Post Messenger Recorder -

Green County 4-H held its annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, November 11th, where numerous youth and adults and of the 4-H program were recognized and thanked for their efforts in promoting and supporting positive youth development.

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 Roxane Ace (New Horizons), Annika Bernstein (Clarence Bridge Pioneers), Annelise Bethke (Cheese Country Clovers), Joe Crubaugh (Young Americans), Amelia Kubichka (Spring Grove Honest Workers), Justin Moore (New Horizons), and Mallory Schmelzer (Clarence Bridge Pioneers). The silver pin was awarded to Ellie Eichelkraut (York). The following youth were awarded a gold pin: Devri Bennett (Cheese Country Clovers), Emily Makos (Spring Grove Honest Workers), Brett Marean (Juda Jolly Juniors), Kelli Polnow (Cheese Country Clovers), Michael Schieldt (New Glarus), and Karli Sutherland (Decatur). The highest record book honor, the emerald pin, was awarded to Royce Brauer (New Horizons), Jaena LeGault (New Horizons), Averey Marean (Juda Jolly Juniors), and Linnea Tabaka (Young Americans).

Photo courtesy of Lana Anderson

First Year 4-H Members that submitted a record book for county level recognition this year received a certificate and a 4-H lanyard.

Recipients of the Leadership 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 2017 recipients of the 4-H Leadership Achievement Award are Averey Marean (Juda Jolly Juniors) and Linnea Tabaka (Young Americans).

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 Valli Brauer (20 years), Dixie Stechschulte (20 years), Tim Stechschulte (20 years), Rae Wellnitz (25 years) and Roger Vogel (35 years).

Other awards and recognition given were for First Year Members, Cloverbuds, Cloverbud Graduates, Project Awards, Project Category Awards, Outstanding Record Books, Club Major Emphasis, Secretary, Historian, Window Displays, 4-H International, and Trip Scholarship Recipients.

For more information about the 2017 Green County 4-H Awards & Recognition Ceremony, contact Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development Educator, at (608) 328-9440.