AMES, Iowa – Fifty Iowa 4-H members have been awarded 2020 state 4-H project area awards following the statewide recognition process, which was held virtually this year.
Each award recipient was granted a $100 award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
4-H project areas are broad topics that members can explore on their own or with the mentorship of a 4-H leader or other caring adult. Project area award applicants were asked to explain how they’ve demonstrated exemplary leadership, communication and civic engagement through their exploration of a project area over a number of years.
“This recognition is a great honor and testament to the dedication these young people have invested in mastering skills in a specific project area,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H educational resource development specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
4-H projects provide members learning opportunities to strengthen their skills and knowledge in topics that interest them.
“The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities that help young people prepare for future career processes such as applying for a job or for college,” said Dalager. “This year, youth from around the state shared their experience in the project area over time through a resume, written application and virtual interview, which was judged by volunteers from related industries around the state.”
The 2020 state 4-H project area awards winners are listed below by county.
- Adair: Zayden Rawlings, Health; Ava Rectenbaugh, Leadership.
- Allamakee: Faith Palmer, Dairy Cattle.
- Benton: Jacob Ludeking, Music.
- Boone: Katie Barnes, Communication; Alanna Schroeder, Robotics.
- Carroll: Alexandria Klein, Music.
- Cass: Bryn York, Home Improvement.
- Cherokee: Kaitlyn Goth, Civic Engagement; Kristina Goth, Civic Engagement.
- Delaware: Nicholas Stocks, Communication.
- Dubuque: Schuyler Ridenour, STEM; Hannah Schiesl, Veterinary Science.
- Hamilton: Abby Ervin, Civic Engagement.
- Johnson: Madison Craig, Poultry; Abby Kaska, Horse and Pony; Brooke Miller, Horse and Pony.
- Jones: Koree Miller, Civic Engagement.
- Madison: Josephine Burkett, Communication.
- Marion: Maren Egging, Horse and Pony.
- Polk: Megan Ford, Dog; Sebastien Janelle, Rabbit; Abigail Kelly, Environment and Sustainability; Bethany Kelly, Veterinary Science; Brayden Weldon, Swine.
- Poweshiek: Thea Larsson, Music.
- Sac: Connor Pickhinke, Civic Engagement; Logan Pickhinke, Sewing and Needle Arts.
- Shelby: Mallory Mulligan, Communication; Emily Taggs, Sewing and Needle Arts.
- Story: Carla Edleman, Swine; Caleb Hartsook, Woodworking; Dillon Hartsook, Home Improvement.
- Union: Tyler Loudon, Communication.
- Van Buren: Josiah Westercamp, Rabbit; Nehemiah Westercamp, Rabbit.
- Warren: Hannah Groos, Civic Engagement; Gabby McCoy, Leadership; Sasha McCoy, Food and Nutrition.
- Washington: Roy Carter, Civic Engagement; Jenna Messer, Food and Nutrition.
- Webster: Morgan Farnham, Civic Engagement.
- Winneshiek: Morgan Moen, Health.
- Woodbury: Nicholas McGowan, Communication.
- Worth: Marli Backhaus, Clothing; Tianna Charlson, Poultry; Lindsey Davidson, Citizenship; Hannah Lanphere, Leadership; Peyton Pangburn, Leadership; Jack Willrett, Pets.
Applications for next year’s state 4-H project area awards will be due Feb. 1, 2021. All Iowa 4-H members who are in grades 9-12 may apply for up to two project area awards per year, with a maximum of one award per applicant.
For more information about Iowa 4-H Youth Development or Iowa 4-H Recognition opportunities, please contact Bonnie Dalager at bdalager@iastate.edu.
Photo caption: 4-H projects provide members learning opportunities to strengthen their skills and knowledge in topics that interest them.