"4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills".

NEBRASKA 4-H CLUBS OF EXCELLENCE

Nebraska 4-H Clubs of Excellence, formerly referred to as 4-H Charter Clubs, have met the criteria outlined by the State 4-H Office to be considered a "Club of Excellence." If this is the club's first year to receive this award, they will receive a certificate. If a club has received this award more than once, it will receive a charter seal (indicated by *).

• *All American Kids (PHOTO)
• Classic Cars (PHOTO)
• *Cool Clovers (PHOTO)
• *Creative Clovers (PHOTO)
• Extreme Green (no photo)
• *Fantastic 4 (no photo)
• *Shimmering Shamrocks (no photo)
• Silver Spurs
(no photo)
• *Star City Explorers (PHOTO)

COMMUNICATION AWARDS

This is a special award presented to recognize the outstanding communication skills of several Lancaster County 4-H youth.

District Speech Contest winners: Lancaster County 4-H'ers participated in the Southeast District Speech and Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest held in May at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus. The top five in each division also received medals.

• Junior Speech: Anne Greff (purple) and Molly Noel (purple)
• Intermediate Speech: Erica Peterson (blue) and Jessica Stephenson (purple & medal)
• Senior Speech: Grace Farley (purple) and Kyle Pedersen
• Junior Public Service Announcement: Jacob Pickrel (purple) and Jaime Stephenson (purple & medal)
• Intermediate Public Service Announcement: Rachel Pickrel (purple) and Jessica Stephenson (purple)
• Senior Public Service Announcement: Kyle Pedersen (blue)

Presentations Contest: The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State Presentations Contest held during the Nebraska State Fair.

Preston Badeer, Abigail Gabel (who also competed in the Premiere Presenter Contest and received a $50 cash award), Maddie Gabel, Jaime Stephenson and Jessica Stephenson

WILDLIFE HABITAT EVALUATION PROGRAM

The statewide Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program contest was held last June in Nebraska City. The contest consists of identifying wildlife foods, interpreting aerial photos for habitat, designing an urban plan for benefit of wildlife, evaluating a field site for the best management practices for specific wildlife and writing a wildlife plan for a tract of land to meet land owners objectives.

PHOTO

Two youth competed in the novice category: Jaime Stephenson and Miranda Gunnerson

A team of three youth placed 2nd in the Junior category: Koral Gunnerson, Erica Peterson and Jessica Stephenson (Coaches: Kirk Gunnerson and Chris Stephenson)

Two Lancaster County 4-H'ers placed 2nd in the Senior Division: Michael Veburg and Tyler Thompson (Coaches: Chris Stephenson and Gene Veburg). They qualified and competed with two other Nebraska 4-H members at the National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program in Utah.

STATE HORTICULTURE CONTESTS

Tree Identification Contest: A team of four Lancaster County 4-H'ers received first place in the senior division of the Tree Identification at the State 4-H Horticulture Contest. Participants must identify 20 tree samples with proper name and spelling. Carmen Claesson (also placed 1st individually), Monica Claesson (also placed 2nd individually), Elizabeth Grimes (also placed 4th individually), Kyle Pedersen (also placed 9th individually)

Horticulture Judging Contest: Kyle Pedersen placed 3rd in the senior division at the State Horticulture Contest. He also represented Nebraska 4-H in the national horticulture contest held during the National Junior Horticulture Association Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana in October. PHOTO

STATE 4-H HORSE EXPOSITION

Horse Judging: The 2007 Lancaster County 4-H Horse Judging Team were Grand Champions: Cara Peters, Blake Preston, Brook Preston and Hannah Scow (Coach: Kala Ball). The team went on to represent the State of Nebraka at the National All American Quarter Horse Youth Congress and Intercollegiate Contest in Columbus, Ohio where they placed 16th overall. PHOTO

Demonstration Contest: Cory Peters was Grand Champion in the Junior Individual division.

Break-A-Away Roping Competition: Josh Krueger was Grand Champion in the Junior division PHOTO

Barrels: Amanda Essink was Grand Champion in the Senior division.

English Equitation: Alex Scheideler was Reserve Champion in the Junior division. He as also the 2007 winner of the Wittstruck Award. The Wittstruck Award is the All-Around Horse Showman Award determined at the Lancaster County Fair. Of the six classes counting toward the award, Alex was Grand Champion in five and was first purple in the sixth class. Alex is one of the handful of horse 4-H'ers in the State of Nebraska who has achieved the top Horsemanship Level which is a Level 4. He is the only current horse 4-H'er in Lancaster to have obtained a Level 4.

PREMIER ANIMAL SCIENCE EVENTS (PASE) CONTEST

Lancaster County 4-H Judging teams competed in various events at this year's Premier Animal Science Events (PASE) on June 25 and 26 at UNL East Campus. Two teams from Lancaster County participated in the Dairy Judging Contest.

PHOTO The first team received 1st place and the team consisted of:

• Elise Edgar (placed 5th individually)
• Emily Rice (placed 2nd individually)
• Jill Docter (placed 8th individually)
• Megan Rice (placed 11th individually)

The second team received 6th place and consisted of:

• Mitch Klein (placed 3rd individually)
• Tessa Klein (placed 4th individually)

I DARE YOU LEADERSHIP AWARD

Awarded on behalf of the American Youth Foundation (AYF) to juniors or seniors who strive to achieve their personal best and make a positive difference in their community. lancaster County 4-H Council provides award recipients with a hardbound copy of William H. Danforth's book, I Dare You! Winners: Brad Morgan and Katie Zabel PHOTO

OUTSTANDING 4-H MEMBER

Presented to an individual 14 years of age or older who has excelled in his/her involvement with the Lancaster County 4-H program. The basis for selection appraises the variety and depth of 4-H activities. This year's winner is Nathan Smith. He has been a 4-H member for 13 years and is active in two 4-H clubs, Classic Cars R Us (currently as president) and Creative Clovers. He has been in many leadership activities such as 4-H Council, Teen Council and Citizenship Washington Focus. Nathan has helped teach Clover College workshops for three years and is a member of the state 4-H Youth Curriculum Committee PHOTO

4-H MERITORIOUS SERVICE

Presented to individuals or organizations who have exhibited consistent and strong support of the Lancaster County 4-H program. This year's winner is Gene Veburg who has been a 4-H volunteer for 12 years. He has been leader and county fair superintendent of the Lancaster County Shooting Sports BB Gun/Pellet Rifle/Pellet Pistol program and coached the Trap program for several years. Gene was a co-leader of the Cool Clovers 4-H club with his wife, Sharlotte. He has served as president and treasurer of 4-H Council and represented 4-H on the Lancaster County Extension Board. Gene is also a past member of the Lancaster County Ag Society. PHOTO

OUTSTANDING 4-H CLUBS

The Lincoln Center Kiwanis Club has supported the Lancaster County 4-H program for more than 25 years. To encourage participation in the county fair, Kiwanis awards traveling trophies to the top 4-H clubs participating in the Lancaster County Fair. One category winner is awarded the Wayne C. Farmer memorial cup as the overall Outstanding 4-H Club for the year. The Outstanding 4-H Clubs are also recognized at a Kiwanis meeting.

Category I (membership of 7 or less) & Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup winner:

Shimmering Shamrocks 4-H Club of Lincoln is winner of Category I (7 members or less) -- and winner of the Wayne C. Farmer trophy as overall Outstanding 4-H Club for the year. At the 2007 Lancaster County Fair, the club's five members were enrolled in approximately 30 projects and entered 115 total exhibits. The club is winning this award for the fifth time. Becky McHenry is club leader and there are five assistant leaders. PHOTO

Category II (membership of 8-12):

Cool Clovers 4-H Club of Lincoln is winner of Category II (8-12 members). The club's 9 members were enrolled in approximately 35 projects and entered 140 total exhibits at the County Fair. The club is winning this award for the third time. Jean Pedersen is club leader. PHOTO

Category III (membership of 13 or more):

Rabbits R Us 4-H Club of Lincoln is winner of Category III (13 or more members). The club’s 22 members were enrolled in approximately 35 projects and entered 320 total exhibits at the Lancaster County Fair. The club keeps flower garden at the Lancaster Event Center as a community service project. Kirk Gunnerson is club leader and Gordon Maahs serves as assistant. PHOTO

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Lancaster County 4-H program offers a variety of college scholarships to active senior 4-H members.

Lincoln Center Kiwanis: Awards a $1,000 scholarship to current high school senior who is active in 4-H. Nathan Smith PHOTO

Lancaster County 4-H Council: Awards a $500 scholarship to an active Lancaster County 4-H'er. Britta Doeschot, Abigail Gabel, Marian Hanigan, Brad Morgan, Nathan Smith and Gabrielle Warner PHOTO

Lancaster County Teen Council: Awards two $250 scholarships to current 4-H'ers who are active in Teen Council. Marian Hanigan and Nathan Smith PHOTO

Lane Community: Awards a $200 scholarship to a current 4-H'er who attends Raymond Central High School. Kerry Schachenmeyer PHOTO

PIN RECIPIENTS

PHOTO 2008 4-H Seniors: Sarah Anthony, Tyler Asche, Spencer Asher, Russell Aust, Annalisa Baade, Sean Badeer, Katlin Bauer, Nikki Beecher, Christina Berryman, Arianna Bogus, Kate Boman, Cody Brooks, Nicholas Brown, Preston Bruss, Daniel Bulling, Jessica Burow, Drey Calfee, Roger Carlson, Laura Christy, Kaylee Colton, Leigh Connot, Ashley Cudaback, Casey Cudaback, Ryan Dance, Cassie Deen, Morgan Densberger, Josh DeVries, Britta Doeschot, Catherine Dowd, Joshua Duncan, Brittany Ebeling, Felicia Ferguson, Adam Field, Jacob Fry, Josiah Fuchser, Abigail Gabel, Clint Gregory, Elizabeth Grimes, Marian Hanigan, Robert Harris, Henry Hartsgrove, Amanda Hegemann, William Hegwood, Shane Hennessy, Taylor Holliday, Caleb Huggenberger, Matt Jacobsen, Barbie Karel, Zen Keenen, Monica Keep, Hanah Kinberg, Jacob Klooster, William Kluck, Kirk Kruce, Kelsey Lange, Tommy Lantis, Lyndsy Larson, Johnathan Lauenroth, Arianna Legg, Brandon Lesoing, Rose Lombard, Tanner Maahs, Amy Masek, Elizabeth Massey, Benjamin Mathers, Justin Matthes, Emily Matulka, Cody McKinstry, Isaiah McNeese, Brad Morgan, Lyndsey Muehling, Matt Mueller, Kayla Nisley, Tanya ODonnell, Lindsey Osterholt, Staci Petersen, Baxter Poe, Charles Ralston, Ethan Reed, Renae Reifschneider, Megan Rice, Dan Robinett, Matt Rogge, Alex Ruder, Nick Sage, Kerry Schachenmeyer, Brandon Schlautman, Kristin Schumacher, Ben Shallenberger, Molly Shrader, Jessica Silvey, Nathan Smith, Andrew Squires, Rachel Stake, Kaitlyn States, Ben Strasheim, Caleb Sueverkruepp, Tyler Thompson, Megan Timmerman, Emily Tooker, Lindsay Undeland, Kelsie Vanderkolk, Laura VanMouwerik, Michael Veburg, Megan Voichoski, Tyler Vrba, Samatha Waddle, Gabrielle Warner, Ben Weber, Brandon Wedding, Brett Wiebeck, Katie Wilkinson, Kirsten Wissink, Veronica Wolf, Brandy Wollen and Nicole Zuhlke

PHOTO 3 Year Members: Logan Adair, Jesse Adams, Carey Adams, Victoria Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Michael Anderson, Eric Anderson, Curtis Anderson, Ashley Anderson, Josie Ang, Brandon Applebee, Abigayle Applebee, Ceirra Austin, Taggart Bailey, Jessica Baker, Audrey Barker, Brooke Bennett, Alyssa Bennett, Arianna Bogus, Kate Boman, Morgan Boyer, Chandler Boyte, Erica Brasch, Kelsey Brichacek, Treagen Burg, Cameron Carritt, Taralee Carter, Jordyn Champoux, Thomas Cheney, Danae Christiansen, Hailey Clarke, Hannah Coffman, Kate Cole, McKenzie Collins, Amy Cotton, Kelsey Daberkow, Sarah Daugherty, Mikenzie Delgado, Allison Densberger, Jarrod DeWald, Allison Dittman, Allison Docter, Jon Duerschner, Chris Duerschner, Nicki Everding, Madelynn Everett, Felicia Ferguson, Holley Field, Adam Field, Ciera Fisher, Emma Fortney, Victoria Fry, Joshua Fry, Valerie Gabel, Briana Gaston, Terran Goering, Peter Greff, Anne Greff, Austin Greiner, Eran Gronewold, Elizabeth Gronewold, Parker Grosse, Isack Guenther, Bailee Gunnerson, Kendra Haight, Kelsey Haight, Collette Hamersky, Saige Hammond, Sadie Hammond, Jacob Hanus, Robert Hartsgrove, Raeanna Hartsgrove, Henry Hartsgrove, Benjamin Hartwell, Tyler Hattan, Makayla Haussler, Melanie Heermann, Maggie Hefner, Jake Heidelk, Anna Heusinger, Victoria Hinrichs, Miles Hinrichs, Allison Hinrichs, Sommer Hoff, Kaylee Hoover, Emily Hruza, Jacob Huck, Leah Huggenberger, Anna Hurlbut, Brooke Jensen, Philip Johnson, Jack Johnson, Cole Johnson, Catherine Jordan, Monica Keep, Kourtney Kempkes, Skyler Kinney, William Kluck, Miriam Kluck, Nathan Kramer, Kyle Kramer, Kathanne Kramer, Clara Kramer, Candice Lahners, Kelsey Lange, Megan Latture, Allie Lee, Taylon Lieneman, Maci Lienemann, Sam Loeck, Megan Luedtke, Maria Luedtke, Emma Magsamen, Natalie Meckel, Jonathan Meckel, Anna Meckel, Kayla Meidinger, McKenzie Merritt, Mattison Merritt, Kayla Mieth, Dakota Morgal, Kaylee Nelson, Amanda Nelson, Caleb Nielsen, Molly Noel, Emma Noel, Dana Norris, Rebecca Norton, Rachel Norton, Elizabeth Norton, Rachel Novotny, Jordan Patt, Gerrit Pearson, Brooke Pearson, Caitlin Peterson, Bailey Peterson, Jacob Pickrel, Pujaa Rajan, Ethan Rathjen, Benjamin Rathjen, Kate Rawlinson, Ben Rice, Trevion Richardson, Kevin Roby, Jessica Roop, Corbin Scheel, Gatlin Schlake, Madison Schmeeckle, Jayton Schmeeckle, Micah Scholl, Sydney Scow, Doris Servan, Carlos Servan, Alex Silvey, Clay Simpson, Elizabeth Snyder, Trevor Spath, Rhea Steffen, Jared Sterns, Amanda Stoffel, Rachel Sumner, Maria Sumner, Jarrod Sumner, Miranda Swearingen, Sheridan Swotek, Justin Taylor, Emily Taylor, Melissa Trapp, Katelyn Trapp, Mariah Tupper, Brittany Tuttle, Charlotte Tvrdy, Laura VanMouwerik, Rachel Vestecka, Bailey Vogler, Leah Vorderstrasse, Erika Warner, Taylor Wehrs, Andrew Wertz, Tanner Westerholt, Samantha White, Tayler Wilhelm, Lora Wilkens, Anna Wilkens, Brooke Williams, Jena Wilson, Luke Winter, Logan Winter, Karlee Winter, Gus Woeppel, Sierra Woolsey, Cora Yost and Tyler Zabel

LEADERS:

25 Year Leader: Shirley Condon

15 Year Leader: 15 Year Leader: Mary Cudaback and Keith Dey

10 Year Leader: Judy Brandt, Denise Farley, Quentin Farley, Sandi Kroll, Sherry Kubicek, Cindy Mathers, Rose Meyer and Anthony Tvrdy

5 Year Leaders: Nancy Asselin, Kelly Duncan, LaDonna Hagemann, Laura Hardesty, Kristyn Harms, Valerie Harris, Barry Hoover, Elva Janak, Holly Johnson, Kim McNeese, Beth Mitchell, Linda Muehling, Lynnette Nelson, Chris Peters, Vickie Polk, Lisa Preston, Cindy Raisch, Susan Samuelson, Chris Scow, Tracy Scow, Diane Shannon, Mike Shrader, Sandy Talbert, Yvonne Tekolste, Shari Ullman, James Walla, Kathy Wiegand, Theresa Wilhelm and Luann Zastrow

2 Year Leaders: Vicki Austin, Carol Billesbach, Zack Bjornsen, Victoria Boehler, Ryan Bourek, Kim Bowen, Jennifer Brazda, Kelly Brown, Christine Bryngelson, Cindy Callaway, Lisa Chipps, Tam Christen, Wendy Cole, Robin Colling, Jana Conroy, Todd DeBuse, Sandra Delp, Kaleena Dey, Dawn Fiedler, Kayla Gofta, Jill Hage, Amy Hampton, Shari Heidtbrink, Linda Helzer, Mary Henn, Amy Hoff, Mark Hurt, Deanna Karmazin, Audra Kelly, Sherrie Kimmen, Dorothy Kratzer, Jennifer Kromberg, Ruth Lackey, Kristin LaPorta, Michelle Lemke, Holly Lowell, Angie McClelland, Joyce McClure, Ryan Mohling, Rodney Moore, Nicole Moss, Amber Nore, Marty Novotny, Catherine Pearson, Kendra Pekarek, Ann Pickrel, Virginia Prey, Emily Raasch, Jennifer Rawlinson, Kathy Rentschler, Matt Rinne, Bruce Ronnau, Kendra Ronnau, Josh Ryan, Roberta Sandhorst, Linda Scheinost, Brenda Shilling, Andrew Smith, Jennifer Smith, Anne Stephens, Laura Swanson, Brian Vogler, Coleen Warner, Lisa Westlund, Karen Williams, Jessica Young, Patricia Zachek and Cynthia Zimmer

OUTGOING 4-H COUNCIL MEMBERS

Chris Scow and Chris Stephenson PHOTO