition and accolades from her club, Debbie Hoadley, leader of the Albion Best Adventures 4H Club, was selected as the 2009 4H Leader of the Year.

Debbie enrolled in the Albion 4H Club when her sons were young and has been in a leadership role for more than 13 years.

In addition to being a 4H club leader, Debbie works at Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, is very active in the Albion and Colfax communities, and is an enthusiastic sports booster for Colfax High School.

Parents, leaders and members in the club state that Debbie is the “backbone” of the club by making sure that communication lines stay open.

She encourages all members to do their best and participate in all the club activities.

Other leaders receiving special recognition were Wanda Grossman and Kris Thompson, five year service award; Lori Becker, 10 year service award; Nancy Person, 15 year service award; and Connie Ham, 20 year service award.

Receiving the Community Support Award was Les Schwab of Colfax represented by Cliff Miller. Cliff and Les Schwab were thanked and recognized not only for the support they give to the 4H program but all the support they give to other youth organizations in Colfax and surrounding communities.

In the Sweepstake Top Ten Contest, first place went to Tekoa Clover 4H Club, followed by Albion Best Adventurers, Onecho United, Palouse Hills 4H, LaCrosse All Purpose, Rosalia 4H, C.U. There 4H, Mockonema 4H, Pine Grove 4H and Colfax River’s Edge 4H.

Receiving 4H completion pins were members from the C.U. There 4H Club, Albion Best Adventurers 4H Club, Saddle Pals 4H, Colfax River’s Edge, Mockonema 4H, St. John/Endicott 4H, LaCrosse All Purpose 4H, Iron Horse, Happy Hooves 4H, Tekoa Clover 4H, Steptoe Dust Devils, Silver Creek Creations and Wheatland Gallopers.

Outstanding 4H member recognition went to Connor and Christopher Appel of the Mockonema 4H. In addition, they also received the Jr. Wheat King Award from Whitman County Crop Improvement Association.

Extension agent Janet Schmidt said Whitman County 4H program participants appreciate the support of businesses, individuals and communities.

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