2026

Festive decorated room full of adults and youth sitting in chairs looking at screens that say Welcome 4-H'ers

Lancaster County 4‑H and 4‑H Council presented the Lancaster County 4‑H Achievement Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. The theme was “Our 4-H'ers are out of this world!” 4‑H members, clubs and leaders were recognized for their 2025 achievements. The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Feb. 12 as “4‑H Achievement Day.” The proclamation was read at Achievement Celebration by UNL Admissions & Extension Specialist, Greg Fritz — see proclamation.

Achievement Celebration Photos on Flickr    

Accomplishments of Note Slideshow Presentation (YouTube video)

  • Master of Ceremonies: Russ Parrott, 4‑H Council President
  • Pledges led by: 4‑H Council members
  • Lancaster County Board of Commissioners’ Proclamation of 4‑H Achievement Day read by: Greg Fritz, UNL Admissions & Extension
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Representatives: Greg Fritz, UNL Admissions & Extension; Claire Swanson, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 
  • Lincoln Center Kiwanis Representative: Dayle Williamson

AWARDS PRESENTATION

NEBRASKA 4‑H ACHIEVEMENT APPLICATION RECOGNITION

The Nebraska 4‑H Achievement Application is a record of a 4‑H member’s 4‑H experiences, leadership experiences, community involvement/service-learning and career spark. Each Lancaster County 4‑H’er who submits 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: Monica Bauman, Andrea Bettenhausen, Ian Bettenhausen, Murray Bettenhausen, Hannah Chevalier, Molly Gabel, Amorita Payne, Cora Pracheil, Silas Pracheil, Alexa Smith
  • Completed a Senior application: Emily Bauman, Khloe Cuttlers, Adam Gabel, Parker Hansen, Hadley Reimers

 

NEBRASKA 4‑H CLUBS OF EXCELLENCE

Nebraska 4‑H Clubs of Excellence have met the criteria outlined by Nebraska 4‑H 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.

  • 4 on the Floor 4-H Dog Club — led by John Croghan. The club worked together to create homemade dog toys. Members learned braiding, knotting, and assembly skills while encouraging creativity and teamwork. These toys were donated to the local Humane Society, allowing members to support dogs awaiting adoption and see how their efforts can make a difference.
  • Clever Clovers — led by Sara and Kylie Hansen. The club rotated leadership roles among members who worked to keep meetings engaging while mentoring younger members. For community service, the club created Easter cards for patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital and worked shifts at the 4-H Food Booth during the fair, building confidence and public speaking skills.
  • Fantastic 4 4‑H Club — led by Jen Smith. This club focused on a chicken project, with members gaining experience through poultry showing and mentoring first-time showmen. As an ongoing service project, members created holiday cards for seniors, reinforcing the importance of kindness and giving back.
  • Fusion 4‑H’ers — led by Marsha Prior and Analisa Peterson. The club learned Swedish weaving and created felt heart baskets while continuing a meaningful partnership with Pemberly Place Senior Care Center. Members hosted game nights, made crafts, and coordinated special events, building empathy, communication, and responsibility. 
  • Green Spark 4-H Club — led by Crystal Powers. The club explored a different hands-on project each month, including healthy snacks, geocaching, insect photography, seed planting, string art, and water sampling. These activities allowed members to explore new interests and build a wide range of skills.
  • Horticulture 4‑H Club — led by Mary Jane Frogge. Members participated in the Special Garden Project and kept garden journals to grow their knowledge and skills. Their efforts blossomed into care packages of food and personal care items donated to the CEDARS Youth Outreach Center, making a meaningful impact for youth in the community.  
  • JP2 Crew — led by Megan Bauman. This last year, JP2 Crew members explored the bird project by studying bird beaks and creating feeders from recycled materials. For community service, members potted houseplants and added cheerful notes for homebound seniors, combining learning with meaningful giving.
  • Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council — led by Tracy Anderson and Karol Swotek. The club focused on leadership and service, organizing the annual 4th and 5th Grade Lock-In through teen-led committees. Members also led BINGO at the Kiwanis Karnival and secured grants to create Move-In Kits for People’s City Mission and Comfort Kits for the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center. 
  • Lancaster Leaders — led by Jenny DeBuhr and Jessica Marsh. Members completed a variety of hands-on projects including paper circuits, food science, hydroponics, and creative arts. Members also participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade, volunteered at the Food Bank of Lincoln, and worked shifts at the 4-H Food Booth, learning the value of service and teamwork.
  • Little Green Giants 4-H Club — led by Tracy Pracheil. Members explored robotics, home design, photography, and archery through hands-on learning. Members also designed game stations for the Kiwanis Karnival using recycled materials and participated in a park clean-up at Antelope Park, building leadership and teamwork. 
  • Prairie Explorers — led by Bethany Bettenhausen and Elizabeth May. Members completed banner and genealogy projects while learning creativity and family history. The club raised funds through a garage sale and bake sale to adopt a family at Christmas, learning teamwork and the impact of helping others.
  • Rabbits R Us — led by Sarah Lanik-Frain, Jen Metcalf and Jesse Metcalf. Members completed a major service project by raising funds to purchase a freezer and ice bottles to help keep rabbits cool during the fair. Members also supported the fair through set-up and clean-up, food booth shifts, outreach events, and visits to The Lexington with their rabbits. 
  • Southern Lancaster Kids — led by Hope Bauman. As a club, members worked on a variety of activities, including starting a club scrapbook. Members supported their community through the Kiwanis Karnival, the 4-H Food Booth, and decorating windows at a local reading center, building creativity, teamwork, and service-mindedness.

 

NEBRASKA 4‑H DIAMOND CLOVER AWARD

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. At the end of the 4‑H year, they complete a report which documents their accomplishments. Youth may progress from Levels 1–6.

  • Level 1 – Amethyst: Nicholas Bauman, Murray Bettenhausen, Mary Brooks, Madison Draeger, Mckenna Draeger, Juniper Faeh, Maggie Faeh, Penny Faeh, Catherine Friesen, Clare Friesen, Gwendolyn Friesen, Johanna Friesen, Mary Kerstin Friesen, Cayson Grone, Lea Hollstien, Owen McCarthy, Brigham Moore, Addison Rocole, Amelia Rocole, Zayne Russell, Ella Schneider, Isabelle Tonkin, Avery Vlasnik, Jaxon Vlasnik
  • Level 2 – Aquamarine: Lundy Dell, Shelby Huenink, Jesse May, Adelaide Metcalf, Drew Moscrip, Natalie Pape, Anthony Pflanz, Sandrafaye Schulz
  • Level 3 – Ruby: Piper Bauman, Ian Bettenhausen, Sophie Huenink, Gracie Mittan–DeBuhr, Abigail Page
  • Level 4 – Sapphire: Monica Bauman, Emily Crawford, Mia Crawford, Isaac May, Lucy Pflanz, Grace Tetzlaff
  • Level 5 – Emerald: Andrea Bettenhausen, Khloe Cuttlers, Helayna DeBuhr, Reese Dell, Parker Hansen, Evelyn May
  • Level 6 – Diamond: Tenley Bauman, Amorita Payne, Alexa Smith

 

LANCASTER COUNTY 4‑H COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Presented to 4‑H’ers who have completed significant 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 & under: Piper Bauman, Monica Bauman, Brayden Belew, Payzleigh Belew, Andrea Bettenhausen, Ian Bettenhausen, Murray Bettenhausen, Molly Boysen, Clare Friesen, Gwendolyn Friesen, Mary Kerstin Friesen, Evelyn May, Isaac May, Adelaide Metcalf, Alexa Smith, Grace Tetzlaff
  • Age 14 & over: Emily Bauman, Tenley Bauman, Emily Crawford, Khloe Cuttlers, Reese Dell, Parker Hansen, Vanessa Peterson

 

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. Here are the species champions.

  • Beef/Bucket Calf — Champion: Happy Go Lucky 4‑H Club
  • Swine — Champion: South of 2 4-H Club
  • Poultry — Champion (Tie): (Friday Morning Team) Tommy Benes, Kyla Wharton, Vivienne Jaros and Declan Tschirren & (Sunday Morning Team) Dayton Jons, Reagan Dinger and Polk Family
  • Sheep/Meat Goat — Champion: Lancaster Meat Goat 4-H Club
  • Dairy Goat — Champion: Bell Family

 

LANCASTER COUNTY SUPER FAIR 4‑H DOG VERSATILITY AWARDS

This special recognition is awarded to 4‑H Dog Show exhibitors at the 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, Katie Fisher, Sarah Fisher, Sophie Huenink, Olivia Jelinek, Dayton Jons, Aiden Powers, Paige Schepers, Remington Tate

 

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): Boots N’ Hooves — The club’s 6 members had 94 total entries at the fair, exhibiting in a variety of horse shows and participating in Horse Judging and Showmanship. Teresa Brandt is the leader. This is the 2nd year this club has won an Outstanding Club Award. 
  • Category II (membership of 11–20) & Wayne C. Farmer Memorial Cup winner: Southern Lancaster Kids — The club’s 20 members had 350 total entries at the fair, showcasing projects in a wide variety of static exhibit areas, animal shows and contests. Hope Bauman is the leader. This is the 2nd year this club has won an Outstanding Club award and 1st year as the overall winner. 
  • Category III (membership of 21 or more): Rabbits R Us — The club’s 27 members had 383 total entries at the fair, showcasing projects in a wide variety of static exhibit areas, animal shows and contests. Sarah Lanik–Frain, Jen Metcalf and Jesse Metcalf are the leaders. This is the 6th year this club has won an Outstanding Club Award.

 

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 $50 from Lancaster County 4‑H Council.

  • Parker Hansen, an 11-year 4-H'er, is a member of the Clever Clovers and Teen Council 4-H clubs and serves on the 4-H Council. He exhibits in multiple project areas at both the county and state fairs, has earned community service awards for his volunteer efforts, and has completed five levels of the Diamond Clover Program.
  • Helen Parrott, a 9-year 4-H'er, is a member of the Little Green Giants and Teen Council 4-H Clubs and serves on 4-H Council. Helen completes and enters a wide variety of static exhibits at the county fair. 
  • Maria Polk, a 10-year 4-H’er, is a member of Star City Cornhuskers and Horticulture 4-H clubs. She has shown poultry, horses and swine at the county fair. She has competed in both the county and state horticulture judging contests as well as the Premier Animal Science Event (PASE).
  • Marylynn Rauert, a 9-year 4-H’er, is a member of the Star City Cornhuskers 4-H Club. She generously shares her time and knowledge by helping fellow 4-H members with project animals and herdsmanship. In addition, Marylynn has earned top county fair awards in several project areas. 

 

LANCASTER COUNTY OUTSTANDING 4‑H MEMBER AWARD

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 of — and depth of involvement in — 4‑H activities.

  • Emma Thomson — A dedicated 4-H member for 10 years. She has built a truly outstanding 4-H career, marked by impressive accomplishments and a strong commitment to serving others. Emma is an active member of the Rabbits R Us, Sew Green, and Lincoln Shooting Stars 4-H clubs. She currently serves as Teen Council President and 4-H Council Secretary, demonstrating leadership at both the club and county levels. At the Lancaster County Super Fair, she exhibited in a wide range of project areas, such as rabbits, meat goats, foods, sewing, speech, and photography. She has been actively involved in contest as well such as Speech, Public Service Announcement, fashion show, and Life Challenge Contests. Emma is dedicated to giving back to her community. Some of her service includes volunteering at Clover College, working in the 4-H Council food stand, assisting with Super Fair static exhibit set-up and judging, and helping assemble kits for People’s City Mission and the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center. She has also completed Diamond Clover Level 6, the highest level of the Diamond Clover Award Program. 

 

LANCASTER COUNTY MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO 4‑H AWARD 

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

  • Kristy Hattan — She started for three years as a club leader for the 4-H Sew & Dough Club for three years and volunteering during static exhibit fair judging day. These experiences led her to her favorite volunteer spot – the Home Environment Department at the County Fair. For 31 years, she has been the lead Home Environment County Fair Superintendent and organized her extensive Superintendent team to set up, enter, coordinate judging and artfully display approximately 500 exhibits each year as well as clean up at the conclusion of the fair. This team includes many family members including her husband Dave, daughter Jill Hattan, sister Tammy Wollen and niece Brandy Brock. Her friend Beverlee Keller also serves on this team. 

 

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.

  • Khloe Cuttlers, Shea Frink, Catherine Polk, Avery Stohs, Emma Thomson
LANCASTER COUNTY 4‑H TEEN COUNCIL

Awards $300 scholarships to current 4‑H’ers who are active in 4‑H Teen Council.

  • Emma Thomson
LINCOLN CENTER KIWANIS

Awards a $1,000 scholarship to a current high school senior who is active in 4‑H.

  • Emma Thomson
RICH WIESE MEMORIAL

Rich Wiese was a Lincoln Center Kiwanian who was very involved when the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center was built. This year his widow, Rose Wiese, is providing a $1,000 scholarship in Rich’s name to a high school senior who is in 4-H.

  • Avery Stohs
DICK FLEMING LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

Awards a $250 scholarship to a 4‑H’er who has excelled in leadership and communication through 4‑H.

  • Emma Thomson
LANE COMMUNITY

Awards a $200 scholarship to a 4‑H’er attending Raymond Central High School.

  • Khloe Cuttlers

 

4‑H MILESTONE RECOGNITION

2025 4‑H SENIORS 

Graduating seniors receive a 4‑H Alumni T-shirt, courtesy of Lancaster County 4‑H Council.

  • Talin Abney–Cook, Aislyn Applegarth, Madison Blair, Auren Burkey, Samantha Combs, Justin Cornelius, Khloe Cuttlers, Ruby Dean, Khilynne Dieken, Boone Elam, May Frain, Shea Frink, Suzy Hanley, Samuel Huck, Emberlin Johnson, Alyssa Jones, Regina Jordan, Christian Kaiser, Sarah Kennedy, Rachel Koch, Caden Koeppen, Macy Konz, Cameron Kuebler, Katelyn Lightbody, Jack Mares, Lexi McCaffree, TJ Mueller, Noah Newton, Savannah Nordmeyer, Andrew Payne, Catherine Polk, Amelia Proffitt, Max Roberts, Kloee Schwartz, Emmy Sheldon, DJ Steiner, Avery Stohs, Cally Sullivan, Taeva Taylor, Emma Thomson, Clint Werner, Moya Windhorst
3-YEAR MEMBERS 

Youth who have been enrolled in 4‑H for 3 years receive a 4‑H pin, courtesy of Lancaster County 4‑H Council.

  • Finnegan Brannen, Alison Brannon–Mack, Ainsley Burnside, Lucia Chevalier, Olivia Clark, Lexus Cooper, Erica Cowan, Asher Crilly, Ezequiel Crilly, Oliver Cudaback, Benjamin DeGarmo, Maya Dickes, Khilynne Dieken, Abigail Dobesh, Preston Dobesh, Wesley Dobesh, John Donner, William Fendrick, Alec Flodman, Emma Flodman, Liam Gifford, Naomi Grimes, Ellery Guenther, Ethan Hardin, William Hegemann, Gavin Hicks, Ryon Hill, Khloe Jackson, Ben James, Clarity James, Conrad Jaros, Dorothy Jaros, Vivienne Jaros, James Jordan, Aleese Jurgens, Jett Jurgens, Eli King, Alexander Kirianov, Tanner Kleinschmit, Claire Kolbet, Sarah Lancaster, Joseph LaPlante, Teresa LaPlante, Katelyn Lightbody, Evan Lin, Izek Lockee, Steel Lockee, Camilla Macdissi, Olivia Mack, Kian Malzer, Samuel Manning, Cora May, Harper McKelvey, John Mehaffie, Brigham Moore, Harriet Moore, Beckett Nelsen, Brayden Nelson, Natalie Nelson, Annalise Nore, Reece Osborn, Graydon Ousey, Abigail Page, Nora Pearson, Jackson Peck, Ashton Placke, Reece Placke, Avery Plugge, Dylan Plugge, Benjamin Ramaekers, Elizabeth Redfield, Isaiah Redfield, Lucas Redfield, Hudson Reimers, Sylvia Saathoff–Salas, Zach Scholtes, Emma Schroeder, Isaac Schroeder, Noah Schroeder, Rose Schroeder, Chase Schwarting, Howard Senft, Andrew Shields, Elijah Smith, Ifejobi Sodeke, Delaney Steintzmen, Eve Sun, William Varilek, Porter Vetick, Jaxon Vlasnik, Eleanor Wandzilak, Olivia Wandzilak, Augustine Werner, Henry Werner, Miriam Westmore, Elyse Williams, Marlys Williamson, Gus Willis, Kaleb Wood, Wyatt Wood, Bella Wynn, Samson Zade
CLUB LEADER YEARS OF SERVICE

Organizational and project leaders who have reached a milestone year of service receive an award, courtesy of Lancaster County 4‑H Council. Thank you volunteers!

  • 2-Year Leaders: Tom Bennett*, Shaun Brannen, Tim Byrne, John Elam, Kylie Hansen, Kennan Kennedy, Christopher Kolbet, Jeff Krinke*, Schyler Lindekugel-Sullivan, Kirk Malzer*, Elizabeth May*, Lori McCarthy*, Julia Plugge*, Jesse Roberts*, Sally Schwinck, Andrea Taylor, Rhett Taylor, Jeremy Wallace*, TJ White, Danny Wright, Jonathan Wright
  • 5-Year Leaders: Jason Babcock*, Bethany Bettenhausen, Kim Bowen, Tom Mueller*, Kevin Muff*, Crystal Powers, Lucas Proffitt*, Rebecca Robinett, Doug Savicky, Kyle Smith, Scott Stanley, Gary Wieman*
  • 10-Year Leaders: Emalea Dean, Craig Manson*
  • 15-Year Leaders: Sarah Lanik-Frain
  • 20-Year Leader: Kelly Brown, Jen Smith

*Belated recognition for previous milestone year.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOTE

Here are Lancaster County 4‑H’ers achievements from throughout the year, most of which have already received recognition at various events and/or in the NEBLINE newsletter.

 

SERVICE PROJECTS

LANCASTER COUNTY 4-H COUNCIL’S MY HANDS TO LARGER SERVICE AWARDS

4‑H Council offers four $300 and three $100 awards each year to help clubs and members fund youth‑driven service projects. These projects should engage members in hands‑on learning while benefiting others.

  • Aviana Vega, Fusion 4-H’ers, Lancaster Meat Goat 4-H Club, Rabbits R Us
NEBRASKA 4-H FOUNDATION’S HANDS FOR LARGER SERVICE AWARDS

This grant is intended to provide funding for 4‑H clubs to complete projects that will have a lasting impact on their communities. These projects should be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community.

  • Fusion 4-H’ers, Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council

     

SCHOLARSHIPS

LANCASTER COUNTY 4‑H & FFA LIVESTOCK BOOSTERS

The Lancaster County 4-H Livestock Boosters awards up to three $500 college scholarships to Lancaster County 4-H & FFA seniors, with preference to those who have exhibited in production livestock. These are recognized at the Lancaster County Super Fair 4-H & FFA Livestock Premium Auction.

  • Connor Paitz
4‑H ALUMNI — FROM LANCASTER COUNTY 4‑H COUNCIL

Lancaster County 4-H Council provides a $500 college scholarship to a Lancaster County 4‑H alumni who is at least one year post high school and has continued participating in the Lancaster County 4-H program as a volunteer or leader.

  • Aleyna Cuttlers
4‑H CAMPS — FROM LANCASTER COUNTY 4‑H COUNCIL

Lancaster County 4‑H Council provides a limited number of $200 scholarships to Lancaster County 4‑H youth to attend one or more of the following camps: Nebraska 4‑H Summer Camp, Nebraska 4‑H Big Red Summer Academic Camps and/or UNL Winners Unlimited Livestock Judging Camp. 

  • Corrine Byrne, Gracen Byrne, Khloe Cuttlers, Kyler Plugge
NEBRASKA 4‑H FOUNDATION

The 4‑H Foundation provides up to $25,000 worth of scholarships each year to graduating seniors who have been actively involved in 4‑H. Youth apply for these scholarships as part of the Senior Achievement Application.

  • Micah Pracheil received the 4-H Legacy Scholarship for $1,000

 

OMAHA FASHION WEEK STUDENT DESIGNER EVENT

Three Lancaster County 4-H youth were part of 32 4-H sewers selected statewide to participate in the Student Designer event for Omaha Fashion Week.

  • Vanessa Peterson, Piper Pillard, Alexa Smith

 

PREMIER COMMUNICATIONS EVENT

This statewide two-day event offered 4‑H contests such as illustrated presentation, prepared speech, radio public service announcement, impromptu speech and video communication. These are the top placings.

PREPARED SPEECH CONTEST
  • Intermediate division: Alexa Smith (4th Place)
RADIO PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTEST 
  • Intermediate division: Alexa Smith (1st place)
  • Junior division: Gracie Mittan–DeBuhr (Top 5)
ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATION
  • Intermediate division: Alexa Smith (1st place), Payzleigh Belew and Grace Tetzlaff (team)

 

IGNITE BY 4-H 2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Ignite by 4-H is a four-day national conference held in Washington, D.C. each March. Teens engage in high impact programming and explore career pathways. Several Lancaster County 4-H youth attended with other Nebraska 4-H’ers.

  • Ethan Gabel and Morgan Gabel attended as part of the Healthy Habits Food Loss & Waste Teen Ambassador Program
  • A group of 14 Lancaster County Yazidi refugees attended as part of the Soccer for Success program

 

PREMIER ANIMAL SCIENCE EVENT

In this statewide two-day event, 4‑H’ers tested their skills in six animal science contests. These are the top placings.

COMPANION ANIMAL CHALLENGE 
  • Intermediate Essay: Amorita Payne (Champion), Elizabeth Hilkemann (Reserve Champion)
  • Senior Photography: Jocelyn Schmoll (Reserve Champion)
  • Intermediate Photography: Elizabeth Hilkemann (Champion), Noah Schmoll (Reserve Champion)
  • Junior Photography: Eliana Schmoll (Reserve Champion)
  • Intermediate Art: Amorita Payne (Champion), Alandra Huntley (Reserve Champion)

 

NEBRASKA 4‑H AT STATE FAIR

The Nebraska State Fair is the premier opportunity for 4‑H members to showcase what they have learned and worked on throughout the year. These are the top placings and special recognitions.

  • Ari Hamblin — Rabbit: Junior Rabbit Showmanship - 3rd Place
  • Dax Hamblin — Poultry: All Other Standard Breeds: Ameraucana Black Hen - Reserve Champion, Poultry: Junior Poultry Showmanship - 4th Place
  • Elizabeth Hilkemann — Judging Contests: Horticulture: Intermediate - 3rd Place, Judging Contests: Insect ID: Intermediate - 3rd Place • Judging Contests: Weed & Grass ID: Intermediate - 3rd Place, Science & Technology: Premier Science Award
  • Lathan Huntley — Poultry: Game Bantams: Modern Division: Mod Game Birchen Cockerel - Champion
  • Olivia Jelinek — Dog: Agility: Level 2 - Reserve Champion
  • Josie Johnson — Meat Goat: Division I Market Goat - Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Overall Market Goat, Sheep: Market Sheep: Hampshire Market Lamb - Reserve Champion and 5th Place Champion Overall Market Lamb
  • Lauren Johnson — Meat Goat: Division I Market Goat - Reserve Champion and 3rd Place Champion Overall Market Goat
  • Dayton Jons — Dog: Showmanship: Intermediate - Reserve Champion, Dog: Skillathon: Intermediate - Champion
  • Brigham Moore — Dog: Showmanship: Junior - Reserve Champion, Dog: Skillathon: Junior - Reserve Champion
  • Micah Mueller — Beef: Charolais Breeding Heifer - Champion
  • Lawrence Rauert — Poultry: Intermediate Poultry Showmanship - 5th Place, Rabbit: Intermediate Rabbit Showmanship - 3rd Place
  • Marylynn Rauert — Rabbit: Senior Rabbit Showmanship - Reserve Champion
  • Hadley Reimers — Beef: Commercial Breeding Beef: Commercial Breeding Heifer - Reserve Champion
  • Ava Schepers — Dog: Obedience: Beginning Novice Division A - Champion
  • Paige Schepers — Dog: Obedience: Beginning Novice Division C - Champion, Dog: Showmanship: Senior - Champion
  • Joseph Wesely — Judging Contests: Horticulture: Junior - 5th Place
  • Kaily Wesely — Judging Contests: Horticulture: Senior - 3rd Place
DESIGN GALLERY SELECTIONS

25 Visual Arts, Design Decisions, Clothing or Fashion Show exhibits were selected to be displayed in the 4-H Design Gallery at State Fair.

  • Dayton Jons — STEAM Clothing 3
PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL SELECTIONS

Selected for display during the following year on UNL East Campus.

  • Gracie Mittan-DeBuhr — Animal Science Complex
LIVESTOCK ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

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. 

  • Tenley Bauman — Rabbit and Dairy Goat Project Areas, Senior
  • May Frain — Rabbit Project Area, Senior
  • Adelaide Metcalf — Rabbit Project Area, Intermediate
FINAL DRIVE

Top livestock exhibitors were invited to participate in the “Final Drive.” 

  • Tenley Bauman — Livestock Achievement
  • May Frain — Livestock Achievement
  • Josie Johnson — Market Goat and Market Lamb
  • Lauren Johnson — Market Goat
  • Adelaide Metcalf — Livestock Achievement

 

NATIONAL 4‑H CONGRESS

National 4-H Congress is a five-day educational experience held each November in Atlanta, Ga. and is the premiere leadership event for 4-H’ers. In Nebraska, 16 youth were selected to attend based upon achievements listed in their 4-H Achievement Application.

  • Emily Bauman, Khloe Cuttlers

 

WESTERN NATIONAL ROUNDUP

This January, several Lancaster County 4‑H youth represented Nebraska at the 4‑H & FFA Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado in the Horse Classic contests.

HORSE JUDGING
  • Lancaster County Horse Judging team of Liz Boshart, Savannah Nordmeyer, Avery Stohs and Katy Weaver (coached by Roger Bell and Amy Frink) earned 9th in reasons, 2nd in performance, 1st in halter and 2nd high team overall. Liz Boshart received 3rd individual in performance, 9th individual in halter, and 3rd high individual overall. Savannah Nordmeyer received 10th individual in performance and 8th high individual overall. Avery Stohs received 10th individual in halter. Katy Weaver received 4th individual in halter and 10th high individual overall.

 

NEBRASKA 4‑H SHOOTING SPORTS

Several 4‑H shooting sports competitions happen throughout the year, including archery, shotgun, bb gun, air pistol and air rifle. These are the youth who placed in the top 10.

ARCHERY INDOOR 
  • Basic Bow (BB) Youth — Wesley Nalley (2nd), Alexa Smith (8th)
  • Basic Bow (BB) Young Adult — Keaden Perkins (2nd)
  • Freestyle (FS) Young Adult — Talin Abney-Cook (3rd), Chase Thomas (10th)
  • Freestyle Limited Recurve (FSL/R) Young Adult — Ayla Salistean (2nd), Suzy Hanley (3rd)
ARCHERY OUTDOOR
  • OUTDOOR 600 TARGET TOURNAMENT: 
    • Freestyle (FS) Young Adult — Talin Abney-Cook (1st)
    • Olympic Recurve (OR) Young Adult — Suzy Hanley (3rd)
    • Basic Bow (BB) Youth — Adelaide Metcalf (5th)
  • 3-D TOURNAMENT: 
    • Olympic Recurve (OR) Young Adult — Suzy Hanley (3rd)
    • Freestyle (FS) Young Adult — Talin Abney-Cook (4th)
    • Basic Bow (BB) Youth — Adelaide Metcalf (5th)
SHOTGUN
  • Trap Novice — Easton Byrne (4th)
  • Trap Intermediate — Owen Savicky (1st), Declan Renner (2nd), Brody Wilson (3rd), Drake Plautz (5th)
  • Trap Advanced — Joshua Wiemer (1st)
  • Skeet Novice — Easton Byrne (1st)
  • Skeet Intermediate — Owen Savicky (1st), Drake Plautz (9th)
  • Skeet Advanced — Elijah Smith (1st)
  • Sporting Clays Novice — Easton Byrne (1st)
  • Sporting Clays Intermediate — Drake Plautz (1st), Owen Savicky (3rd), Declan Renner (10th)
  • Sporting Clays Advanced — Elijah Smith (2nd)
  • Overall Novice — Easton Byrne (1st)
  • Overall Intermediate — Owen Savicky (1st), Drake Plautz (2nd)
  • Overall Advanced — Elijah Smith (2nd)

 

HEART OF 4-H AWARD

Lancaster County 4‑H presents a Heart of 4-H Award to a Lancaster County 4-H volunteer each month in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers who are, indeed, the heart of 4‑H.

  • David Smith (January)
  • Tom & Becky Schuerman (February)
  • Sarah Dilley (March)
  • Christian Stephenson (April)
  • Dayle Williamson (May)
  • Sierra Covell (June)
  • Deb Faith (July)
  • Hope Bauman (August)
  • Kent Kennedy (September)
  • Rachel Wells (October)
  • Joy Harvey (November)
  • Brett Jurgens (December)

 

NEBRASKA 4-H VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Nebraska 4-H presents several state-level volunteer awards which are presented at a formal ceremony during the Nebraska State Fair.

  • Jen Smith — Outstanding Adult Volunteer (1 of 8 individuals)
  • Anna Barr — Emerging Adult Volunteer

4-H Achievement Celebration Awards