Local 4-H celebrates 100 years
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RONAN — Together, generations of people celebrated 100 years of 4-H in Montana during the 2012 Lake County 4-H achievement program held Oct. 14 at the community center in Ronan. The annual achievement program is when Lake County members are recognized for their hard work and accomplishments throughout the year. This year was special, as it was the wrap-up for celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Montana. Lake County 4-H ambassadors prepared and presented the evening’s program, with Hannah Vaughan and Alanna Carlson doing a slideshow of photos from the past year’s events and activities. Claudia Hewston served as emcee for the festivities and Brittany Evelo, Natalee Wheeler and Madisen Wheeler introduced leaders and speakers. Other Ambassador members helped hand out awards and leader gifts throughout the night.
Diane Grant and Julane Matejovsky, former 4-H members and both former 4-H leaders in Lake County, were guest speakers for the evening. Each shared experiences they had in 4-H that helped shape them into the adults they are today. Both had the opportunity to represent their states at the National 4-H Congress in Chicago, an event still being held today. All were held spellbound as they told about their many and varied 4-H experiences.
Lake County 4-H members who had the opportunity to travel this past year because of 4-H shared their stories with the crowd: Kane Shenyer and his trip to a national AKC event; Azia Smith and her 4-H trip to New York City and Washington, D.C.; and Cody Grant and his travel to the National 4-H Shooting Sports competition as a member of the archery team.
Club leaders presented completion certificates to members as well as champion and reserve champion awards their members received during fair. Shooting sports leaders Fred Grant and Les Mutchler presented overall shooting sports awards based on practices attended, events participated in, and effort and attitude, and dog project leaders Karen McLeod and Jan Thingelstad also presented awards for event participation.
The People’s Choice Award from the Lake County Fair was announced and received by Alyssa Liddle-Young for her photography project.
Outstanding 4-H member awards were presented. Members receiving these awards were nominated by others and completed an application process and interviews for the award: Ronny Cullis, Western Outdoors Award; Kane Shenyer, Junior Mentor; Kelsie Blevins, Senior Mentor; Natalee Wheeler, Junior Sportsmanship; Alanna Carlson, Senior Sportsmanship; Madisen Wheeler, Junior Achievement; and Cody Grant, Senior Achievement.
4-H club organizational leaders were given a Montana Centennial coffee mug and all leaders were recognized for their years of service to 4-H. Frank Delgado was the winner of the Montana Centennial signed and framed poster by Monte Dolack, and Gayla Lytton won the centennial belt buckle.
The evening concluded with Extension Agent Nori Pearce encouraging 4-H members to continue excellence in the next 100 years of 4-H and to live life well.
