Washita County 4-H held the annual 4-H Awards Program on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Washita County Activity Center in Cordell. 4-H members and leaders were recognized for their hard work and support for the 2018-2019 program year. The following Teen Leader County Officers facilitated the achievement program: Jordan Mason, President; Makia Maxey, Vice President; Jayden Kendrick, Secretary; Dusty Kays, Photographer; Madison Church, Reporter; Jacob Baker, Game Leader.
Many 4-Hers were recognized for winning county contests and participation in our Shooting Sports and Meat Judging Project Groups. Members who submitted 4-H Record Books were also acknowledged. The following are highlights from the program:
The Outstanding Fair Exhibitor Award is presented to the 4-H member that entered the most exhibits in the 4-H Division of the Washita County Free Fair in 2018. A trophy was presented to Jordan Mason, Burns Flat-Dill City to recognize her for 31 4-H entries.
Outstanding Cloverbuds are 5-7 year olds that turned in a 4-H Cloverbud Record Book. The following Cloverbuds received a trophy for their efforts: Kali Bloomer & Everett Huntzinger of Cordell; and Waverly Schneberger of Burns Flat-Dill City.
Junior and Senior 4-Hers (3rd to 12th grade) also received awards for their 4-H Record Book submissions. Braxton Barnett, BFDC and Francesca Bloomer, Cordell received the Green Award Certificate. 4-Hers who also submitted additional details about their project(s) not only received the Green Award, but also received the Excellence in Recordkeeping award along with the 4-H pin(s) representing their project. Junior 4-H Record Book Division honorees: Brance Barnett, Burns Flat-Dill City, Food; Kelton Dowdle, Cordell, Swine; Delainee Moore, Cordell, Swine; and Zada Baker, Food Science. Brance, Delainee and Zada were this year’s Top 3 Junior 4-H Members with Zada winning the Outstanding Junior 4-Her Award.
Senior 4-H Record Book Division honorees: Jacob Baker, Sentinel, Sheep; and the following Burns Flat-Dill City members were recognized as Top 3 Senior 4-H Members – Makia Maxey, Fabrics and Fashions; Jordan Mason, Leadership and Citizenship; Jayden Kendrick, Performing Arts. Jayden Kendrick, was recognized at the top Senior 4-Her winning the Washita County 4-H Hall of Fame Award. Jayden’s photograph will be hung in the Washita County Courthouse for a year. Jayden also received a $400 4-H Scholarship to use to help with college tuition.
Outstanding 4-H clubs have high participation in county events, contests, record books and fundraising. The Outstanding Jr 4-H Club went to the Burns Flat-Dill City Junior 4-H and the Outstanding Senior Club went to Burns Flat-Dill City Senior 4-H.
The following adult 4-H volunteer leaders were recognized: Erin Schneberger, BF/DC Jr. 4-H; Larissa Mason, BF/DC Sr. 4-H; Shivaun Peck, Canute 4-H; Jeff Ray, Cordell Jr. 4-H; Anjulia Lund and Jessica Huntzinger, Rocky 4-H; Shanna Kays, Sentinel Jr. & Sr. 4-H; Jerry Burris and Jeff Ray, Shooting Sports; Keith Schneberger, Meats Judging; General Volunteers: Lowayne Piercy, Mary Peck, Lori Barnett. Larissa Mason was recognized as the Outstanding 4-H Leader.
Two Japanese 4-H exchange students, Taisei and Ruka, had the opportunity to experience life in America recently. The Baker Family from Sentinel and the Denny Family from Burns Flat hosted the students. Both families spoke highly of the program and encouraged others to host a student next year.
Washita County 4-H members are fortunate to have many supporters that promote the organization, as well as encourage student success. Some give their much appreciated time and encouraging words. Others also give financially. On behalf of all the 4-H members and Extension Staff, we would like to thank all the communities of Washita County for continued support of the 4-H program and of our youth. We especially appreciate the following donors that have pledged support for Washita County 4-H programs and awards. Gold Clover Donors ($200+) include: 5-G Storage & Parking, Leo, Sherri & Matthew Goeringer; Allen Giblet Insurance Agency, Cordell; Burlap & Bling; Farmer’s Cooperative Exchange; Farmers Union Coop, Elk City; First National Bank & Trust, Cordell; Great Plains Bank, Cordell; From Scratch Bakery & Catering; Judy & Roy Lindsey; Keith’s Butcher Shop; Pat Barnes & Family, In Memory of Bud Barnes; S&S Specialized Transportation; Washita County Farm Bureau; Washita County Veterinary Clinic. Silver Clover Donors ($150) include: CKenergy. Bronze Clover Donors ($100) include: High Plains Bank; Western Producers; Willing Workers OHCE Club. Green Clover Donors ($50) include: Bank of Cordell.
Photos courtesy of Dana Church.