AMES, Iowa – Fifty Iowa 4-H’ers have received 2017 state 4-H project awards. These 4-H youth are recognized as the top winners in their project areas across the state.
The awards are given to youth who have exhibited mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area. Each youth recipient also received a $100 monetary award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
4-H projects give youth the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas. “This recognition is a great honor and testament to the 4-Hers’ dedication to 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 at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Each year, youth from around the state complete a rigorous written state project award application and panel interview process,” said Dalager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities in written and interpersonal communication.”
The recipients of this year’s awards were recognized at the State 4-H Youth Conference during the closing ceremony held at the Iowa State University campus in Ames on Thursday, June 29.
The deadline for state 4-H recognition day applications is February 1. 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
Ashlyn Kralik, Communications
Ashlyn Kralik, daughter of Kenny and Janelle Kralik, is a 4-H member from Orient-Macksburg High School. She has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Outstanding Junior 4-H'er, 4-H Spirit Award, and held the position of club Reporter and Vice President. She's been involved in many project areas including working exhibits, food and nutrition, visual arts, citizenship, leadership and Share the Fun.
Adair
Skyler Rawlings, Leadership
Skyler Rawlings is an eight-year 4-H member from Nodaway Valley High School. He has been involved in County 4-H Council, County Youth Committee, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program, and State 4-H Council. He has been involved in many project areas, including health, leadership, citizenship, shooting sports and dogs.
Boone
Landra Reece, Environment Sustainability
Landra Reece, daughter of Robyn and Tim Reece, is an eight-year member of 4-H. Landra has held all officer positions in her 4-H club and is currently Junior Leader for the club and local sports shooting team. She has also received Boone County's highest citizenship award. Landra has been involved in County 4-H Council, County Youth Committee, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program, 4-H Exchange Program, Citizenship Washington Focus, State 4-H Council and National 4-H Conference.
Butler
Emily Leerhoff, Communications
Emily Leerhoff, daughter Alan Leerhoff and Stacey Leerhoff, is a nine-year member of Butler County 4-H. She attends school at Clarksville High School. She has served on her County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. Emily has held many offices in her 4-H club including president, treasurer, secretary, historian, photographer and reporter. She has been a member of the State 4-H Council and attended Citizenship Washington Focus. She participates in the communications, leadership, citizenship, woodworking and sewing project areas.
Calhoun
Olivia Hanlon, Citizenship
Olivia Hanlon, daughter of Eugenia Hartsook, is a nine-year 4-H member from North Polk High School. She has been involved in County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, State 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress. She has been very involved in many project areas, including: citizenship, leadership, sewing, child development and livestock.
Calhoun
Chase Pibal, Sheep
Chase Pibal is the son of Brian and Sara Pibal. He has been in 4-H for seven years and currently attends South Central Calhoun High School. He has been involved in County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, State 4-H Council and Animal Science Roundup. He has participated in many project areas, including: communication, animals (sheep), food and nutrition, clothing and photography.
Clayton
Emma Ehlers, Beef
Emma Ehlers, daughter of Jodi Ehlers and Richard Ehlers, is a six-year 4-H member from Clayton County. Emma is a member of her County Youth Committee, and has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and Citizenship Washington Focus. She has served as her 4-H club's Reporter and Historian. Emma participates in the beef, horse, dog, photography, sewing and food and nutrition project areas.
Emmet
Ethan Marth, Dog
Emmet County 4-H member, Ethan Marth, is the son of Tom and BobbieSue Marth of Estherville. Ethan has served as his local 4-H club's president, vice president and historian. His photograph was considered for the Professional Photographers of Iowa Gallery Award. Ethan enjoys being involved in the communications, digital storytelling, woodworking, dog and photography project areas.
Greene
Samantha Hardaway, Dog
Samantha Hardaway, daughter of Stacy Hardaway, is an eight-year member of 4-H and Junior at Greene County High School. As a 4-H member, she has received the Professional Photographers of Iowa Award and Grand Champion Dog Intermediate Showman at the Iowa State Fair. Samantha has been very involved within her 4-H club as greeter, photographer, recreation Officer, secretary, treasurer and vice president.
Greene
Emily Heupel, Citizenship
Emily Heupel, daughter of David and Kristin Heupel, is a nine year 4-H member from Greene County High School. She has been a part of County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and State 4-H Council. She has had numerous projects selected for the Iowa State Fair each year since she was in 4th grade. Emily has held club officer positions as photographer, reporter, secretary, vice president, and president. She was also Vice President of County Council.
Grundy
Sadie Brockett, Photography
Sadie Brockett, daughter of Rod and Mardel Brockett, is an eight-year 4-H member from Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School. She has been involved in many project areas including: photography, home improvement, visual arts, communication and family consumer science. Sadie has held officer positions for her club as president, vice president and reporter.
Hamilton
Anna Ervin, Communications
Anna Ervin is the daughter of Scott and Paula Ervin. She is a seven-year member of South Hamilton High School. She has held club officer positions as secretary, historian and treasurer. Anna has been involved in many project areas, some including: communication, leadership, citizenship, food and nutrition and photography.
Hamilton
McKenna Mitchell, Photography
McKenna Mitchell, daughter of Ted and Janet Mitchell, is an eight-year 4-H member from Webster City High School. While in 4-H, she has been a part of County 4-H Council, Citizenship Washington Focus, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and participated in project areas including: citizenship, photography, visual arts, home improvement and food and nutrition.
Hamilton
Gabrielle Struchen, Leadership
Gabrielle Struchen, daughter of David and Nikki Struchen, is an eight-year 4-H member from South Hamilton High School. She has received the Ak Sar Ben Leadership Award, Hamilton County's Leadership Award, Iowa State Fair's Top 10% Award for the Awardrobe Clothing Event and is a two time winner of Hamilton County Fair's "Joy" Award. Gabrielle has held club officer positions including reporter, treasurer and vice president.
Jasper
Elizabeth Horn, Horse
Elizabeth Horn, daughter of James and Neisha Horn, is a nine-year 4-H member. She has won the Iowa State Fair 2012 Junior Western Horsemanship Championship, Reserve Champion in the Bryce Leonard Supreme Showmanship Contest at the Jasper County Fair, Champion Senior Team Overall at the Horse Jamboree State Hippology Contest and advancing at the National Contest at Western Round Up in Denver, Colorado. She has also received a 4-H Record Book Award for the past nine years.
Madison
Jacob Al-Mazroa, Beef
Jacob Al-Mazroa, son of Paul and Darla Al-Mazroa, has been a member of Madison County 4-H for eight years. He attends Winterset High School. Jacob serves on his County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. Jacob has been a delegate to the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and Animal Science 4-H Roundup.
Mahaska
Cody Randell, Horse
Cody Randell, son of Lisa Kinkade, is a five-year 4-H member from Oskaloosa Sr. High School. He has been a member of County 4-H Council and Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. Cody has been involved in many project areas including: horses, goats, sheep, bottle calves and lambs and communication presentations.
Marshall
Lauren Mosher, Communications
Marshall County 4-Her Lauren Mosher is the daughter of Jim and Brenda Mosher of Conrad. Lauren is an eight-year 4-H member. She serves on her County Youth Committee, is the president of her County 4-H Council and the president of her 4-H club. Lauren has been a delegate to the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, Animal Science 4-H Roundup and National 4-H Congress. She has State Project Awards in Food and Nutrition and Citizenship.
Marshall
Leah Mosher, Veterinary Science
Leah Mosher, daughter of Jim and Brenda Mosher, is a Marshall County 4-Her. She serves her County 4-H Council as secretary and is on her County Youth Committee. Lauren participates in the beef, veterinary science, food and nutrition, communications and sewing project areas. She has previously received a State Project Award in Beef.
Polk
Jessica Bigelow, Leadership
Jessica Bigelow is the daughter of Bill and JoEllen Bigelow. She has been a 4-H club member for nine years and is from Johnston High School. She has been involved in County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, State 4-H Council and National 4-H Conference. Jessica has participated in many project areas, including: leadership, communication, citizenship, sewing and consumer management.
Polk
Rebecca Osthus, Leadership
Rebecca Osthus is the daughter of Larry Osthus. She has been involved in a 4-H club for nine years and is from Des Moines Roosevelt High School. While in 4-H, she has participated in County 4-H Council, County Youth Committee, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus and State 4-H Council.
Poweshiek
Rebecca Crawford, Communications
Rebecca Crawford, daughter of Dennis and Renny Crawford, is an eight year 4-H member from Grinnell High School. She has received Poweshiek County's Merit, Leadership and Achievement Awards. She's been club president, vice president and a member of Poweshiek's County Council. Rebecca has been involved in many project areas including livestock (sheep), food and nutrition, home improvement, communications and citizenship.
Sac
Connor Pickhinke, Communications
Connor Pickhinke, son of Steve and Tracy Pickhinke, is a 4-H member from Sac County. He attends Ridge View High School. Connor is currently serving as president of his 4-H club and is a member of his County 4-H Council. Connor enjoys the project areas of communications, STEM, leadership, citizenship and beef.
Shelby
Gabe Madson, Communications
Shelby County 4-Her Gabe Madson is the son of Larry and Paulette Madson. Gabe has been a 4-H member for eight years and attends Harlan High School. He is a member of his County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. Gabe participates in the leadership, communication, food and nutrition, music and visual arts project areas.
Shelby
Kara Rueschenberg, Child Development
Kara Rueschenberg, daughter of Joe and Amy Rueschenberg, is an eight-year 4-H member from Harlan Community High School. She has been involved in many project areas including child development, health, food and nutrition, leadership and clothing. She has been awarded county recognition for Top Record Book Winner- Intermediate Level and a Youth Leadership in Action Award.
Story
Josiah Brown, Communications
Josiah Brown, son of Thad and Tia Brown, is an eight-year 4-H member from Ellsworth, Iowa. He has been involved in many project areas including communications, poultry, woodworking, photography and consumer management. He has received many livestock awards and served as his local 4-H club president, treasurer, reporter, recreation leader and photographer.
Story
Dana Edleman, Swine
Dana Edleman, daughter of Marty and Kristi Edleman, is an eight-year 4-H member from Ballard High School. She has been involved in many project areas including sheep, swine, food and nutrition, home improvement and communication. She has been 4-H club secretary and reporter. Dana has received Outstanding 4-H Leadership Awards, was an Understanding Pork Production Senior Winner and a recipient of the Danforth Award.
Story
Kylene Harold, Poultry
Kylene Harold is the daughter of Steve and Sonia Harold. She is a five-year 4-H club member from Ames High School. While in 4-H, she has been involved in poultry, music theory, photography, rabbit hopping and animal science. She has been club assistant spokesperson, recreation leader (three years) and Vice President of County Council.
Story
Benjamin Rima, Photography
Benjamin Rima is the son of Marcia Wefel-Rima. He is a five-year 4-H member from Story County. Benjamin has served as both historian and treasurer for his local 4-H Club. Benjamin is a spokesperson for the Story County Leadership Team. He participates in photography, food and nutrition, communications, citizenship and leadership.
Story
Justine Rosburg, Dog
Justine Rosburg, daughter of Jay and Cozette Rosburg, is an eight-year 4-H member from Gilbert High School. She has competed at the Iowa State Fair in fashion, communication and static exhibits. She was 4-H club president, vice president, secretary, hiistorian, and recreation leader. Justine has been very involved in many project areas including sewing, fashion, food and nutrition, beef and dogs.
Tama
Eric Keller, Communications
Tama County 4-H member Eric Keller is the son of Ryan and Melissa Keller of Gladbrook. Eric serves on his County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. Eric has been the president and vice president of his 4-H club. He received a State Project Award in Poultry in 2016. Eric qualified for National Shooting Competition this summer.
Union
Dalten Bierle, Sheep
Dalten Bierle is the son of Doug and Nichole Bierle. He has been an eight-year member of his 4-H club. Dalten has attended Creston Community Schools, and participated in Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, Animal Science Round-Up, Youth Council, State Fair and County Fair while specializing in sheep and goats.
Union
Macy Evans, Leadership
Macy Evans, daughter of Christopher and April Evans, is a nine-year Union County 4-H member. She has served as president and secretary of her County 4-H Council and has been the president, vice president and secretary of her 4-H club. Macy has been a two-year State 4-H Council member and has previously won a State Project Award in Beef. She also enjoys participating in the beef, leadership, citizenship and food and nutrition project areas.
Union
Taylor Sorrells, Horse
Taylor Sorrells, child of Diane Sorrells, is a Union County 4-H member. Taylor attends Creston High School. Taylor has served as vice president and secretary of the Horse and Riders Club. Horse and clothing are two project areas Taylor is involved in. Taylor has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and Animal Science 4-H Roundup.
Van Buren
Joy Westercamp, Rabbit
Joy Westercamp, daughter of Steven and Christine Westercamp, is a member of Van Buren County 4-H. Joy serves on her County 4-H Council and has held the positions of president, secretary, and treasurer in her 4-H club. She has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and was selected as a delegate to National 4-H Conference and is a member of the State 4-H Council. She enjoys the communications, environment and sustainability, rabbits, swine and food and nutrition project areas.
Warren
Gabby McCoy, Clothing
Gabby McCoy, daughter of Tim and Kathy McCoy, is a six year 4-H member attending Carlisle High School. Gabby has received many awards including: Outstanding Sewing Awards at the Iowa State Fair, Outstanding Agriculture and Natural Resources at Warren County Fair, Outstanding Intermediate Record Book Award for Warren County in Communications, Clothing, Sewing, Foods, Personal Development and Creative Arts. She has been Club Officer, Secretary, Historian and President of Warren County Intermediate Leadership Team.
Warren
Hannah McCoy, Leadership
Hannah McCoy, daughter of Tim and Kathy McCoy, is a nine year 4-H member and currently attends Carlisle High School. As a 4-H member, Hannah has been co-chair for Iowa State 4-H Conference and an Outstanding Personal Development Exhibit at Warren County Fair for two years, and received a Top Senior Award from Warren County. She has also served as president of her 4-H club for four years and Senior 4-H County Council President for two years.
Webster
Morgan Border, Citizenship
Morgan Border is the daughter of Mark and Shelia Border. She is a six-year 4-H member from St. Edmond Catholic High School. She has been involved in County 4-H Council and Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. She has held club officer positions, including: recreation Leader, historian, photographer, secretary and vice president.
Webster
Maddy Christensen, Shooting Sports
Maddy Christensen, daughter of Tim and Krystal Christensen, is a Webster County 4-H member. SHe has been in 4-H for eight years and attends Southeast Valley High School. She serves on her County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. Maddy was a delegate to the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and Citizenship Washington Focus. She enjoys being involved in the archery, dog, rifle, food and nutrition and communications project areas.
Winneshiek
Hanna Schmitt, Visual Arts
Hanna Schmitt, daughter of Greg and Sara Schmitt, is a 4-H'er from South Winneshiek High School. She has held club leadership roles as Clover Kid Helper and secretary. She has been awarded Supreme Grand Champion Mare and Grand Champion Horse 2016 at the Winneshiek County Fair, Region 4 4-H Citizen Group, an Achievement in Leadership from Winneshiek County and been accepted to be a part of the 4-H Artists Next Door Program.
Winneshiek
Hanna Schmitt, Visual Arts
Hanna Schmitt, daughter of Greg and Sara Schmitt, is an eight-year 4-H member attending South Winneshiek High School. She has held club officer positions as Clover Kid Helper and secretary. She has been awarded Supreme Grand Champion Mare and Grand Champion Horse 2016 at Winneshiek County Fair, Region 4 4-H Citizen Group, an Achievement in Leadership from Winneshiek County and Iowa State Fair awards for working exhibits, Share the Fun, educational presentations and visual arts.
Woodbury
Allison Bermel, Communications
Allison Bermel is the daughter of Lonnie and Lori Bermel. She is a seven-year 4-H member from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. She has been involved in many project areas, including visual arts, communication, leadership, citizenship and food and nutrition. She has received her club's 4-H Spirit Award, Top 12 Judges Choice in Food and Nutrition at the Iowa State Fair, and chosen for the State Awardrobe Event (two years).
Woodbury
Kiley Boeshart, Citizenship
Woodbury County 4-Her Kiley Boeshart is the daughter of Jim and Dawn Boeshart. She attends Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. Kiley serves on her County 4-H Council and County Youth Committee. She has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and was a member of the State 4-H Council. Kiley does citizenship, leadership, home improvement, food and nutrition and photography projects.
Woodbury
Sheryl McGowan, Communications
Sheryl McGowan, daughter of Chris and Cathleen McGowan, is a 4-H member from Woodbury County. Sheryl serves on her County 4-H Council and has been the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and historian of her 4-H club. She enjoys participating in the project areas of communications, leadership, food and nutrition, citizenship and health.
Woodbury
Nicholas McGowan, STEM
As a six-year 4-H member, Nicholas McGowan, son of Chris and Cathleen McGowan, has participated in project areas including: communications, leadership, STEM, photography and citizenship. He attends Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and been a part of his County's Youth Committee. Nicholas served as his club's historian, recreation chair and fundraising chair.
Woodbury
Nicholas McGowan, STEM
As a six year 4-H member, Nicholas McGowan, son of Chris and Cathleen McGowan, has participated in project areas including: communications, leadership, STEM, photography, and citizenship. He attends Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and been a part of his County's Youth Committee. Nicholas served as his Club Historian, Recreation Chair, and Fundraising Chair.
Worth
Matthew Dirksen, Dairy
Worth County 4-Her Matthew Dirksen is the son of Phil and Shelly Dirksen. He is a six-year 4-H member and attends Central Springs High School. Matthew serves on his County 4-H Council and has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference as well as Animal Science 4-H Roundup. He is also a Dairy Representative for Worth County Farm Bureau. Matthew participates in the dairy, beef, woodworking and visual arts project areas.
Worth
Mary Irons, Beef
Mary Irons is the daughter of Patty and Dave Irons. She has been involved in 4-H for nine years. Mary has participated in County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Committee and Animal Science 4-H Roundup. She has been involved in many project areas, including beef, photography, clothing and fashion, home improvement and sewing and needle arts.
Worth
Peyton Pangburn, Swine
Peyton Pangburn, daughter of Donald and Bryn Pangburn, is a current student at Northwood-Kensett High School and a six-year 4-H member. Peyton has been involved in project areas including: swine, poultry, horses, visual arts and photography. She's held club leadership roles as secretary, vice president, and president, and has been recognized as Junior Swine Superintendent, Reserve Junior Girl, Champion Junior Overall Judge during Spring State Conference, Swine Achievement Award and Champion Showmanship.
Worth
Alex Prestholt, Leadership
Alex Prestholt, son of David and Linda Prestholt, is an eight-year 4-H member from Worth County. Alex attends Central Springs High School in Manly, Iowa. He serves on his County 4-H Council and the State 4-H Council. Alex was a delegate to National 4-H Congress. He participates in the cattle, sheep, food and nutrition and home improvement project areas. Alex has also received a State Project Award in Citizenship.
