A year of hard work pays off
Photo by Randy Sunderland Arla Nelson, a 12-year 4-H member, was named Outstanding Senior 4-H Member. She has been a strong leader in the program, and is known for always being willing to help younger members.Members of Delta County 4-H Clubs gathered at Cedaredge High School on Saturday, Oct. 20, to celebrate their accomplishments over the past year.
For many, it was their first trip to the stage as they received one-year pins.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Angie Collins was named the Outstanding 4-H Leader. She started the New Pride of the Valley 4-H Club more than 20 years ago. Currently the chair of the Junior Market Livestock Sale committee, Collins has been involved with the Delta County Fair Board for many years. She has challenged her club to make a difference in many ways, from community service to singing at retirement homes.For a select few, their years of participation were in the double digits. Earning 10-year pins were Christa Baier, Megan Chermak, Vela Bair, Chelsy Reed and Abby Campbell. Jessica Altman was honored for 11 years in 4-H. Twelve-year members were Kelli Buhrdorf and Arla Nelson, and 13-year members were Nikki Buhrdorf and Ben Gruber.
Adult leaders also were honored for their years of service. Five-year leaders were Karen Henderson, Melonie Ness, Teresa Phelps-Burns, Dan Simpson, Paula Stalcup and Valarie Stucker.
Three leaders earned 15-year pins — Beri Blair, Bill Hunt and Brenda Raley.
Richard Miller was named the 2012 Delta County 4-H Alumni.
Special recognition was given to the shooting sports participants who performed well at state competition. The state muzzleloading team was introduced: Christa Baier, Lucas Baier, Mycala Read, Evan Welt and Andrew Ness.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Tyler Simpson, incoming co-president of the Delta County 4-H Council, welcomes a young Clover Bud participant. The Clover Bud program introduces seven-year-olds to the 4-H program. Upon completion, the kids can participate as regular members of the 4-H program. Later in the program Simpson was presented the Leadership Award and was named one of two Outstanding Senior 4-H Members.Participants in the horse program were honored by leaders Teresa Phelps-Burns and Mary Gore, who introduced novice level participants Erica Anderson, Somer Cannon, Kaitlynn Caterino, Cheyanne Germann and Brandy Gresham; Peper Edenbo at Level 1; Abigail Conley, Kaitlyn Sharpe at Level II; Selbi Shenold at Level III; and Samantha Heinze at Level IV.
The highlight of the evening was the special county awards.
The 4-H Club Secretary Award was presented to Mae Anderson of the Rocky Mountain 4-H Club.
Arla Nelson was presented the Animal Science Award. She has been in the 4-H horse project for four years, and enjoys helping beginners with their riding lessons.
Stephane Sidor, a seven-year 4-H member, was honored for Achievement in Individual and Family Resources.
Whitney Harris was honored for Achievement in Leisure Education and Cultural Arts.
Emily Johnson, a fouryear member, earned the Achievement in Natural Resources award.
The award of Achievement in Mechanical Sciences was presented to five-year member Derrek Johnson.
Melanie Osteen was honored for Achievement in Plant Science. The four-year member has participated in the gardening project for four years.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Grady Simpson was named the Outstanding Junior 4-H Member.The Achievement in Leadership award was presented to Tyler Simpson. An active member for nine years, Simpson has been the president of his 4-H club for two years, and will serve this year as co-president of the county 4-H council.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Derrek Johnson received the Achievement in Mechanical Sciences award.
Abigail Conley was presented the Citizenship Award, which honors "the quality of an individual's response to membership in a community."
The Danforth "I Dare You" Award is presented each year to challenge younger members to grow in leadership. Shane Anderson is this year's recipient. He is an active member of the Valley View Showman 4-H Club, and participates in community service throughout the year.
Angie Collins, leader of the New Pride of the Valley 4-H Club, was named the 2012 Outstanding Leader of the Year.
Grady Simpson was named the Outstanding Junior Member. He has been in 4-H for three years. During this time he has taken many different projects and has been an active member of the Bell Creek Buckaroos, as well as being active on the county council. He was also a counselor at Clover Bud camp.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Melanie Osteen was honored for Achievement in Plant Sciences.Arla Nelson and Tyler Simpson were named the Outstanding Senior 4-H Members. Simpson has been active in 4-H for nine years, and has emerged as a strong leader. He has served as club president for two years, and is the current co-president of the county council. Nelson is a 12-year member, and over the years has served in many leadership roles. She is also active on county council, and has participated in many community and leadership activities.
Clubs earning Certificates of Accomplishment were 4-H Hot Shots, Delta; Bell Creek Buckaroos, Paonia; Best of the West, Cedaredge; Crawford Pioneers, Crawford; Git-R-Done, Delta; Green Acres, Delta; Mountain West Challengers, Delta; New Pride of the Valley, Delta; and Valley View Showmen, Paonia.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Jackie Goza, 4-H extension agent, gives Lois Helgeland a hug after presenting her with the 2012 Friend of 4-H award. Helgeland has been a leader for 29 years, and helped at the Colorado State Fair for 13 years. Homestead Meats was named the Delta County Business Friend of 4-H.