2022

Lancaster County 4-H and 4-H Council presented the Lancaster County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Friday, March 25. The theme was "You Make a Difference!" 4-H members, clubs and leaders were recognized for their 2021 achievements. Lancaster County 4-H congratulates all 4-H youth who commit themselves to excellence! The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 25 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

4-H AWARDS PRESENTATION

Master of Ceremonies: Sara Hansen, 4-H Council President
Pledges led by: Lancaster Leaders 4-H Club
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners’ Proclamation of 4-H Achievement Day read by: Christa Yoakum, Board of Commissioners Vice Chair
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Representative: Bev Schenkel, Associate Director of Admissions
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 Lancaster County 4-H Council redeemable towards 4-H activities and supplies.

Completed a Junior application: Noah Babcock, Emily Bauman, Reagan Breuer, Acacia Carlson, Khloe Cuttlers, Adam Gabel, Ethan Gabel, Morgan Gabel, Parker Hansen, Dayton Jons, Nettie Lunquist, Amorita Payne, Micah Pracheil, Silas Pracheil, Alexa Smith
Completed a Senior application: Samuel Babcock, Clare Bauman, Aleyna Cuttlers, Kylie Hansen

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’ers, Fusion 4-H’ers, Joes Clover Knights, Lancaster Leaders, Little Green Giants, Rabbits R Us, Southern Lancaster Kids

NEBRASKA 4-H 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. 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: Brayden Belew, Payzleigh Belew, Andrea Bettenhausen, Molly Boysen, Reese Dell, Evelyn May, Grace Moyer, Max Moyer, Ava Ottemann, Eli Ramaekers, Ethan Ramaekers
Level 2 – Aquamarine: Noah Babcock, Tenley Bauman, Josiah Boysen, Acacia Carlson, Helayna DeBuhr, Anna Fousek, Parker Hansen, Dayton Jons, Evan Mittan-DeBuhr, Brooklynn Nelsen, Amorita Payne, Bailey Petersen, Alexa Smith, Katy Weaver
Level 3 – Ruby: Khloe Cuttlers, Reagan Tonkin
Level 4 – Sapphire: Nettie Lunquist, Vanessa Peterson, Emma Thomson
Level 5 – Emerald: Samuel Babcock, Aleyna Cuttlers, Kamryn Wanser
Level 6 – Diamond: Mindy Bartels, Kylie Hansen, Riley Peterson, Hannah Thomson

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.

John Sump — His project included assembling and installing two fishing-line recycling tubes at each of the Natural Resource District lakes in and around Lancaster County to help encourage proper disposal of fishing lines. He also organized a clean-up day of the eight NRD lakes.
Allison Walbrecht — Her project was creating a Unified Showing 4-H club to empower youth with disabilities through learning about and showing sheep with the aid of a buddy. This successful program is now in two additional counties in Nebraska!

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: Khloe Cuttlers, Amorita Payne, Bailey Petersen, Vanessa Peterson, Alexa Smith, Reagan Tonkin, Kamryn Wanser, Katy Weaver
Age 14 and over: Kylie Hansen, Mischa Lunquist, Nettie Lunquist, Riley Peterson

LANCASTER COUNTY SUPER FAIR 4-H DOG VERSATILITY AWARD

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

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.

Poultry: Cuttlers Family and Pillard Family (team)
Swine: Terwilliger Family
Sheep/Meat Goat: Amazing Treasures 4-H Club and Pittman Family (tie)
Dairy/Pygmy Goat: Go Go Goat Getters 4-H Club
Beef/Bucket Calf: Sterns Family
Dairy Cattle: Hytrek Family

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): Everything Equine (Leader: Chelsea Sackett). The 9 club members had 133 total entries at fair, participating in the 4-H Horse Shows and Horse Judging Contest. This is the club’s first year as an outstanding 4-H club. Congratulations!
Category II (membership of 11–20) & Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup winner: Fantastic 4 (Leader: Jennifer Smith). The 12 club members had approximately 226 total entries at fair, exhibiting in a wide variety of static exhibits, animal shows and contests. This is the 7th year this club has won an outstanding club award.
Category III (membership of 21 or more): Star City Cornhuskers (Leader: Stephanie Polk). The approximately 45 members had nearly 265 total entries at fair, exhibiting in a wide variety of static exhibits, some animal shows and several contests. This is the club’s first year as an outstanding 4-H club.

LANCASTER COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AWARD

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.

Clare Bauman, Kylie Hansen, Riley Peterson

LANCASTER COUNTY OUTSTANDING 4-H MEMBER

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.

John Sump has excelled in county and state 4-H contests such as the Presentations, Life Challenge, Table Setting and Livestock Judging contests. He has exhibited in several projects areas at the Lancaster County Super Fair, such as dairy goats, swine, woodworking, photography and horticulture — earning many top awards. Several of his exhibits qualified for the Nebraska State Fair. John served on 4-H Council and was a Teen Council member. He has volunteered at Clover College, in the 4-H Council food stand, helped assemble hygiene bags for the People’s City Mission, earned the major Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award and more!

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.

Karol Swotek has volunteered with Lancaster County 4-H since 2004. She started the 4-H Explorers, then the Go Go Goat Getters 4-H clubs and she is now serving as a co-leader for the Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council. Through the years, Karol has been essential to countless Clover Colleges. She is innovative and strives to source opportunities for youth to build skills. For example, she has received numerous grants for her clubs to help them grow. She goes the extra mile if it means she is able to help youth. Rumor has it she brought goats in her minivan for workshops so youth could see them up close and learn about them. Karol also served on 4-H Council for 6 years, helping with the food stand at the Lancaster County Super Fair and other Council activities. Karol brings a wonderful energy to the program. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Through nearly 18 years of volunteering, she has epitomized service to 4-H.

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: Clare Bauman, Kylie Hansen, Riley Peterson
Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council — Awards $300 scholarships to current 4-H'ers who are active in Teen Council: Brayden Boehle, Christopher Moore
Lincoln Center Kiwanis — Awards a $1,000 scholarship to a current high school senior who is active in Lancaster County 4-H: Mindy Bartels
Dick Fleming Leadership & Communication – Awards a $250 scholarship to a 4-H'er who has excelled in leadership and communication through 4-H: Mindy Bartels

4-H MILESTONE PIN RECIPIENTS

2022 4-H SENIORS: Katie Aberg, Alaina Agnew, Griffin Anderson, Amber Arnold, Mindy Bartels, Toby Becker, Brayden Boehle, Clara Bradbury, Jayce Broughton, Cody Bruss, Makena Colson, Braxton Dalton, Eric Dickhault, Olivia Epp, Robert Ferrel, Samantha Fox, Laurel Frogge, Olympia Gegg, Lilly Hanley, Carman Kinkaid, Simon Koch, Sara Kreikemeier, Carter Kuklis, John Paul LaPlante, Diamond LeBlanc, Katie Marsh, Kali Maytum, Christopher Moore, Tanner Muff, Meredith Nelson, Isaac Niedergeses, Morgan Pillard, Zach Pittman, Kayla Ralston, Allison Riedman, Janna Schmidt, Eliese Schwinck, John Sump, Tatum Terwilliger, Emma Timmer, Kaitlyn Vander Woude, Kaylie Waite, Allison Walbrecht, Cadi Wilbeck
3-YEAR MEMBERS: Autumn Armknecht, Kali Armknecht, Londyn Ayres, Julia Baehr, David Bauman, Andrea Bettenhausen, Brooklyn Blunt, Lakyn Bohaboj, Brynley Bottorf, Thaxton Bourek, Xavyer Bourek, Samantha Branch, Lucas Brown, Tate Burklund, Easton Byrne, Charis Carlson, Grace Chevalier, Hannah Chevalier, Lilee Chevalier, Jude Clarke, John Connett, Ella Cowan, Blake Davis, Eric Dickhaut, Jacob Diedrichsen, Alice Dingman, Isaac Doty, Sierra Dreith, Elizabeth Dyer, Harrison Earley, Alice Elsener, Kiara Eppenbach, Sydnee Fijolek, Skylar Frisbie, Hadley Gallagher, Deborah Garza, Olympia Gegg, Jacob Guthrie, Reed Harris, Sydney Harvey, Claira Heinzle, Wil Hershberger, Anderson Hoesche, Hunter Isabell, Ashton Jensen, Dayton Jons, Kyla Jueneman, Mya Keller, Ryan Kennedy, Mary LaPlante, Anthony Lawson, Dominic Lawson, Lucia Lawson, Jayden LeMaster, Jackson Linke, Cecilia Rose Livingston, William Livingston, Addisyn Lorenson, Ian Lorenson, Olivia Mays, Tessa McInerney, Matthew Mentzer, Adelaide Metcalf, Abigail Moje, Elizabeth Moje, Ruby Molini, Daniel Moore, Makenna Morgan, Emma Mumm, Hannah Mumm, Dane Newman, Berkley Niederklein, Jocelyn Noack, Jackson O’Brien, Maggie O’Neal, Piper O’Neal, Zoey O’Neal, Elisa Paider, Amorita Payne, Korben Payne, Maddison Peterman, Lucy Pflanz, Shawn Phillips, Rakon Rashidi, Benedict Rauert, Morgan Richert, Reese Rockenbach, Morgan Roof, Londyn Rubek, Grace Sandbulte, Felix Sanio, Owen Savicky, Aubrey Schleusener, Lauren Schmeeckle, Brayden Schmidt, Colston Schmidt, Rebekah Schulte, Ava Simpson, Elena Simpson, Hannah Simpson, Carlisle Smith, Mason Snider, Dakota Stolley, Hunter Stolley, Jalyn Teichmeier, Maelynn Todd, Reagan Tonkin, Magenta Umphreys, Nolan Vander Woude, Ryan Vander Woude, Bennett Vogel, Ellie Volk, Katy Weaver, Chase Wessel, Ella Wieczorek, Lily Wooledge
2-YEAR LEADERS: Hope Bauman, Katherine Connett, Jenny DeBuhr, Malinda Jean Baptiste, Ranelle Korth, Jessica Marsh, Tom Mueller, Nicole Mumm, Caitlyn Schmidt, Allison Walbrecht, Denise Walbrecht
5-YEAR LEADERS: Laura Cook, Emalea Dean, Sheri Hampton, Nichole Jelinek, Alyssa Jensen, Jennifer Metcalf, Jesse Metcalf, Kent Richard,Angie Root, Mitch Sump
10-YEAR LEADERS: Cathy Babcock, Rachel Carlson, Lois Muhlbach, Stephanie Polk
20-YEAR LEADER: Sheila Purdum

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE

COMPANION ANIMAL CHALLENGE

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

Art Contest Junior: Dayton Jons (Grand Champion), Alexa Smith (Reserve Champion)
Art Contest Intermediate: Brooklynn Nelsen, Olivia Ralston (Reserve Champion), Kamryn Wanser (Reserve Champion), Katy Weaver
Cat Trivia Intermediate: Elizabeth Hilkeman (Reserve Champion), Dayton Jons
Dog Trivia Intermediate: Alexa Smith (Reserve Champion)
Essay Intermediate: Kamryn Wanser
Photography Junior: Elizabeth Hilkeman (Grand Champion, Reserve Champion), Dayton Jons, Amorita Payne, Alexa Smith
Photography Intermediate: Brooklynn Nelsen, Kamryn Wanser, Katy Weaver
Photography Senior: Mindy Bartels (Reserve Champion)

PASE/LIFE CHALLENGE CONTESTS

Life Challenge

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

Team of Mindy Bartels, Clare Bauman, Bridget Clarke and Mollie Clarke — Food & Nutrition Challenge 1st Place; Design Challenge 1st Place; Adulting Challenge 2nd Place
Team of Abby Kruse, Sarah Lange and Emmy Sheldon — Food & Nutrition Challenge 2nd Place; Design Challenge “Most Creative Use of Space” award
Team of Emily Bauman, Morgan Gabel, Emma Thomson and Kamryn Wanser — Adulting Challenge Peer Choice award

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 Intermediate: Josie Johnson individual 10th place overall
Livestock Judging Senior Team: Noah Jelinek, Clara Johnson, Rhianna Metcalf, Zach Pittman, Olivia Vanderford and Landon Wyman — 10th place overall
Poultry Judging contest: Noah Jelinek individual 7th place overall, Zach Pittman individual 8th place overall

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.

Blazing Saddles, Five Star 4-H’ers, Fusion 4-H’ers, Joe’s Clover Knights, Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council, NE Equestrian, Southern Lancaster Kids, Unified Showing

COMMUNICATION CONTESTS

State Public Speaking Contests

The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest, which has Speech and Public Service Announcement (PSA) categories. The top five in each division received medals. *Indicates purple ribbon at state.

Speech Intermediate: Holly Bowen*, Morgan Gabel*, Kamryn Wanser*, Melanie Wiggins* (1st place)
Speech Senior: Acacia Carlson* (4th place), John Donlan*
PSA Intermediate: Mia Crawford*, Ian Lorenson, Vanessa Peterson*, Melanie Wiggins* (1st place)
PSA Senior: Mindy Bartels, Ella Hendricksen*, Riley Peterson, Eliese Schwinck

State Fair Presentations Contest

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

Kylie Hansen (Premier Presenter), Parker Hansen*

SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships were awarded earlier this year.

Lancaster County 44-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.

Brett Heinrich, Grant Johnson

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.

Katie Nepper

Merlyn Anderson 4-H Scholarships

This scholarship support students from the Gage and Jefferson Counties area who are interested in Agricultural Studies. Preference is given to students who have been involved in 4-H. The following three Lancaster County youth attend Norris High School and received a $3,750 scholarship.

Rayley Burnside (major: Ag Business), Nathaniel Gabel (major: Fisheries & Wildlife), Luke Harms (major: Environmental Science)

NEBRASKA 4-H ONLINE HORTICULTURE QUIZ

The following Lancaster County youth participated in this statewide opportunity.

Laurel Frogge, Kaily Wesely

NEBRASKA 4-H ONLINE INSECT IDENTIFICATION CONTEST

The following Lancaster County youth participated in this statewide opportunity.

Samuel Babcock

STATE FAIR TOP PLACINGS

Samuel Babcock — Horticulture Judging Contest – Senior, 10th Place; Insect ID Judging Contest – Senior, 2nd Place
Emily Bauman — Quilt Quest – Computer Exploration Winner
Auren Burkey — Sheep: Reserve Champion Division VII: Commercial Meat Breed Ewes AND Reserve Champion Breeding Ewe; Sheep: 2nd Place Dorset Market Lambs
Isabel Buss — Outstanding Quilt Exhibit Level 1 [Small]
Ruby Dean — Dog: Reserve Champion Obedience Beginning Novice Division A; Dog: Obedience – 2nd Place Beginning Novice Division A
Kyson Gana — Beef: Champion Simmental Breeding Heifer (Yearling Heifers Calved March/April 2020)
Kylie Hansen — Tree ID Judging Contest – Senior, 5th Place
Parker Hansen — Horticulture Judging Contest – Intermediate, 9th Place [Blue Ribbon]
Clara Johnson — Fashion Show – 1 of the Top 5 Exhibitsl Beef: Reserve Champion LimFlex Breeding Heifer (Yearling Heifers Calved Jan./Feb. 20)
Madelyn Kreifels — Quilt Quest – Premiere Quilt Winner [Hand Quilted]
Michael Lockee III — Sheep: Champion Division III: Hampshire Ewes (Breeding Sheep - Hampshire Ewe Lambs)
Zach Pittman — Poultry: Geese – 1st Place: Lt Tufted Roman White Old Female
Kyler Plugge — Beef: Showmanship – Intermediate – 2nd Place; Beef: Supreme Reserve Champion Breeding Heifer AND Champion Red Angus Breeding Heifer (Yearling Heifers Calved Jan./Feb. 2020)
Catherine Polk — Horticulture Judging Contest – Intermediate, 4th Place; Tree ID Judging Contest – Intermediate, 3rd Place
Maria Polk — Tree ID Judging Contest – Intermediate, 2nd Place
Micah Pracheil — Insect ID Judging Contest – Intermediate, 4th Place
Marylynn Rauert — Poultry: Showmanship – 3rd Place Intermediate
Allison Walbrecht — Beef: Reserve Champion Commercial Breeding Heifer (Heifers Calved Jan./Feb. 2020)
Kaily Wesley — Horticulture Judging Contest – Intermediate, 3rd Place; Tree ID Judging Contest – Intermediate, 5th Place

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: Clare Bauman*, Clara Johnson* (one of top 5 garments), Madelyn Kreifels, Olivia Mays, Piper Pillard*
Shopping in Style: Clara Johnson*

Design Gallery Special Selections

32 Sketchbook Crossroads, Portfolio Pathways or Design Decisions exhibits and 4 Fashion Show exhibits were displayed in the 4-H Design Gallery at State Fair.

Isabel Buss — Quilt Quest
Galen Goforth — Design Decisions
Clara Johnson — Constructed STEAM Clothing 3
Madelyn Kreifels — Quilt Quest
Vanessa Peterson — STEAM Clothing 2 – Simply Sewing

Loft Gallery Fine Arts Exhibition

13 Sketchbook Crossroads or Portfolio Pathway exhibits were selected to be displayed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Union Loft Gallery in November.

Anne Marie Wurtz — Portfolio Pathways Mixed Media and Sketchbook Pencil

State Fair Culinary Challenge Contest

The following youth represented Lancaster County at the State Fair Culinary Challenge Contest. The contest included a live interview with a judge. *Indicates purple ribbon at state.

Team — Olivia Mays* and Vanessa Peterson* (5th place)
Team — Kylie Hansen and Parker Hansen

Photography Special Selections

Photographs selected for display during the next year at the UNL Animal Science Building or UNL East Campus Exhibition.

Clare Bauman — UNL East Campus Exhibition, Abby Kruse — UNL East Campus Exhibition, Catherine Polk — UNL Animal Science Department Exhibition

Livestock Achievement Program

New this year! At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth plan what to accomplish. At the end of the 4-H year, they report on their completed accomplishments. Members of Excellence were recognized during the State Fair 4-H Parade of Champions.

Andrew Frain — Rabbit Project Area, Intermediate Level

NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS

National 4-H Congress is a five-day educational experience held in Atlanta, Georgia and is the premiere leadership event for 4-H’ers. 2021 marked the 100th National Congress and the theme — “A Century of Empowering Youth” — focused on leadership, citizenship, global awareness and inclusion. In Nebraska, 19 youth were selected to attend based upon the achievements outlined in their 4-H Achievement Application.

Aleyna Cuttlers (Her Achievement Application was in the area of Healthy Living)

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 Judging team of Emmi Dearmont, Samantha Fox, Kali Maytum and Erin Oldemeyer (coached by Roger Bell) earned 5th high team overall in horse judging
Emmi Dearmont — 9th individual in halter, 14th high individual overall, 16th individual in reasons
Samantha Fox — 5th individual in performance, 10th high individual overall, 15th individual in halter
Kali Maytum — 10th individual in performance
Erin Oldemeyer — 14th individual in reasons, 16th high individual overall, 17th individual in halter, 17th individual in performance