Lancaster County 4-H and 4-H Council presented the Lancaster County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 23. The theme was "Celebrating Awesomeness.” 4-H members, clubs and leaders were recognized for their 2022 achievements. Lancaster County 4-H congratulates all 4-H youth who commit themselves to excellence! The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Feb. 16 as “4-H Achievement Day” — see proclamation. Note: Achievement Celebration was originally scheduled for Feb. 16, but postponed due to weather.

4-H AWARDS PRESENTATION

• Master of Ceremonies: Phil Wharton, 4-H Council President
• Pledges led by: 4-H Council youth members
• Lancaster County Board of Commissioners’ Proclamation of 4-H Achievement Day read by: Chris Scow, Extension Board member
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Representatives: Claire Swanson and Emily Jonas, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Lincoln Center Kiwanis Representative: Dayle Williamson

NEBRASKA 4-H ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application is a record of a 4-H member’s annual achievements in 4-H, including accomplishments, leadership experiences, community service and career exploration. Each Lancaster County4-H'er submitting an Annual Achievement application receives a $30 Activity Certificate from 4-H Council redeemable towards 4-H activities and supplies.

• Completed a Junior application: Noah Babcock, Emily Bauman, Andrea Bettenhausen, Reagan Breuer, Khloe Cuttlers, Adam Gabel, Ethan Gabel, Morgan Gabel, Parker Hansen, Dayton Jons, Amorita Payne, Korben Payne, Silas Pracheil, Alexa Smith
• Completed a Senior application: Samuel Babcock, Clare Bauman, Lilee Chevalier, Aleyna Cuttlers, Kylie Hansen, Nettie Lunquist, Micah Pracheil, Olivia Vanderford

NEBRASKA 4-H CLUBS OF EXCELLENCE

Nebraska 4-H Clubs of Excellence have met the criteria outlined by the State 4-H Office to be considered a “Club of Excellence.” Some of the criteria includes: choose/elect youth officers, have one club project members do together and complete one community service project.

• Clever Clovers, Fantastic 4, Five Star 4-H Club, Fusion 4-H’ers, Horticulture Club, Joes Clover Knights, Lancaster Leaders, Little Green Giants, N-Bots 4-H Club, Prairie Explorers 4-H Club, Rabbits R Us, Southern Lancaster Kids

NEBRASKA 4-H DIAMOND CLOVER PROGRAM

The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program encourages 4-H members to engage in a variety of projects and activities. At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth choose goals from a provided list, and at the end of the 4-H year, they complete a report which documents their accomplishments. Youth may progress from Level 1–6.

• Level 1 – Amethyst: David Bauman, Emily Crawford, Mia Crawford, Galen Goforth, Sophie Huenink, Everett Marsh, Isaac May, Korben Payne, Lucy Pflanz, Josephine Polk, Silas Pracheil, Grace Tetzlaff, Marin Twidwell
• Level 2 – Aquamarine: Monica Bauman, Brayden Belew, Payzleigh Belew, Andrea Bettenhausen, Samantha Branch, Reese Dell, Meredith Marsh, Evelyn May, Maria Polk, Eli Ramaekers, Ethan Ramaekers
• Level 3 – Ruby: Noah Babcock, Tenley Bauman, Josephine Branch, Helayna DeBuhr, Anna Fousek, Parker Hansen, Dayton Jons, Evan Mittan-DeBuhr, Brooklynn Nelsen, Amorita Payne, Catherine Polk, Alexa Smith, Kathryn Weaver
• Level 4 – Sapphire: Emily Bauman, Claire Polk
• Level 5 – Emerald: Drew Frain, Nettie Lunquist, Vanessa Peterson, Emma Thomson
• Level 6 – Diamond: Clare Bauman, Kamryn Wanser

NEBRASKA 4-H GIVES BACK

To achieve this statewide honor, a 4-H'er or team must complete a major service-learning project that benefits their community. 4-H'ers should invest over 100 hours of service, and take up to 24 months to complete the project. The project includes an initial proposal and final report. Recipients receive $100 from Nebraska 4-H Foundation.

• Kamryn Wanser, Kennedy Powell, Brooklynn Nelsen (team) — These three 4-H'ers established a new Little Free Pantry in their Lincoln neighborhood of Indian Village. Together, the youth recruited a local business to house the public pantry and worked with a local craftsman design and build the pantry box. The youth collected $319 and over 1,700 food items to establish their Little Free Pantry. The teens continue to collect donations to keep the pantry stocked for those in need.

NEBRASKA 4-H DOG ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

New in 2022 — the Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages 4-H members to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events and contests. At the beginning of the level, participants plan what to accomplish and at the end, they report on their completed accomplishments. Youth may progress from Level 1–6.

• Beginning Handler Level 1: Galen Goforth, Alexa Smith

LANCASTER COUNTY 4-H COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Presented to 4-H'ers who have completed the most hours of community service. Award recipients receive a $30 Activity Certificate from Lancaster County 4-H Council redeemable towards 4-H activities and supplies.

• Age 13 and under: Noah Babcock, Emily Bauman, Tenley Bauman, Khloe Cuttlers, Drew Frain, Galen Goforth, Dayton Jons, Brooklynn Nelsen, Amorita Payne, Korben Payne, Bailey Petersen, Alexa Smith, Kathryn Weaver
• Age 14 and over: Clare Bauman, Aleyna Cuttlers, Kylie Hansen, Mischa Lunquist, Nettie Lunquist, Connor Paitz, Kamryn Wanser

LANCASTER COUNTY SUPER FAIR 4-H LIVESTOCK HERDSMANSHIP

At the Lancaster County Super Fair, all 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and independent members exhibiting in animal shows are automatically judged for Herdsmanship. Emphasis is on animal care, but other judging criteria include clean and orderly stalls, pens, alleys and storage areas. Courtesy, conduct and sportsmanship of the exhibitors is also important.

• Beef/Bucket Calf: Champion (Tie): Johnson Family and Lonestar 4-H Club; Reserve Champion: Happy Go Lucky 4-H Club
• Swine: Champion: Kruse Family; Reserve Champion: Pick A Pig 4-H Club
• Dairy/Pygmy Goat: Champion: Go Go Goat Getters 4-H Club; Reserve Champion: Petta/Smith Family
• Poultry: Champion: Huenink Family, Pillard Family, Pittman Family, Rauert Family and Sullivan Family (team); Reserve Champion: Babcock Family, Smith Family and Wanser Family (team)
• Sheep/Meat Goat: Champion: Hytrek Family Reserve Champion (Tie): McInteer Family and Pittman Family

LANCASTER COUNTY SUPER FAIR 4-H DOG VERSATILITY AWARDS

This special recognition is awarded to 4-H Dog Show exhibitors at Lancaster County Super Fair who entered the same dog in obedience, showmanship and agility classes in the same year, and earned a minimum of a red ribbon in each of the three areas.

• Bella Croghan, Ruby Dean, Katie Fisher, Sophie Huenink, Paige Schepers, Alexa Smith

LINCOLN CENTER KIWANIS OUTSTANDING 4-H CLUB AWARDS

To encourage participation in the county fair, Lincoln Center Kiwanis Club awards traveling trophies to the top 4-H clubs participating in the Lancaster County Super Fair. One category winner is awarded the Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup as the overall Outstanding 4-H Club for the year. Clubs receive points based on all members’ total fair exhibit and contest placings.

• Category I (membership of 5–10): Clever Clovers (Leader: Sara Hansen). The 7 club members had nearly 62 total entries at fair, and participated in several contests such as Table Setting, Speech and Presentations. This is the club’s first year as an outstanding 4-H club.
• Category II (membership of 11–20) & Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup winner: Fantastic 4 (Leader: Jennifer Smith). The 14 club members had 334 total entries at fair, exhibiting in a wide variety of static exhibits, animal shows and contests. This is the eighth year this club has won an outstanding club award.
• Category III (membership of 21 or more): Star City Cornhuskers (Leader: Stephanie Polk). The 46 club members had 297 total entries at fair, exhibiting in a wide variety of static exhibits, animal shows and several contests. This is the club’s second year as an outstanding 4-H club.

LANCASTER COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Open to youth in grades 10–12 who show outstanding qualities in servant leadership. The award recognizes youth who strive to be their personal best and make a positive difference in their schools, youth groups, 4-H clubs and communities. They do not need to hold leadership positions currently, but should be recognized by peers and adults who work with them as emerging leaders. Recipients receive a $50 gift card to shop4-h.org from Lancaster County 4-H Council.

• Lilee Chevalier, Aleyna Cuttlers, Hannah Thomson, Ava Wharton, Christina Xu

LANCASTER COUNTY OUTSTANDING 4-H MEMBERS

Presented to individuals 14 years of age or older who have excelled in their involvement with the Lancaster County 4-H program. Selection is based on participation in a wide variety — and depth of — 4-H activities.

• Clare Bauman has been in 4-H for 9 years, and is a member of the JP2 Crew 4-H club, Teen Council, and currently serving as Secretary of 4-H Council. She has exhibited in several projects areas at the Lancaster County Super Fair, earning many top awards. Several of her exhibits qualified for the Nebraska State Fair. Clare has also excelled in county and state 4-H contests, such as Fashion Show, Life Challenge and Table Setting. Naming only a few of her community service efforts, she has volunteered at Clover College, in the 4-H Council food stand, during Super Fair static exhibit set up and judging day, sewed quilts for hospitalized children, and sewed pillow cases for the People’s City Mission. Clare has completed the Diamond Clover Level 6, the highest level of the Diamond Clover Award Program. One highlight of her 4-H career was being selected as a Nebraska representative and attending the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia!
• Kylie Hansen has been in 4-H since she was 5, and is a long-time member of the Clever Clovers 4-H club, currently is serving as Vice President of 4-H Council as well as is a Teen Council member. She has exhibited in several projects areas at the Lancaster County Super Fair, earning many top awards and several exhibits qualifying for the Nebraska State Fair. Kylie has excelled in county and state 4-H contests, such as Speech, Presentations and Plant Science. She has participated in several community service projects — including participating as a Master Health Volunteer and completing 20 class hours. She then attended the 4-H National Healthy Living Summit. After receiving grant for a service learning project, she and four other 4-H’ers helped build two raised garden beds for an assisted living facility. Kylie has completed the Diamond Clover Level 6, the highest level of the Diamond Clover Award Program. Kylie also was selected as a Nebraska representative and attended the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia!

4-H LANCASTER COUNTY MERITORIOUS SERVICE

Presented to individuals or organizations who have exhibited consistent and strong support of the Lancaster County 4-H program.

• Kirk & Brandy Gunnerson have been Lancaster County 4-H volunteers for over 20 years! They both have served as members of the Rabbit Volunteers in Program Service (VIPS) committee, helped organize Spring Rabbit Shows, various Rabbit Clinics and each served on 4-H Council for six years. Kirk also served as a 4-H Shooting Sports instructor for a number of years. For the past several years, he has volunteered as the announcer for the 4-H/FFA Swine Show at the Lancaster County Super Fair. Brandy has served as a Rabbits R Us 4-H club leader for 20 years and superintendent of the 4-H rabbit static exhibits area at the Lancaster County Super Fair. She led the 4-H Council Chicken Dinner fundraiser several years and still helps immensely with this event.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

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

• Lancaster County 4-H Council — Awards $700 scholarships to active Lancaster County 4-H'ers: Samuel Babcock, Clare Bauman, Aleyna Cuttlers, Kylie Hansen, Luke Johnson, Riley Peterson, Hannah Thomson
• Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council — Awards $300 scholarships to current 4-H'ers who are active in Teen Council: Samuel Babcock, Hannah Thomson
• Lincoln Center Kiwanis — Awards a $1,000 scholarship to a current high school senior who is active in Lancaster County 4-H: Clare Bauman
• Dick Fleming Leadership & Communication – Awards a $250 scholarship to a 4-H'er who has excelled in leadership and communication through 4-H: Kylie Hansen
• Lane Community – Awards a $200 scholarship to a current 4-H’er who attends Raymond Central High School: Aleyna Cuttlers

4-H MILESTONE RECOGNITION

• 2023 4-H SENIORS — Graduating seniors receive a 4-H Alumni T-shirt courtesy of Lancaster County 4-H Council: Samuel Babcock, Clare Bauman, Lillie Beach, Lucas Beckman, Tayden Bell, Rachel Bos, Ashley Brown, Michaela Bunz, Tate Burkland, Briana Clements, Makenna Coe, Jonathan Cook, Rhet Cotter, Tanner Cushman, Aleyna Cuttlers, Ethan Donner, Dallas Donovan, Celia Faith, Paris Flores, Allyson Foged, Skylar Frisbie, Mason Gerdes, Beau Gyhra, Kylie Hansen, Zach Ingracia, Lea Jamison, Luke Johnson, Cooper Koeppen, David Kohl, Jaden Kohl, Karter Kopecky, Josie Lahm, Jackson Linke, Gabriel Livingston, Rhianna Metcalf, Charlie Miller, Connor Nielsen, Merrick Pelan, Riley Peterson, Emma Pflum-Miranda, Ayla Rech, Colton Reiling, Callahn Robinson, Grace Sandbulte, Genevieve Schmidt, Shyann Severson, Ava Simpson, Pearce Smith, Alexa Starner, Jake Swerczek, Hannah Thomson, Olivia Vanderford, Lisa Wang, Destyn Whitney, Christina Xu
• 3-YEAR MEMBERS: Kinley Agnew, Piper Bauman, Tenley Bauman, William Bethune, Ian Bettenhausen, Claire Breuer, Hannah Breuer, Jaxon Bruss, Joel Calcara, Joshua Cantrell, Rhet Cotter, Mia Crawford, Reese Dell, Ethan Donner, Paris Flores, Anna Fousek, Kate Fousek, Anne Friesen, Catherine Friesen, Gwendolyn Friesen, Mary Kerstin Friesen, Paige Frink, Olivia Grieser, Owen Guthrie, Beau Gyhra, Sayla Harris, Clara Heppner, Alice Hilgers, Elizabeth Hilkemann, Magnolia Hogan, Philomena Hogan, Caleb Hundley, Elizabeth Hundley, Shauna Hundley, Amilya Johnson, Roxie Kastl, Otis Keierleber, Ava Kelly, David Kohl, Josie Lahm, Joshua Layman, Tatumn Lehn, Charlotte Lepper, Brooke Lofquist, Lexi Lofquist, Morgan Marsh, Gracelyn Mittan-DeBuhr, Isaiah Morse, Alexa Moscrip, Drew Moscrip, Mason Moscrip, Micah Mueller, Jack Nelson, Meredith Noack, Patrick O'Neal, Grant Oliver, William Oliver, Logan Ostergard, Alex Paider, Reese Pillard, Cora Pracheil, Irelyn Prunty, Leo Prunty, Ayla Rech, Addison Rocole, Thomas Rogers, Lane Schulzkump, Eleanor Senft, Jacob Skala, Lucy Skala, Braxton Thompson, Braylee Thompson, Avery Watson, Katie Watson, Joseph Wesely, Ethan Wooledge, Christina Xu
• 2-YEAR LEADERS: Bethany Bettenhausen, Doug Savicky
• 5-YEAR LEADERS: Brenda Nepper, Joy Plautz
• 20-YEAR LEADER: Brandy Gunnerson