Submitted
The 92nd annual 4-H Achievement Banquet was recently held at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays to honor Ellis County 4-Hers.
More than 130 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 Nominee
Big Creek Astros
Nicole Dreiling Kolton Emerson
Buckeye Jr. Farmers
Grace A. Schmeidler Faith Schmeidler
Ellis Sunflowers
Kylee Pfeifer Colton Metzler
Gemini Jrs.
Elizabeth Noble Evan Betz
Shooting Sports
Ross Eckroat Alex Rohr
Victoria Vikings
Karli Neher Levi Schumacher
Dakota Metzler was 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."
Dakota’s reference wrote “I have known Dakota all his life and have had the ability to watch Dakota on both spectrums from struggling in life to only find success and character to be the young man he is today. I have seen Dakota lead and be a positive role model and help build character with many individuals. No person is a stranger to Dakota and he will lead and lift any individual he is surrounded by.”
Karli Neher was awarded the 2022 Rosemary Smith 4-H Scholarship given by her family in memory of long-time 4-H Leader Rosemary Smith.
Receiving Gold Certificates for their project record books were Alaina Yarmer – Jr. Beef; Levi Schumacher – Int. Beef; Brynlee Walter – Jr. Clothing; Audrey Yarmer – Int. Dog; Alaina Yarmer – Jr. Foods; Kaylee Schumacher – Int. Foods; Dustin Rajewski – Sr. Foods; John Weisenborn – Sr. Geology; Karci Kimzey – Jr. Horse; Keeli Kimzey – Int. Horse; Marisa Wasinger – Sr. Leadership; Joshua Neher – Jr. Meat Goat; Esther Neher – Int. Meat Goat; Brynlee Walter – Jr. Photography; Alaina Yarmer – Jr. Poultry; Audrey Yarmer – Int. Recreation; Grace A. Schmeidler – Sr. Self-Determined; Brynlee Walter – Jr. Sheep; Kaylee Schumacher – Int. Sheep; Karli Neher – Sr. Sheep; Brynlee Walter – Jr. Visual Arts; and Kaylee Schumacher – Int. Visual Arts. Senior KAP winners will advance to the northwest area competition in January.
Theresa Meis and Schneider Auction Service were recognized as the “Friends of 4-H” for their support of the Ellis County 4-H program during this past year.
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 is Theresa Meis. She was nominated by the Good Hope 4-H Club. Theresa went above and beyond at this year’s county fair. She is a treasure to Ellis County and puts her heart and soul into helping Ellis County youth. 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 Schneider Auction Service. We would like to thank Jason Schneider and John Kisner for their support of the Ellis County 4-H program. They were nominated by the Victoria Vikings 4-H club. Schneider Auction Services has helped with the livestock auction for several years. Schneider and Kisner do a fantastic job working the crowd and trying their best to get the most value they can for the 4-Her’s and their livestock projects. They are also seen out at the fair looking at exhibits and supporting the fair. Their service to the 4-Her’s and the livestock do not go unnoticed and they truly are 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 County 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.
The evening concluded with the 4-H Scholarship & Development Committee having a silent and live auction to raise money for 4-H camp and graduating senior scholarships.