4-H honors youths, adults with achievement awards

Each year, Whitman County 4H honors the members and leaders at the annual 4H achievement program, which this year was in early November at the fairground community service building.

Emceeing the program were Morgan and Shania Hatley of the Albion Best Adventurers 4H Club and Sarah Appel of Mockonema 4H.

Katie Whetzel, leader of the Happy Hooves 4H Club, was selected as the 2010 4H Leader of the Year. Katie started Happy Hooves 4H three years ago when several 4H members came to her and asked her to be a club leader. Katie and her husband Chad have a busy farm life with horses and lots of other large and small livestock. Their daughter Alvina is enrolled in poultry and shows in the Pee Wee Cow Pokes class at the fair. Parents and youth report that Katie emphasizes leadership, sportsmanship, safety, learning about projects and having fun. 4H is a family affair.

Other leaders receiving special recognition were Eric Appel, Shelley Feldner, Jim Gfeller, Jolene Jacobs, Benay Lyman, Sabrina McAdams, BJ Nelson, Kate Painter and Sheri Schell, all five year service award; Deb Nelson and Kim Nelson, 10 year service award; Holly Tate, 15 year service award, and Helen Appel, 25 year service award.

Receiving the Community Support Award were Whitman County Commissioners Greg Partch, Michael Largent and Pat O’Neill.

In the sweepstakes top 10 contest, which is the accumulation of the most premium points from the fair, first place went to Onecho United followed by Albion Best Adventurers, Mockonema 4H, Stars & Stripes 4H, LaCrosse All Purpose, Colfax River’s Edge 4H, C.U. There 4H, Palouse Hills 4H, Tekoa Clover 4H Club and St. John/Endicott 4H.

Receiving 4-H completion pins were members from the Wheatland Gallopers, Iron Horse Knights, Albion Best Adventurers 4-H Club, Colfax River’s Edge, C.U. There 4-H Club, Steptoe Dust Devils, LaCrosse All Purpose 4-H, St. John/Endicott 4-H, Hay Burners 4-H, Happy Hooves 4-H, Taste ‘n Tear 4-H, Silver Creek Creations, Saddle Pals 4-H and Mockonema 4-H. Outstanding 4-H member recognition went to Connor Appel and Brenden Jacobs for their Golden Clover Award. Connor and Christopher Appel received the Jr. Wheat King Award from Whitman County Crop Improvement Association.

Continued support of the WSU Whitman County 4H Youth Development Program from businesses, individuals and communities was recognized.