Post Messenger Recorder -

Green County 4-H held its annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, November 12, where numerous youth, adults and partners of the 4-H program were recognized and thanked for their efforts in promoting and supporting positive youth development.

The ceremony began by honoring one business and two individuals that exemplify strong support and dedication to our county's 4-H youth. Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center was given the Friend of 4-H Award. The 4-H Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Kristin Klossner, and the 4-H Lifetime Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Dixie Stechschulte.

4-H record books are a means of tracking and reflecting on the progress a youth has made on a project over the 4-H year. Accumulating points during record book reviews earns youth a bronze, silver, gold, or emerald pin. This year's bronze pin winners were Luke Krebs (Washington Center), Anna Polnow (Cheese Country Clovers), and Reaghan Schmelzer (Clarence Bridge Pioneers). Silver pins were awarded to Maylee Brauer (New Horizons), Emileigh Dallman (Jolly Mixers), Brett Marean (Cheese Country Clovers), Daniel Sniff (Cheese Country Clovers), and Karli Sutherland (Decatur). The following youth awarded a gold pin: Royce Brauer (New Horizons), Heather Burkhalter (Young Americans), Averey Marean (Cheese Country Clovers), and Margaret Paul (Next Generation). No emerald pins were awarded in 2016.

Recipients of the Program Achievement Award have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the club and county 4-H program. Awards are based on the youth's growth and leadership throughout their 4-H career. The 2016 recipients of the 4-H Program Achievement Award are Royce Brauer (New Horizons), Kelsi Mueller (Next Generation), Margaret Paul (Next Generation), and Linnea Tabaka (Young Americans).

Photo courtesy of Lana Anderson

4-H adult volunteers were recognized for their years of service to Green County youth.

Adult volunteers were also recognized for their years of service to Green County 4-H youth. Adults serving 20 or more years at this time are Valerie Wymer (20 years), Leilani Erb (25 years) and Paul and Connie Heimann (35 years).

Other awards and recognition given were the Most Improved, Most Helpful, and Most Cooperative, First Year Members, Cloverbuds, Project Awards, Project Category Awards, Outstanding Record Books, Club Major Emphasis, Secretary, Historian, Window Displays, 4-H International, Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Council, Trip Scholarship Recipients, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Graduates.

For more information about the 2016 Green County 4-H Awards & Recognition Ceremony, contact: Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at (608)-328-9440.