2020

Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County and 4-H Council presented the Lancaster County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Feb. 11. 4-H’ers, 4-H clubs and 4-H leaders were recognized for their 2019 achievements. Lancaster County 4-H congratulates all 4-H youth who commit themselves to excellence! 4-H thanks all volunteers whose time teaching youth represents a valuable investment in our community’s future! The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Feb. 11 as “4-H Achievement Day.” See proclamation.

Achievement Celebration Photos on Flickr    Achievement Celebration Videos on YouTube

Achievement Slideshow Presentation (as a PDF) Note: large file

The Program

  • Master of Ceremonies: Jodi Freeman, 4-H Council President
  • Pledges led by: Crafty Clovers 4-H Club
  • Lancaster County Commissioners’ Proclamation of 4-H Achievement Day read by: Karen Wobig, Extension Educator
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions: Bev Schenkel, Associate Director of Admissions
  • Lincoln Center Kiwanis: 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 County 4-H’er submitting an Annual Achievement application will receive a $30 Activity Certificate from Lancaster County 4-H Council redeemable towards 4-H activities and supplies.

  • Completed a Junior application: Noah Babcock, Samuel Babcock, Clare Bauman, Reagan Breuer, Aleyna Cuttlers, Khloe Cuttlers, Adam Gabel, Ethan Gabel, Morgan Gabel, Kylie Hansen, Vanessa Peterson, Micah Pracheil, Parker Smith, Pearce Smith, Preston Smith
  • Completed a Senior application: Ellie Babcock, Madelyn Kreifels, Riley Peterson, Taylor Yakel

DOG VERSATILITY AWARD

This Lancaster County Super Fair award is awarded to individuals who enter the same dog in obedience, showmanship and agility — and earns a ribbon in each area.

  • Kaitlyn Dumler, Ella Guerra, Kyra Hinrichs, Maleah Jamison, Sarah Lange, Kamree Leader, Claire Mathis, Taylor Root, Allison Schilf, Sierra Wilson

DIAMOND CLOVER PROGRAM

The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program is a statewide program which encourages 4-H members to engage in a variety of projects and activities. Every 4-H’er who participates can earn recognition! At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth choose goals from a provided list, and at the end of the 4-H year, complete a report which documents their accomplishments. Youth may progress from Level 1–6.

  • Level 1 – Amethyst: Anna Bals, Ellie Bonenberger, Josiah Boysen, Joey Branch, Reagan Burklund, Ellie Carpenter, Maggie Carpenter, Collette Essay, Frankie Fendrick, Adam Gabel, Stacia Grosserode, Audrina Hance, Giselle Hance, Parker Hansen, Sydney Kruse, Grace Mentzer, Bailey Petersen, Maria Polk, Gianna Russman, Carson Schultze, Mabel Sobansky, Eva Thompson, Mya Thompson, Reagan Tonkin, Anastasia Yallaly, Cecilia Yallaly, Isabel Yallaly
  • Level 2 – Aquamarine: Vyvian Alstrom, Isaac Baehr, Emily Bauman, Brooklyn Blunt, Bethany Budell, Isabel Buss, Elise Chadwick, Khloe Cuttlers, Kate Diederich, Rosalyn Frese, Scarlett Fulkerson, Kaitlyn Giles, Dailee Guthrie, Isabella Hytrek, Josie Johnson, Abby Kruse, Kennedy McCarville, Elizabeth Moje, Vanessa Peterson, Catherine Polk, Susannah Schulte, Jacalyn Srb, Julia Srb, Lily Wooledge
  • Level 3 – Ruby: Jacob Bauman, Kaylee Boysen, Gracie Czyz, Grace Diederich, Andrew Frain, Morgan Gabel, Sarah Lange, Claire Polk, Lily Russman, Preston Smith, Emma Thomson, Kamryn Wanser
  • Level 4 – Sapphire: Clare Bauman, Aleyna Cuttlers, Celia Faith, Ethan Gabel, Kylie Hansen, Parker Smith, Hannah Thomson
  • Level 5 – Emerald: Clara Johnson, Riley Peterson, Eliese Schwinck, Pearce Smith, Avery Tonniges
  • Level 6 – Diamond: Ella Hendricksen, Abigail Kreifels, John Sump

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: Samuel Babcock, Brooklyn Blunt, Jonathan Cook, Aleyna Cuttlers, Khloe Cuttlers, Andrew Frain, Dailee Guthrie, Kylie Hansen, Mischa Lunquist, Nettie Lunquist, Vanessa Peterson, Alexa Smith, Hannah Thomson, Reagan Tonkin, Ava Vogel, Conner Vogel, Kamryn Wanser, Lily Wooledge
  • Age 14 and over: Mindy Bartels, Thomas Cook, Nathan Gabel, Abigail Kreifels, Madelyn Kreifels, Katie Nepper, Eliese Schwinck, David Swotek, Elena Thomson, Avery Tonniges

OUTSTANDING 4-H CLUBS

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. The Outstanding 4-H Clubs were also recognized at a Kiwanis meeting.

  • Category I (membership of 5–10) & Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup winner: Boots N’ Hooves (Leader: Teresa Brandt and Sheri Hampton)
  • Category II (membership of 11–20): Fusion 4-H’ers (Leaders: Marsha Prior and Analisa Peterson)
  • Category III (membership of 21 or more): Joe’s Clover Knights (Leader: Anne Johnson)

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, Cornerstone Equestrian, Fantastic 4, Five Star 4-H’ers, Fusion 4-H’ers, Go Go Goat Getters, Joe’s Clover Knights, JP2 Crew, MoPac 4-H Club, Rabbits R Us, Teen Council

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Each year, Lancaster County 4-H selects 4-H members to be awarded the National Leadership Award on behalf of the American Youth Foundation. Lancaster County 4-H Council pays the award fees. The award recognizes youth ages 15–18 who strive to be their personal best and make a positive difference in their schools, youth groups, 4-H clubs, and communities. Award recipients receive William H. Danforth’s motivational book, I Dare You!

  • Nathan Gabel, John Sump, David Swotek, John Swotek

OUTSTANDING 4-H MEMBERS

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

  • Ellie Babcock has had a truly amazing 10-year 4-H career. She has been a member of the Shamtastic Clovers club (serving as secretary for 1 year and president for 2 years), Teen Council and 4-H Council (serving as vice president for 2 years). Ellie has modeled original garments at Omaha Fashion Week two years in a row and attended National 4-H Congress. She has helped organize and present many 4-H workshops, including at Clover College.
  • Sidney Froistad has been very involved in 4-H for 7 years as a member of Lucky Lopers and Prairie Star 4-H horse clubs (serving as president of Prairie Star for 6 years). She competed at the Western National Roundup two years in a row. Sidney has helped present at many 4-H horse clinics and at Clover College, as well as helping organize a mock horse judging contest.

4-H MERITORIOUS SERVICE

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

  • Shirley Condon and Sheri Ramirez have served together nearly 20 years as leaders of the Pet Pals 4-H club and superintendents of the 4-H Household Pets Show at the Lancaster County Super Fair. Shirley has given 38 years of service to 4-H as a member of 4-H Council, Clover College instructor, 4-H recruiter, key leader, county fair 4-H judge and record-book awards judge. Sheri has given 25 years of service to 4-H as leader of the Flamingos 4-H club, volunteer with Character Counts, Clover College helper and currently on 4-H Council.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

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

  • 4-H Council – Awards $700 scholarships to active Lancaster County 4-H’ers: Ellie Babcock, Kali Burnham, Thomas Cook, Sarah Dilley, Catherine Hytrek, Delaney Meyer, John Swotek
  • 4-H Teen Council – Awards $300 scholarships to current 4-H’ers who are active in Teen Council: Ellie Babcock, Thomas Cook, Delaney Meyer, John Swotek
  • Lincoln Center Kiwanis – Awards a $1,000 scholarship to a current high school senior who is active in 4-H: Bailey Donner
  • Dick Fleming Leadership & Communication – Awards a $250 scholarship to a 4-H’er who has excelled in leadership and communication through 4-H: Ellie Babcock

4-H MILESTONE PIN RECIPIENTS

Seniors compiled from 4-H Online. Member and leader milestones based on responses to a survey.

  • 2020 4-H SENIORS: Tyler Akins, Rayce Anderson, Ellie Babcock, William Barger, Grant Battles, Kali Burnham, Bridget Clarke, Thomas Cook, Megan Danley, Kyra DeBuse, Sarah Dilley, Bailey Donner, Amy Egelhoff, Alex Filing, Payton Filing, Lauryn Fransen, Sidney Froistad, Rachel Haeffner, Bailey Hampton, Peyton Hansen, Olivia Hinrichs, Jacob Huffman, Catherine Hytrek, Lauren Kelley, Triston LaMay, Megan Lange, David LaPlante, Spencer Leach, Mary Long, Delaney Meyer, Josh Mikus, Ruby Molini, Elisabeth Moyer, Franklin Moyer, Katherine Moyer, Karlie Muff, Grace Pelan, Jonathan Plautz, Juliana Quattrocchi, Hudson Reed, Emily Rogers, Abigail Russman, Aussia Stander, Blake Stanley, Abby Stephens, Skylar Sterns, Kate Stroemer, Robert Swinnerton, John Swotek, Stacie Thompson, Elena Thomson, Avery Tonniges, Hunter Towle, Hailey Wessel, Taylor Yakel
  • 3 YEAR MEMBERS: Monica Bauman, Layna DeBuhr, Kolbee Kroemer, Abby Kruse, Sydney Kruse, Evan Mittan-DeBuhr, Caroline Schwartz, Brody Sexton, Zoe Sexton, Kyla Wharton
  • 2 YEAR LEADERS: DeAnna Fanning, Maddie Foral, Joy Harvey, Brad LaMay, Beth Malina, Brenda Nepper, Joy Plautz, Kent Richard
  • 5 YEAR LEADERS: Megan Bauman, Ruth Chantry, Pamela Cuttlers, Chris Hansen, Sara Hansen, Sally Schedlock, Tammy Sheldon, Sharlyn Sieck, Amy Vander Woude, Carole Wilbeck
  • 10 YEAR LEADERS: Analisa Peterson, Maralee Sobotka
  • 15 YEAR LEADER: Karol Swotek
  • 40 YEAR LEADER: Harry Muhlbach

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE

GOVERNOR’S AG EXCELLENCE

Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards are sponsored by the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and Nebraska Investment Finance Authority. Each year, 25 Nebraska 4-H clubs are awarded $500 to be used as described in the award application form.

  • Bourne Equestrian, Cornerstone Equestrian, Five Star 4-Hers, Go Go Goat Getters, Hunters Pride, Joe’s Clover Knights, Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council, NBots Robostorm and Prairie Star 4-H

COMPANION ANIMAL CHALLENGE

Several Lancaster County 4-H’ers participated in the statewide Companion Animal Challenge. The following received purple ribbons.

  • Dog Skill-a-thon Intermediate division: Kyra Hinrichs (champion), Taylor Root (reserve champion)
  • Dog Skill-a-thon Senior Division: Emmi Dearmont (champion), Maleah Jamison (reserve champion)
  • Intermediate Individual Demonstration: Isabella Grosskopf (reserve champion)
  • Demonstrations Team: Maleah Jamison and Taylor Root (champion)
  • Essay Intermediate Division: John Donlan (champion), Andrew Donlan
  • Essay Senior Division: Nathan Gabel (champion)
  • Art Contest Junior Division: Maria Deutsch (reserve champion)
  • Art Contest Intermediate Division: Isabella Grosskopf
  • Art Contest Senior Division: Elisabeth Moyer (champion & reserve champion)
  • Photography Contest Junior Division: Maria Deutsch (champion)
  • Photography Contest Intermediate Division: Isabella Grosskopf (champion), Andrew Donlan (reserve champion)
  • Photography Contest Senior Division: Ella Guerra (champion), Emmi Dearmont (reserve champion)

PASE/LIFE CHALLENGE CONTESTS

Life Challenge:

In this statewide contest, youth tested their skills in family and consumer sciences.

  • Team of Alaina Agnew, Madelyn Kreifels and Julia Stephenson — Design Challenge 1st place • ESI Challenge 1st place • Foods & Nutrition Challenge 5th place
  • Team of Clare Bauman, Nathan Gabel, Abigail Kreifels and Elena Thomson — Design Challenge 2nd place
  • Team of Zoie Doxon, Kylie Hansen, Abby Kruse and Hannah Thomson — Foods & Nutrition Challenge 4th place
Premier Animal Science Events (Pase):

In this statewide contest, youth tested their skills in animal science. Thank you Roger Bell for coaching the livestock judging teams.

  • Livestock Judging Junior Team of Tayden Bell, Khloe Cuttlers, Clara Johnson, Tatum Terwilliger and Olivia Vanderford — 3rd in beef, 6th in swine, 4th in Sheep/Goats, 4th in Oral Reasons and 3rd place overall
  • Olivia Vanderford — 9th overall Beef, 7th overall Sheep/Goats
  • Tatum Terwilliger — 4th overall Beef
  • Tayden Bell — 7th overall Swine, 14th overall Beef, 8th overall individual
  • Livestock Judging Senior Team of Cole Cooper, Sarah Dilley, John Sump and David Swotek — 6th in Sheep/Goats and 4th in Swine
  • Cole Cooper — 8th overall swine, 19th overall individual
  • Sarah Dilley — 20th overall Individual
  • Poultry Judging contest: Noah Jelinek individual 11th place

COMMUNICATION CONTESTS

Regional Speech & PSA Contest:

Several Lancaster County 4-H’ers participated in the Southeast Regional Speech and Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests. The following received purple ribbons. The top five in each division received medals.

  • Speech Junior Division: Holly Bowen (medal), Emmy Sheldon, Callia Thompson
  • Speech Intermediate Division: Gabriel Livingston (medal), Sarah Lange, Micah Pracheil
  • Speech Senior Division: Samuel Livingston
  • PSA Junior Division: Vanessa Peterson, Callia Thompson (medal), Kamryn Wanser
  • PSA Intermediate Division: Clara Johnson (medal), Melanie Wiggins (medal)
  • PSA Senior Division: Ella Hendricksen (medal), Addison Wanser
State Fair Presentations Contest:

The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State Fair Presentations Contest. *Indicates purple ribbon at state.

  • Kylie Hansen, Abby Kruse*, Addison Wanser*
State Fair Filmfest Contest:

The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State Fair Filmfest Contest. *Indicates purple ribbon at state.

  • Micah Pracheil*

STATE FAIR TOP PLACINGS

  • Ellie Babcock – Horticulture contest – Senior 9th Place
  • Cole Cooper – Beef - Champion Steer - Crossbred Division II
  • Cole Cooper – Sheep - Grand Champion Market Lamb, Champion Division II: Hampshire Market Lambs and Champion Division VII: Crossbred Market Lambs
  • Bella Croghan – Dog - Reserve Champion Obedience - Beginning Novice A
  • Emmi Dearmont – Dog - Champion Senior Showmanship
  • Andrew Frain – Rabbit - Best Opposite
  • Andrew Frain – Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest – Inter. Reserve Champion
  • Jaclyn Heinrich – Swine - Reserve Champion Market Gilt; Reserve Champion Division I Gilt; Champion Division II Gilt
  • Kyra Hinrichs – Dog - Skillathon Intermediate, 4th Place
  • Taylor Root – Dog - Champion Agility 2
  • Sidney Schlesiger – Dog - Champion Agility 5
State Fair Fashion Show & Shopping in Style:

The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State Fair Fashion Show. *Indicates purple ribbon at state.

  • Fashion Show: Ellie Babcock* (one of the Top 4 Fashion Show Exhibits), Clare Bauman*, Kali Burnham*, Clara Johnson, Morgan Pillard
  • Shopping in Style: Ella Hendricksen
Clothing Special Selections:

Selected by the UNL Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design Department to be included in the 4-H Design Gallery during State Fair:

  • Ellie Babcock – Beyond the Needle - Wearable Technology Garment (Prom Gown with LED Lights)
Home Environment Special Selections:

Chosen for display in the 4-H Design Gallery during State Fair:

  • Nathan Gabel – Design Decisions (Pencil Holder)
Photography Special Selections:

Photograph selected for display at UNL Animal Science Department:

  • Lily Bogle

Photograph selected for display at UNL CASNR and Extension Dean’s Offices:

  • Riley Peterson (2), Claire Polk, Brody Sexton, Madison Sobotka (2)

NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS

National 4-H Congress is a five-day educational experience held in Atlanta, Georgia and is the premiere nation wide event for 4-H’ers. Youth are exposed to leadership topics in the areas of communications and technology, the environment, agriculture, families, community development, youth and children.

  • Ellie Babcock

In Nebraska, youth were selected to attend based upon the achievements outlined in their 4-H Achievement Application. Ellie submitted hers in the area of Family and Consumer Science.

NATIONAL HORSE COMPETITION

This January, several Lancaster County 4-H horse youth represented Nebraska at the National 4-H Horse Classic at the 4-H/FFA Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado.

  • Lancaster County Hippology team of Emmi Dearmont, Sidney Froistad, Katherine Moyer, and Sidney Schlesiger (coached by Andy Dearmont) earned overall 2nd place.
  • Emmi Dearmont — 9th in high individual judging
  • Sidney Froistad — 7th in high individual stations and 9th in high individual overall
  • Sidney Schlesiger — 6th in high individual stations, 10th in the high individual written exam/slides and 7th in high individual overall

Team Nebraska — Horse High Overall State Award — National Champions!

NATIONAL FILMFEST 4-H

FilmFest 4-H held in Columbia, Missouri inspires and empowers young filmmakers by connecting them with film industry professionals and introducing them to new technology.

  • Riley Peterson — 3rd place in the Narrative category for his fictional story “Game Changers.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships were awarded earlier this year.

Lancaster County 4-H/FFA Livestock Booster Club

Awards two $500 college scholarships to Lancaster County 4-H/FFA seniors, with preference to those who have exhibited in production livestock. In 2019, $500 was donated by the Lancaster County Farm Bureau to award a third scholarship.

  • Cole Cooper, Bailey Donner, Catherine Hytrek
Lancaster County 4-H Council’s Alumni

Awards a $500 college scholarship to a Lancaster County 4-H alumni who is at least one year post high school and has continued participation in 4-H as a volunteer or leader.

  • Ivy Dearmont
4-H Summer Camp Scholarships from 4-H Council
  • Tessa Cockerill, Zoie Doxon, Kolbee Kroemer, Vanessa Peterson, Eliese Schwinck, Parker Smith, Pearce Smith, Preston Smith

4-H Achievement Celebration Awards