Junior and Senior club members were recognized and received awards for their achievements at the 4-H awards banquet. The banquet themed “4-H ... How Sweet It Is” focused on the experiences of 4-H through trips, events, honors, awards and opportunities. Natalie Starling, Senior club president and graduating senior, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. Entertainment was provided by Hillary Usher.
The “Friend of 4-H Award” was given to Roy Callaway, coach for 4-H’s Project SAFE shooting sport team. The award is given to a strong supporter of 4-H, who has gone above and beyond as a volunteer. Throughout his career, he has touched the lives of many young adults and helped to shape their futures.
Also, another special recognition was given to Becky Smith, for 30 years of dedication to Effingham County’s Extension Office and 4-H program. She was hailed as a significant part in making the activities of Extension a success, with lots of “behind the scenes” work. Her retirement plans include spending time with her grandchildren and remaining active in her church fellowship.
The Richard C. Kessler Leadership Scholarship was awarded to Alexis Floyd. Floyd has participated on the Project SAFE shotgun team for six years and involved with many leadership and community service projects throughout 4-H. She plans to attend Abraham Baldwin College to pursue a degree in diversified agriculture.
The 4-H Educational Scholarship was awarded to Natalie Starling. Each Year the Clyo Homemakers Club designs a quilt of a different theme for the Effingham County 4-H Education Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is granted to a graduating Senior 4-H’er with outstanding 4-H Leadership skills, academic achievement, and community involvement.
One of the highest honors in Georgia 4-H is to become a Master 4-H’er at State Congress in a project area. Lauren Thompson, who was unable to attend the banquet, was recognized as the 2012 state winner, making her a double Master 4-H’er in the Georgia 4-H Senior Hunt Seat State Horse Show. She is the daughter of Mike and Laura Thompson and attends South Effingham High School.
Superintendent Randy Shearouse presented 4-H achievement certificates to the Senior and Junior 4-H members. Senior Achievement certificates were presented to: Breanna Brisendine, Emily Cope, Katie Cope, Trent Dickerson, Alexis Floyd, Natalyn Harris, Rylee Kirk, Logan McDonald, Samantha McDuffie, Mikayla Neal, Alex Parrish, Kieffer Shearouse, Natalie Starling, Sophie Usher, Hannah Weitman and John Whitten.
Junior Achievement certificates were presented to: Christopher Bernard, Joshua Carroll, Jameasa Carter, Maci Delcampo, Chance Denney, Dylan Gale, Grace Kieffer, Kevin Koffroth, Skyler Lanier, Noah McDonald, Dana Mincey, Rebecca Velasquez, Douglas Williams.
The Georgia 4-H program teaches leadership and communication skills and encourages youth to develop an important sense of responsibility. Through the many 4-H programs, 4H’ers gain self-confidence and pride in themselves, as well as gain the opportunity to grow, develop, and mature into contributing citizens.4H’ers are recognized for their efforts in a number of programs including: leadership, project achievement, consumer judging, and Project SAFE (Shooting Sports Education Program), and other such venues.
For more information, call the Effingham Extension Office at 754-8040.
