The annual 4-H Barbecue and Awards Ceremony was a great success, according to Hayley Gloeckner, community base instructor for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in Caliente.
The 4-H youth and attending parents and leaders visited Kershaw-Ryan State Park for the official close of the 2013-14 year. A multitude of, “yummy burgers and great side dishes,” Gloeckner said, was offered to the attendants as 4-H Council and leaders acknowledged the numerous accomplishments of the 4-H youth from the past season.
Steve Meldrum, the shooting sports leader, announced the top winners of each division in the local shoot club. Based on their points earned through various competitions in four different fun meets, the runners up were Seth Patrick, 697 points in the junior division; Chance Dotson, 436 points in the intermediate; and Raymond Thompson, 767 points in senior division.
The Overall Top Winner for Lincoln County shooting sports was Aya Rowe, with 1,482 points earned. Meldrum presented Aya with a gun case and a $50 gift card. Sweatshirts were given to the others.
Some of the other awards received were for top sellers at several fundraising events held throughout the county over the past year. Top sellers were Jackson Dojaquez, Trevin Perkins, Bryson Perkins, Roger Wilson, Madelyn hart, Seth Patrick, Chance Dotson and Aya Rowe.
The youth weren’t all that were recognized, as several 4-H leaders were presented with plaques of acknowledgement, starting with Glen Zelch and Pete Gill, Pioche Shooting Sports leaders that are stepping down after this season. They put in countless hours to bringing the fun club to the youth and will surely be missed. Linda Beard was then recognized for her untold hours she gives to 4-H, from acting as Caliente Sewing Leader to ensuring that everything concerning the 4-H fair exhibits is up and running for the public to enjoy. Then Sharon Barlow was recognized for offering her talents to teaching quilting to the youth and creating a program to improve the 4-H Council ability to input all the 4-H fair exhibits at the Lincoln County fair.
The afternoon closed out with several hundred dollars’ worth of cash prizes given to youth placing in competitions at the fair, based on receiving blue ribbons, Grand Champion or Reserve Champion awards. This year’s Top Exhibitor Award at the fair went to Joanna Ahlstrom, along with a cash prize of $50. The 4-H Council then awarded the overall Top 4-H’er with second and third place runners up, which is based on club participation, community service, and fund-raising. Seth Patrick of Panaca placed third with a $25 cash prize; Momo Morrow of Caliente placed second and received a $50 cash prize. Joanna Ahlstrom of Caliente received Top 4-H’er, and was awarded a $100 cash prize. Congratulation to Joanna as this is her third year of being the Top 4-H’er of Lincoln County.
A new 4-H year began the first of October. The 4-H Council looks forward to all of the youth participating once again and having the opportunity to bring home the ‘Top 4-H’er’ Award. To all who support 4-H with their time or money, the group says thank you for helping make a positive difference in a child’s life.
