AMES, Iowa -- Fifty Iowa 4-H members will receive 2018 state 4-H project awards. They are recognized as youth who have exhibited exceptional leadership, communication and civic engagement within their project area.
The awards are given to 4-H’ers who have displayed mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area. Each youth recipient was also granted a $100 award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
4-H projects give members the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas. “This recognition is a great honor and testament to the dedication these young people have invested in mastering skills in a specific project area, while also sharing their knowledge with others through communication, leadership and citizenship opportunities,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Each year, 4-H’ers from around the state complete a rigorous written state project award application and a panel interview process,” said Dalager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities that help young people prepare for future college or career processes such as interviewing. “
The recipients of this year’s awards will be recognized at the State 4-H Youth Conference during the closing ceremony held at the Iowa State University campus in Ames on Thursday, June 28.
Applications for next years’ state 4-H project area awards will begin to be available in late fall. For more information on the Iowa 4-H recognition opportunities, contact Bonnie Dalager at bdalager@iastate.edu
4-H project award winners are listed by county.
Adair
Skyler Rawlings, Health
Adair County 4-H'er Skyler Rawlings, is the son of Sieanna Rawlings. A nine-year member, he has participated in health, leadership, citizenship, communication, ag and natural resources, visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, home improvement and dog project areas. He attended Nodaway Valley High School and has been president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of his 4-H club. He serves on the Adair County 4-H Youth Council, Adair County Youth Action Committee and State 4-H Council.
Adair
Makenna Lilly, Safety and Education in Shooting Sports
Adair County 4-H'er Makenna Lilly, is the daughter of Rich and Brook Lilly. A nine-year 4-H member, she has participated in educational presentations, shown horses, photography, cooking and SESS projects. She is a three-year State Shooting Sports Ambassador and received the Horse and Pony Project award last year. She graduated Nodaway Valley High School in Greenfield this May. Following graduation, she will be representing Iowa at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship in shotgun. In late July, she will also represent Iowa at the National 4-H SESS Teen Leadership Institute for national SESS ambassador training.
Benton
Jacob Ludeking, Beef
Benton County 4-H'er Jacob Ludeking, is the son of George and Theresa Ludeking of Norway, Iowa. Jacob is a seven-year member of the Florence Go-Getters 4-H Club. He has participated in beef, horticulture, photography, visual arts, veterinary medicine, music and woodworking projects. He attends Benton Community High School and is a member of the Benton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team. He has been president, secretary, treasurer and reporter of his 4-H Club. He was selected to participate in the Iowa 4-H Animal Science Beef Round-Up at Iowa State University and the 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus trip to Washington, D.C.
Black Hawk
Megan Pezley, Child Development
Megan Pezley of Black Hawk County is the daughter of Shawn and Michelle Pezley. She is an 11-year 4-H member and participates in child development, communications, sewing and needle arts, food and nutrition and STEM project areas. She attends Cedar Falls High School. For the past six years, Megan has served as either president or vice president of the Cedar Falls Lucky Hawks 4-H club. She is an active member of the Black Hawk County Council and mentors the county's 4-H FIRST LEGO League team.
Boone
Josie Noland, Visual Arts
Josie Noland, daughter of Alan and Kelli Noland, is an eight-year 4-H member from Boone County. She actively participates in numerous project areas, some of which include: communications, citizenship, clothing and fashion, photography and visual arts. This fall, Josie will be a senior at Des Moines Central Academy and Woodward-Granger where she is involved in cross country, student council, choir, show choir, track and National Honor Society. Within Josie’s 4-H club, she has served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and recreation leader. She is also a three-year Boone County Council representative and a two-year State 4-H Council ambassador.
Boone
Landra Reece, Citizenship
Landra Reece is the daughter of Tim and Robyn Reece of Boone. She is finishing up her strong nine years of 4-H by receiving a State Project Award in Citizenship. In 4-H, she has participated in project areas such as environment and sustainability, shooting sports, communications and leadership. She has also participated in honors such as State 4-H Council and National 4-H Conference. She has been an outstanding leader in 4-H and an outstanding servant in her community and will continue to serve others as she attends Drake University this fall.
Boone
Natalie Bretey, Health
Natalie Bretey is from Boone County and has been a 4-H member for eight years. She is the daughter of Eric and Melanie Bretey, and she is a part time student at Ames High School and a homeschool student. In 4-H, she is very involved with communications, food and nutrition, sewing and needle arts, and citizenship project areas. She serves within her club and within her county's county council and youth committee. In the state, Natalie is also a 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador and a State 4-H Council member.
Calhoun
Jacy McAlexander, Citizenship, Posthumous
Calhoun County 4-H’er Jacy McAlexander was the son of Earl and Kerri McAlexander. An eight-year 4-H member, he participated in citizenship, communication, photography, STEM and horticulture project areas. He attended South Central Calhoun and had served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of his 4-H club. He was active in his county and state-level 4-H councils. Jacy attended the National 4-H Congress in 2017 and is a past recipient of the Iowa 4-H Foundation Contributing Youth Award. Jacy passed away this May following a courageous battle with cancer.
Calhoun
Chase Pibal, Communication
Chase Pibal, a Calhoun County 4-H'er, is the son of Sara and Brian Pibal. Chase has participated in numerous project areas in his 9 years in 4-H. Highlights are showing sheep at county and state fairs and multiple trips to the state fair with communication events. Serving on the State Council was another highlight in a leadership position. Chase graduated from South Central Calhoun High School and will be attending the University of South Dakota to study business.
Cherokee
Kristina Goth, Sewing and Needle Arts
Cherokee County 4-H'er Kristina Goth, is the daughter of Jeff and Ann Goth. A six-year 4-H member, she has participated in 19 project areas in her 4-H career with sewing and needle arts, citizenship, leadership and communications being her primary focus. She attends MMCRU High School and is a member of the Cherokee County 4-H Youth Council. One of her greatest accomplishments in 4-H was starting a sewing club with her sister for younger 4-H'ers in her county.
Cherokee
Kaitlyn Goth, Sewing and Needle Arts
Cherokee County 4-H'er Kaitlyn Goth, is the daughter of Jeff and Ann Goth. A seven-year 4-H member, she has participated in 18 project areas in her 4-H career with sewing and needle arts, citizenship, leadership, and communications being her primary focus. She attends MMCRU High School and is a member of the Cherokee County 4-H Youth Council. One of her greatest accomplishments in 4-H was starting a sewing club with her sister for younger 4-H'ers in her county.
Clarke
Sydney Garrett, Beef
Clarke County 4-H’er Sydney Garrett, is a seven-year 4-H member. She has participated in showing cattle, swine and horses while also participating on the livestock judging team. She attends Clarke Community High School and is president of the Osceola Chargers 4-H Club. She also serves on the Clarke County Youth Council.
Clinton
Abbey Strong, Visual Arts
Abbey Strong, 4-H'er from Clinton County, is the daughter of Eric and Denise Beenk. A nine-year 4-H member, she has participated in many project areas including visual arts, clothing, communications, food and nutrition, home improvement, citizenship and several other areas as well. Abbey has been president, vice president, secretary and reporter of her 4-H club. She attends Central DeWitt Community High School and is a member of the Clinton County Youth Council.
East Pottawattamie
Lydia Wede, Music
Lydia Wede is the daughter of Joe Wede and Kerri Wede. She has been a member of the Westside Feeders in East Pottawattamie County for nine years. Lydia is the lead trumpet player for the Riverside band and has been selected for several honor bands. In addition to this, she also plays Taps at local funerals. As an active participant in her church, Lydia founded and directs her church's choir and is the bass player for the praise band. Besides her musical pursuits, Lydia is also the Riverside Basketball and Football Varsity Cheer Captain.
Emmet
Faith Lutat, Horse and Pony
Emmet County 4-H’er Faith Lutat is the daughter of Dan and Melissa Lutat. As a nine-year 4-H member, she has shown cattle, horses and swine and participated in county council, horse judging, fair board and the horse committee. She attends Estherville Lincoln Central High School and has served as president of Emmet County Council and Center Champion 4-H Club for the past three years.
Fayette
Valerie Boleyn, Poultry
Fayette County 4-H'er Valerie Boleyn is the daughter of Mike and Joan Boleyn. As a six-year 4-H member, she has participated in poultry, visual arts, sewing and needle art and many more project areas. She attends North Fayette Valley High School and has been the secretary, historian and vice president of her 4-H club. She has participated in 4-H at the county and state level.
Hamilton
Anna Ervin, Citizenship
Hamilton County 4-H'er Anna Ervin, is the daughter of Scott and Paula Ervin. Anna is a nine-year member of the Clear Lake Sailors 4-H Club. She has served as historian, secretary and treasurer in her club over the years. Anna has been honored to receive the State Project Award in 2017 for Communication and in 2018, Citizenship. Throughout her nine-years in 4-H, Anna has been involved in the citizenship, communication, photography, leadership, and food and nutrition project areas. She has also participated in communications contests at the county and state level. Anna is a senior at South Hamilton High School.
Hamilton
McKenna Mitchell, Communication
Hamilton County 4-H'er McKenna Mitchell is the daughter of Janet and Ted Mitchell. As a nine-year 4-H'er, she is active in communications, photography and citizenship project areas to name a few. McKenna is a senior at Webster City High School. In 4-H she has been the president of her 4-H club. She is an active member on County Council and she is active in leading photography and food and nutrition workshops. On the state level McKenna is on State Council and is serving as youth trustee for the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Previously she was awarded the Photography State Project Award.
Hancock
Jade Pringnitz, Swine
Hancock County 4-H'er Jade Pringnitz is the son of Jerry and Karrie Pringnitz. A 10-year 4-H member, he has participated in swine, poultry, goats, woodworking, science and technology, photography and food and nutrition projects. He attends Garner Hayfield Ventura High School and has been president, vice-president and treasurer of the Concord Challengers 4-H club and has participated in FIRST Lego League and the Bullseye Bunch Shooting Sports 4-H clubs. He has also participated in the Hancock County Council serving as president and vice president and has served as a youth liaison on the Hancock County Extension Council.
Hardin
Savannah Trusty, Citizenship
Hardin County 4-H’er Savannah Trusty is the daughter of Jill and Steve Trusty and attends Iowa Falls Alden High School. A seven-year 4-H member of the Ellis Jackson Ag Stars, she has participated in visual arts, foods, clothing, citizenship, horticulture, leadership and woodworking. She is her club secretary and has also been the photographer. She is on Hardin County 4-H Council and the Hardin County 4-H Youth Development Committee, and is a Hardin County Horticulture Jr. Leader.
Howard
Hope Dohlman, Child Development
Howard County 4-H'er Hope Dohlman is the daughter of Emily Dohlman-Govern. She is the current president of her local club and county council and was selected to serve a second term on State 4-H Council. She enjoys exhibiting beef, child development, home improvement and food and nutrition projects at the county and state fair.
Marshall
Lauren Mosher, Beef
Marshall County 4-H'er Lauren Mosher is the daughter of Jim and Brenda Mosher. As a 9-year 4-H member, she has been active in the beef, photography, communications, sheep, leadership, citizenship, food and nutrition, sewing and needle arts and many other project areas. Lauren is a senior at BCLUW High School and is very active in her community by serving on the Mid-Iowa Youth Beef Team, Marshall County Youth Ambassadors, Liscomb Lively Laborers 4-H Club, as well as serving a term on the State 4-H Council.
Marshall
Leah Mosher, Communication
An eight-year 4-H member from Marshall County, Leah Mosher is the daughter of Jim and Brenda Mosher. She has participated in communication events, showing cattle and sheep, and many static project groups. She attends BCLUW High School and is currently the president of the Liscomb Lively Laborers 4-H Club and a member of the 2018-2019 State 4-H Council.
Palo Alto
Abigail Hoffman, Horse and Pony
Palo Alto County 4-H'er Abigail Hoffman is the daughter of Steve and Martha Hoffman. An eight-year 4-H member, she has participated in horse and pony, food and nutrition, and sewing and needle arts project areas. She attends West Bend-Mallard and has been involved in the Palo Alto Fair Board as a Youth Representative, along with serving on the Palo Alto County Youth Council. Abigail also serves on the Iowa State 4-H Council and was selected for a State Project Award in Horse and Pony this year.
Polk
Madeline Handsaker, Horse and Pony
Polk County 4-H'er Madeline Handsaker is the daughter of Shawn and Jamie Handsaker and Penny and Ron Edwards. A four-year 4-H member, she has participated in horse, photography, woodworking, communication project areas and archery shooting sports. She attends Southeast Polk High School and has been a secretary of her 4-H club and serves on the Polk County Youth Council.
Polk
Claire Sattler, Music
Polk County 4-H'er Claire Sattler is the daughter of John and Colleen Sattler. She is an eight-year 4-H member and has participated in music, home improvement, communication, food and nutrition, horticulture and sewing project areas. She is a student at Valley High School, serves on the Polk County Council and has held several officer roles in her 4-H club.
Polk
Lydia Johnson, Sheep
Polk County 4-H'er Lydia Johnson is the daughter of Craig and Katie Johnson. A seven-year 4-H member, she has participated in sheep, swine, horticulture, photography and veterinary science project areas. She attends Bondurant-Farrar High School and is a member of the We XL 4-H club where she is currently serving as treasurer. Lydia is also a member of the Polk County Youth Council.
Poweshiek
Theresa Crawford, Citizenship
Theresa Crawford is the daughter of Dennis and Renny Crawford and the younger sister of Amanda, Jessica, Lucas and Rebecca Crawford. She had been involved in 4-H all of her life, participating in sheep, rabbits, horticulture, robotics, shooting sports, sewing and needle arts, food and nutrition and communications as well as County Council. Theresa attends Grinnell High School; there she is involved in theatre, FFA, cross-country, color guard and tennis. She is also an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Poweshiek
Alisha Ford, Dog
Poweshiek County 4-H’er Alisha Ford is the daughter of Anita and Tom Ford. A nine-year 4-H member, she has participated in communications, science and technology, animal science, music and dog project areas. She currently competes in agility, rally and obedience shows through the American Kennel Club organization. She attends Grinnell High school and has been reporter and photographer for her 4-H club.
Poweshiek
Sloan Volkman, STEM
Poweshiek County 4-H'er Sloan Volkman is the son of Glenn and Diane Volkman. A nine-year 4-H member, he has participated in the science, engineering and technology, agriculture and natural sciences, communication, leadership and photography project areas. He attends Grinnell High School and has been treasurer of the Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club. Sloan is a State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador and serves on the Poweshiek County 4-H Council.
Sac
Connor Pickhinke, Leadership
Sac County 4-H’er Connor Pickhinke is the son of Steve and Tracy Pickhinke. Connor is an eight-year 4-H member. His favorite projects include communications, citizenship, leadership, STEM, beef and his elite duck flock. He is a member of the Early Achievers 4-H club and Sac County Youth Council. He attends Ridge View High School.
Sac
Alex Movall, Swine
Sac County 4-H’er Alex Movall is the son of Alan and Jennifer Movall. An eight-year 4-H member, he has participated in leadership, citizenship, communication, swine and food and nutrition project areas. He attends Ridgeview High School and has served as vice president and president of the Early Achievers 4-H Club and is an active member of the county council.
Story
Ben Rima, Food and Nutrition
Story County 4-H'er Ben Rima is the son of Neil and Marcia Rima. Ben has been active in photography, food and nutrition, citizenship, leadership and the communication project areas for seven years. Ben participates in the Story County Culinary Club, Happy Homebodies 4-H club and the County Youth Council. He attends Nevada High School where he plays basketball and runs cross country. Ben has served as photographer, treasurer, historian and spokesperson for his clubs.
Story
Grace Long, Photography
Story County 4-H'er Grace Long is the daughter of Julie and Daren Long. As a seven-year 4-H member, she has participated in the photography, poultry, rabbit and child development project areas, just to name a few. Grace is a junior at Ballard High School and a member of the Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H club. She has served as the club secretary and is currently the club's president. She is a county youth poultry superintendent, has participated in the State 4-H Reporter program and is a State 4-H Camera Corps Member.
Story
Alec Sernett, Poultry
Story County 4-H’er Alec Sernett is the son of Jeff and Suzy Sernett. A six-year 4-H member, he has participated in poultry, dairy goats, photography, animal science, and environment and sustainability project areas. He attends Ankeny Christian Academy and is a member of the Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H Club and serves as one of the Story County Fair Junior Poultry Superintendents and is the club photographer. He has also participated in Poultry Showmanship and the Story County Fair Poultry Quiz bowl.
Story
Dana Edleman, Sheep
Dana Edleman, a Story County 4-H'er, is the daughter of Marty and Kristi Edleman. As a nine-year member of the Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H Club, Dana exhibits sheep, pigs, and a variety of static projects such as home improvement and food and nutrition at the Story County Fair. She attends Ballard High School. Dana currently serves as club secretary, a member of the Story County 4-H Youth Council and the State 4-H Council.
Story
Brandt Damman, STEM
Story County 4-H'er Brandt Damman is the son of Renae and Stewart Damman. As a nine-year member of 4-H, he has participated in citizenship, visual arts, science, engineering and technology, leadership, communication and other project areas. He is a homeschool student, previously a Leadership Team member, volunteered for county fair and is currently a member of the Iowa Governor's STEM Youth Advisory Board.
Story
Ashley Kahler, Swine
Story County 4-H'er Ashley Kahler, is the daughter of Wade and Pam Kahler. Ashley attends Ballard High School and is a member of the Palestine Peppy Pushers 4-H club. An eight-year 4-H member, she has participated in swine, horse, cattle, communication and food project areas. She also serves on the Story County Youth Council and as a Junior Swine Superintendent. She is excited to serve as a member for the upcoming State 4-H Council.
Tama
Eric Keller, Vet Science
Tama County 4-H'er Eric Keller is the son of Ryan and Melissa Keller of Gladbrook. An eight-year 4-H member, Eric has completed projects in communications, leadership, woodworking, animal science, food and nutrition, veterinary science, photography, 4-H Shooting Sports and exhibited many livestock projects. Eric is homeschooled and active in County Council, as an Iowa 4-H SESS Ambassador and as a National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. Eric received the 2018 Iowa 4-H Foundation's Contributing Youth Award and took sixth place in muzzleloading in the 2017 4-H National Shootings Sports Championship. He has also received the State Project Communications and Poultry Awards.
Van Buren
Joy Westercamp, Leadership
Joy Westercamp is the daughter of Christine and Steven Westercamp. Joy attends Iowa Connections Academy and is a 10-year 4-H member from Van Buren County. Her favorite project areas include leadership, communications, beekeeping, food and nutrition, and rabbits. Joy has served on the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 State 4-H Councils, as a delegate to the National 4-H Healthy Living Summit and as a member of the 2018 National 4-H Conference Youth Leadership Team.
Warren
Gabby McCoy, Food and Nutrition
Warren County 4-H'er Gabby McCoy is the daughter of Kathy and Tim McCoy. She is the president of the Carlisle Trail Blazers 4-H Club, was the president for two years for the Warren County 4-H Intermediate Leadership Team and is part of Warren County Senior 4-H. Gabby has taken a variety of projects including communications, foods, photography, sewing and citizenship. Gabby is a sophomore at Carlisle High School. She is very active in community service through her club and county. Last year she worked on the 4-H Youth Staff during the Iowa State Fair.
Washington
Katie Palmer, Child Development
Washington County 4-H'er Katie Palmer is the daughter of John and Becky Palmer. As a nine-year 4-H member, she has participated in the sheep, bucket bottle calf, pet, clothing, photography, food and nutrition, child development, leadership, citizenship, personal development, visual arts and communication project areas. She graduated at the end of May from Mid-Prairie High School. She has served as the president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and photographer of the Lime Creek Limelights 4-H club and is also a member of the Washington 4-H County Council.
Webster
Morgan Border, Leadership
Morgan Border of Webster County is a six-year member of the Douglas Dreamers 4-H club. She is the youngest of four girls in her family. She attends St. Edmond high school where she serves on her student council as well as being a member of the band and choir. She currently serves as her club president as well as being on county council.
Webster
Reagan Black, Leadership
Webster County 4-H’er Reagan Black is the daughter of Dean Black and Jean Black. She has been in 4-H for six years and is part of the Douglas Dreamers 4-H Club in which she has been secretary and vice president. Projects she has participated in are food and nutrition, leadership, educational presentations and $15 challenge. She attends Fort Dodge Senior High.
Woodbury
Patrick McGowan, Citizenship
Woodbury County 4-H'er Patrick McGowan, son of Michael and Mary McGowan, is a 9 year 4-H member. He has participated in woodworking, home improvement, visual arts, photography, and food and nutrition. He is an active member of his club, Woodbury County Council and Iowa 4-H Youth Council. He also served as co-chair of the 2017-2018 Iowa State Youth Council.
Woodbury
Jessica Kratz, Citizenship
Woodbury County 4-H'er Jessica Kratz is the daughter of Shelly and Craig Kratz. An eight-year 4-H member, she has served as president, vice president, secretary and currently is the treasurer of the Lucky Lassies and Lads 4-H Club. She has participated in citizenship, leadership and photography. She attends Bishop Heelan High School and is a two-year member of the Woodbury County 4-H Council.
Woodbury
Nicholas McGowan, Citizenship
Woodbury County 4-H'er Nicholas McGowan is the son of Chris and Cathleen McGowan. A seven-year member of the Lucky Lassies and Lad's 4-H club, Nick currently serves as his club vice president. On a county level, he is on the Woodbury County Council. Nicholas has previously earned a State Award in the area of STEM. Of the more than a dozen areas Nicholas has submitted projects for, he is most proud of the work he has done in citizenship, leadership and communications. He attends Bishop Heelan High School and is a member of Student Council and the wrestling team.
Woodbury
Allison Bermel, Home Improvement
Woodbury County 4-H'er Allison Bermel is the daughter of Lori and Lonnie Bermel from Sioux City. An eight-year member, she has participated in leadership, citizenship, home improvement and communication. She attends Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and is a member of the Lucky Lassies and Lads 4-H club, Woodbury County Council and State 4-H Council.
Worth
Lindsey Davidson, Communication
Worth County 4-H’er Lindsey Davidson is the daughter of Ron and Michelle Davidson. A seven-year 4-H member, she has participated in communication, citizenship, visual arts and home improvement project areas. She attends Northwood-Kensett High School and is currently vice-president of the Hartland Achievers 4-H club and serving on Worth County’s 4-H council. She has also served as the club’s historian.
Worth
Kelsie Kinne, Sewing and Needle Arts
Worth County 4-H'er Kelsie Kinne is the daughter of Kevin and Sarah Kinne. A six-year 4-H member, she has participated in sewing and needle arts, food and nutrition, home improvement, visual arts and dairy goats. She attends Central Springs High School and is a member of the Golden Banner 4-H Club. Kelsie has been involved in various leadership roles in 4-H, including club historian as well as being a part of her county council.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.