WHEATLAND - Platte County 4-H Achievement Day was held Nov. 6, 2021, at the Platte County Agriplex.

The annual event is held to recognize and reward 4-H members for their work and projects during the past year and also to announce the new leadership team for the coming year.

Members, leaders, friends and families enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, entertainment from members who had traveled nationally or internationally over the past two years, and celebrated the wisdom of graduating seniors.

Bellwood Boats, the Bauder family, was recognized as this year’s Friend to 4-H for their support of the 4-H program through the years. The Bauders’ have provided funding and suport for 4-H in a number of different ways and Platte County 4-H would not be the same without their dedication.  

“Even though this business never wants recognition,” Stacy Buchholz, 4-H youth development director said. “They ensure 4-H continues to grow and thrive.”

Several leaders were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Platte County 4-H.

Jared Souza and David Seyfang were awarded the Outstanding 1st Year Leader Award for their continued dedication to the shooting sports program. Both go the extra mile for all members and make the shooting sports practices fun for all.

Claire Klatt was honored for her dedication and passion for 4-H with the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award. Claire is an outstanding leader who goes above and beyond for members.

“According to her nominations,” Buchholz said, “she is an amazing leader who motivates youth. Members love her and her passion is contagious.”

Many 4-H’ers were also recognized for their outstanding, leadership, commitment to 4-H, hard work during the year, community service and mentorship of other members.  Platte County 4-H’ers definitely are making a big difference to the community.  Members receiving outstanding achievement awards include:

Platte County Commissioners Citizenship Award recipient Gracen Mount showed her community minded spirit through her involvements in 4-H, FFA, student council and the Platte County community, participating in a number of activities, making the most of every minute. According to her nominations, she is always busy, participating in as many activities as she can, helping to organize and make memorable experiences for all.

The John Geringer Memorial Premier Exhibitor award this year was awarded to Allie Van Why, an outgoing young lady exhibiting a history of outstanding project work, leadership in her club and Platte County 4-H, and mentorship of younger members.  

The Fannie Collard Memorial Award celebrates members who actively participate in many 4-H projects, 4-H county events, state events and show outstanding leadership.  Tra Bauder, an outgoing and passionate young man received this honor.

Tra Bauder, recipient of the 4-H Member Community Service Award was involved in over 8 club service projects, but goes above and beyond that, helping to mow lawns for the elderly, deliver meals to community members who are homebound, or can be found just visiting with the elderly when they need a friend.

The 4-H Member Involvement Award, is for members who have demonstrated active participation in 4-H events. Congratulations to Andrea Fox who is an involved and dedicated member.  According to her nominations, is an outgoing young woman who always has a smile on her face. She helps without being asked, shares her passions with those around her, and is constantly learning to get better. She is a great example for all around her.

Jaycilou Ciz, recipient of the 4-H’er Hard Luck Award, faced challenges throughout her 4-H year, but this did not stop her from trying to showcase her skills.

“June Werner, the 4-H Member Heart and Soul Award recipient,” Buchholz said. “She always has a smile on her face with hands that are always willing to be used. She is a natural leader and helps mentor young members. Many young and old look to her for a smile and positive word. According to her nominations, she is a shining light.”

This year’s recipient of the 4-H Member 4-H Spirit Award, Emma Crowley, definitely shows the 4-H spirit.  According to her nominations she puts her all into her projects and helps with a smile. She may be quiet before you get to know her, but she is a great friend, cheering on fellow members, and creating excitement with her attitude.

Two members were recognized with the 4-H Member Extra Mile Award, and they definitely go the extra mile to help others. Addy Souza could be found helping behind the scenes at shooting sports practices or mucking the wash rack during fair along with working hard at her own projects. Juanito Bell shows up to 4-H events asking for tasks, getting the job done with a smile.

This year’s recipient of the 4-H Member Outstanding Sportsmanship Award, Clay Daly, has definitely shown sportsmanship and true character through his 4-H efforts.  According to his nominations, He is a humble young man, who could win the world but always thinks of others celebrating their success.

Ruth Werner, the Outstanding first year 4-H Member definitely showed true passion and 4-H spirit in her first year as a member. According to her nominations, when starting the year, she was shy and reserved, but through determination, hard work and passion, she grew her skills and confidence, teaching cloverbud members by the end of the year.

The recipient of the 4-H Member Exemplary Leadership Award, Rachel Hill, showed great leadership and poise through her 4-H work.  According to her nominations, she is amazing with younger members, works hard at her projects, is willing to help others learn, and is very dedicated. She has a big heart, and is a great leader.

Macoyia Stoneking, this year’s recipient of the 4-H Member Outstanding Mentorship Award. “She always has a smile on her face and loves helping younger members,” Buchholz said. “According to her nominations, she has been a coach, leader, friend and mentor. She leads by example, shows up to watch other members, teaches them in unfamiliar areas and supports them.”

“This year’s Outstanding Teen Leadership Award recipient, Tess Palen, is definitely a great leader,” Buchholz said. “According to her nominations she has been an officer in the club for several years but is always encouraging others to try an office, try a new project or even encourages them to be a leader. She is willing to help with a project, help lead an event or even dive in a get her hands dirty.”

Palen also performed an informative speech that she wrote and presented at the recent Wyoming State state speech and debate competition. The topic was on Cheatgrass.

The Platte County 4-H Leadership Team advisors, Sydney Burek and Dixie Mount, announced the 2022 leadership team during the Achievement Night ceremony as well. Members of the 2022 leadership team include: Tess Palen, Allie Van Why, Rachel Hill, Megan Sagner, and Libby Logan.

A number of members were also recognized for their outstanding record keeping skills, scoring in the top 20 percent of members completing their Record Book Portfolios. These members include: June Gentle, Ace Keil, Allie Keil, Ruth Werner, Megan Sagner, Kaylese Knez, Tra Bauder, Grace Battershell, Clay Daly, Mesa Winger, June Werner, Maxx Meyer, Cooper Meyer, Gracen Mount, Chase Rasnake, Sophia Meyer, Kaylee Rasnake. Members receiving recognition for their Portfolio Best My 4-H Story include Mya Connell, Gavirelle Dawson, and Allie Van Why. Club officers recognized for their excellent record keeping skills include Chloe Palmer, Secretary of Slater Gators 4-H Club, Tra Bauder Treasurer of Horseshoe Livestock 4-H Club, and Emma Crowley Treasurer of Chug Valley 4-H Club

All in all, Platte County 4-H is a richer and better program for having such dedicated members, leaders and community members.  The new 4-H year is just getting started, for more information about how to join, call the Extension Office at 322-3667 or email stacy@uwyo.edu.