By TAMARA ROBERTSON
4-H Youth Development Agent,Ellis County
ELLIS COUNTY — The 93rd annual 4-H Achievement Banquet was recently held on October 28 at the Ellis Co. Fairgrounds in Hays to honor Ellis Co. 4-H'ers.
More than 150 4-H members, their families, and special guests attended the annual awards banquet sponsored by the Ellis County 4-H Council. This year they recognized all Ellis Co. 4-H members, leaders and supporters.
Nominated as outstanding 4-H members from the 4-H clubs were
SR Nominees JR Nominees
Big Creek Astros
Nicole Dreiling Brody Armbrister
Buckeye Jr. Farmers
Grace A. Schmeidler Faith Schmeidler
Ellis Sunflowers
Dakota Metzler Gunner Gabel
Gemini Jrs.
John Weisenborn Evan Betz
Good Hope
Lizzy Vajnar Kinley Pfannenstiel
Shooting Sports
Logan Schmidt Owen Bieker
Victoria Vikings
Ella Neher Levi Schumacher
The Senior winners were Nicole Dreiling and Dakota Metzler, and the Junior winners were Gunner Gabel and Evan Betz.
Kylee Pfeifer and Jaiden Pfannenstiel were awarded the “I Dare You” leadership award.
The national I Dare You Leadership Award is given in recognition of personal integrity, balanced living, and potential for leadership. Each recipient receives a copy of Danforth’s inspirational book, "I Dare You."
Pfeifer’s reference wrote “Hard working and determined are two key words that come to mind when you mention the name, Kylee Pfeifer. She has proven this about herself in many ways. I have known Kylee all her life and have seen her demonstrate these skills as well as other leadership skills from an early age and have continued through her high school years.”
Pfannenstiel’s reference wrote “She has always impressed me with her ability to remain composed in challenging situations and to authentically support and lead her fellow 4-H club members. Jaiden looks for opportunities to help and her creative and authentic approach to leadership inspires younger 4-H club and community members.”
The Kansas Key Award is presented to 10% of Kansas 4-H’ers who attain a high level of leadership throughout their 4-H career. You must be enrolled in the 4-H Leadership project for four years and complete nine of eleven leadership goals set out by the state 4-H program.
This special 4-H leadership award went to Kylee Pfeifer.
Grace A. Schmeidler was awarded the 2023 Rosemary Smith 4-H Scholarship given by her family in memory of long time 4-H Leader Rosemary Smith. Schmeidler has served at many levels in her 4-H career to help promote 4-H. Her latest has been as a member of the Kansas State Youth Council and she has chaired the 48 Hours of 4-H project.
Receiving Gold Certificates for their Project Record books were:
Faith Schmeidler – Int. Beef
Lizzy Vajnar – Sr. Communications
Layne Haffner – Jr. Clothing
Alaina Yarmer – Int. Clothing
Audrey Yarmer – Int. Dog
Cannon Vajnar – Int. Entomology
Brynlee Walter– Int. Foods
Karci Kimzey – Int. Meat Goat
Keeli Kimzey – Sr. Meat Goat
Braelyn Dumler – Int. Photography
Audrey Yarmer – Int. Poultry
Sheena Klaus – Sr. Poultry
Audrey Yarmer – Int. Recreation
Alaina Yarmer – Int. Self-Determined
Grace A. Schmeidler – Sr. Self-Determined
Brynlee Walter – Int. Sheep
Layne Haffner – Jr. STEM
Brynlee Walter – Int. Visual Arts
Bret Pope – Jr. Wood Science
Kate Pope – Int. Wood Science
Senior Project Record winners will advance to the NW Area competition in January.
Each 4-H Club in the county has the opportunity to nominate a business and an individual who they feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Ellis Co. 4-H. The Ellis Co. 4-H Council makes the final decision on who to recognize as a “Friend of 4-H.”
This year’s individual Friend of 4-H goes to Tom and Marcy McClelland. They were nominated by the Ellis Sunflowers 4-H Club.
Former 4-H leader Marcy McClelland is no stranger to the time and commitment necessary for 4-H'ers to succeed in their projects. She and her husband, Tom, make sure to comment and make note of kids’ successes and activities. McClelland became involved in 4-H at the young age of 8 and has served in many capacities, perhaps the most important is supporter. She has been involved in Ellis County 4-H since 1980. McClelland has judged at many levels of 4-H competition, ranging from local to state. They have continually supported the scholarship auction and 4-H awards. Tom and Marcy always make a point to connect with the 4-H kids and support them throughout the year. When talking to McClelland about her years of service, she said it was worth the while for the adventure and that 4-H has come a long way since she was a member. Tom and Marcy McClelland have a definitive love for 4-H and the youth of Ellis County. Thank you for your dedication to Ellis County 4-H; you truly are a Friend of 4-H.
This year’s business Friend of 4-H is Four Winds Veterinary Service– Sandy Sprague.
They were nominated by the Victoria Vikings 4-H Club for their continuous support to Ellis County 4-H. Sandy has been seen being patient, kind and helpful with 4-H members and parents. Sandy always steps up to be the dog superintendent and finds assistance for the dog show that happens before the fair each year. She volunteers her time to help with spring weigh-in and livestock check-in at the fair. During the fair she is seen attending shows throughout the week. Four Winds Vet Clinic is a valuable business that supports Ellis County 4-H. Sandy’s service to the 4-H'ers and the livestock do not go unnoticed and she truly is a Friend of 4-H.
Congratulations and thank you to these individuals for their dedication to and support of Ellis County 4-H youth.
All Ellis Co. 4-H members present received their certificate of completion and were awarded their membership pins based on the number of years and level of involvement in the local and statewide 4-H program activities. Club leaders and Shooting Sports instructors were also recognized for their dedication to the 4-H program.
The evening concluded with the 4-H Scholarship & Development Committee holding a silent and live auction to raise money for 4-H activities and graduating senior scholarships. If you would like to donate to the organization please contact our office at 785-628-9430.