The Coles County 4-H Awards Program was on Sunday, October 11 at the 4-H/Extension Center in Charleston. 4-H'ers were honored and recognized for their past year's achievements in 4-H work. In keeping with the theme "4-H Sets the Stage", the program began with 'Name That Tune' led by Hope Birch. Popcorn was the snack of choice during intermission. Act I featured first year 4-H'ers, individual awards, junior superintendents, awards for records and the intercultural category. Act II included recognition of the Horse Bowl/Hippology coaches, club awards and installation of the 4-H Federation officers. The program ended with the 4-H pledge led by the Federation officers.
Becky Wilson was the recipient of the Today's 4-H'er – Tomorrow's Volunteer award. She is the daughter of Sue and Bill Wilson.
The Schultz Memorial award went to MariaLynn Jaeger, a member of the Showstoppers 4-H club. She is the daughter of Fred and Sheila Jaeger.
Top scores for 4-H member records at the participating member level were 1st – Michelle Clinton, 2nd – Mattisen Boswell, and 3rd –Rhydon Vassay. For the honor member level, top scores were 1st – Erin and R. J. Konesko, 2nd – Timothy Lading, and 3rd – Karlie Lading. Outstanding member top scores were 1st – Haylie Lading.
Club awards included the Patsy Luedke Community Service award which was presented to the Oakland Oakleaves 4-H club. Leaders of the Oakland Oakleaves 4-H club are Wes and Peggy Veach. The Club Challenge was won by the Blue Ribbon Go-Getters with second place going to Golden Spur. The 4-H Club of the Year was awarded to the Oakland Oakleaves 4-H club.
Special recognition for club leaders was given to first year leaders – Tammy Syfert, Nelda Campbell, Sue Wilson, Brandi and Jeff Ames. Regina Birch, Louise Vassay and Scott Gossett received their 5-year certificates. Wendy Cox received her 10 year certificate and Carol Protz received an award for 20 years.
Ed and Caryl Strader of Hindsboro received the 4-H alumni award in recognition of their involvement with the 4-H youth program.
A special thank you goes to the clubs who helped host the program and brought refreshments. They are Kickapoo Ramblers and Lincoln Railsplitter 4-H clubs.
For more information about the 4-H youth program, contact the University of Illinois Extension office at 345-7034.
