(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Benton County 4-H..)
The 63rd Annual Benton County 4-H Adult Volunteers and Leaders Banquet was held Sunday, November 20th at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm. The event signified the end of the 4-H year and was an appreciation dinner and awards program for our 4-H Adult volunteers and leaders. About 125 adult volunteers/leaders and special guests were in attendance and enjoyed a fabulous dinner. Some of the special guests included Benton County Commissioner Ed Popp, Commissioner Scott Johnson, Commissioner Beth Schlangen, Associate Dean & MN 4-H State Director Jennifer Skuza, Program Leader in Youth Development for the Central Region Leah Larson, Regional Director Lori Vicich, Benton County Extension Committee members Cheryl Scapanski and Angie Arnold.
“In a world where there are so many things pulling our youth in different directions, we can be their constant, their support, their encouragement and their biggest fans.” Said 4-H Adult Volunteer Corinne Lyon, Club Leader for the Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club during her leader’s response. “When youth feel appreciated and valued, they are inspired to continue to fulfill their potential. As leaders, we can help youth focus on the joy in life instead of just relying on their victories. But they can’t see if we don’t help them find it within themselves.”
After our guest speakers spoke, recognition pins signifying the numbers of years in volunteering/leadership roles, were presented by 4-H Extension Educator, Ann Olson and our new Extension Support Staff, Megan Gerads. Over 550 years of volunteering were recognized.
First year recipients included: Tammy Goertz, 79’ers, Jodi Henry, Busy Bees, Nichole Billmark, Cornerstone Clovers, Eric Zintek, Duelm, Jennifer Lamberg, Duelm, Adam Scapanski, Elk River Critters, Cindy Achen, Graham, Jeremiah Meehl, Graham, Jessica Hoheisel, Graham, Justin Hackett, Graham, Lindsy Hackett, Graham, Jake Klosowski, Independent, Marjorie Kahl, Independent, Nathan Goldade, independent, Suzanne Bratrud, independent, Ann Bemboom, Mayhew Lakers, Megan Gerads, Mayhew Lakers, Erin Sanderson, Katilyn Grundhoefer, Shooting Stars , Shooting Stars and Kristin Forner, Shooting Stars.
Fifth year recipients included: Katrina Beack, 79’ers, Kim Chmielewski, Busy Bees, Scott & Jackie Janski, Central MN Llama Club, Nathen Pflipsen, Central MN llama Club, Andi Rahm, Cornerstone Clovers, Sarah Dahler, Cornerstone Clovers. Krista Kuklok, Cornerstone Clovers, Angie Arnold, Duelm, Kristin Best, Duelm, Laura Brenny, Elk River Critters, Mat Brenny, Elk River Critters, Cassie Scapanski, Elk River Critters, Brent Betker, Elk River Critters, Amy Rife, Graham, Cody Rife, Graham, Juanita Beauchamp, Graham, Russ Beauchamp, Graham, Randy Hackett, Graham, Shannon Nelson, Graham, Kelly Nelson, Graham, Sue Olson, Graham, Tim Olson, Graham, Hans Mersinger, Granite Clouds, Mandy Spiczka, Granite Clouds, Ann & Rick Olson, Jan Matvick, Independent, Rod Bemboom, Independent, Becky Paulson, North Benton, Lynette Zima, Shooting Stars, Robin Heinen, Shooting Stars, Jennifer Pozorski, St. Pat’s and Michelle Peacock, St. Pat’s
Tenth year recipients included: Kevin Kuklok, Cornerstone Clovers, Elizabeth Schneider, Duelm, Ted Prom, Duelm Connie Goulet, Elk River Critters, Jennifer Betker, Elk River Critters, Kevin Hackett, Elk River Critters, Diane Halverson, Green Acres, Daryl Sheetz, Independent, Sue Tix, Independent, Irene Neu, North Benton, Joan Nichols, North Benton, Scott Morris, St. Pat’s and Shawn Pollard, St. Pat’s
Fifteenth year recipients included: Heidi Anderson, Elk River Critters, Katrina Dolezal-Mersinger, Granite Clouds, Denise Roberts, Green Acres, Gina Kobluk, Independent and Ken Bemboom, Mayhew Lakers
Twenty year recipients included: Cheryl Pflipsen, Central MN Llama Club, Cheryl Scapanski, Elk River Critters and Bonnita Bernhardt, Independent
Twenty-five year recipients included: Natalie Schmitt, Independent
Thirty year recipients included: June Hirdler, 79’ers and Robin Burton, 79’ers.
Thirty-five year recipients included: Joan Templin, 79’ers and Karen Sakry, St. Pat’s
Forty year recipient included: Becky Molitor, Independent
Fifty year recipient included: Marilyn Kaschmitter, Independent.
Additional awards were presented to individuals that were nominated. There were two “Outstanding Service Awards” presented to Brenda Kaschmitter of Pioneers 4-H Club and Kevin Kuklok of Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club for going the extra mile in numerous areas in 4-H to support the program. Two “Friend of 4-H” Awards were given to Foley Community Education and Henry’s Embroidery for the dedication to assist 4-H supporting the youth. Two “4-H Leader Achievement Awards” were presented to Stacie Morris of St. Pat’s 4-H Club and Katrina Dolezal-Mersinger of Granite Clouds 4-H Club for consistent dedication in leadership. Two “4-H Pioneer Award” recipients were awarded to Cheryl Scapanski of Elk River Critters 4-H Club and Michelle Peacock of St. Pat’s 4-H Club.
The final award was “Honorary 4-H Member Award” which was presented to Benton County Commissioner Ed Popp for his continued dedication to the 4-H program.
“It is truly an indescribable honor to lead this 4-H program in Benton County the past 6 years and a privilege to be a part of each of your lives.” said Ann Olson, Benton County 4-H Extension Educator, “I do not take this opportunity for granted, and I hope to continue to serve you proudly in the years ahead.”
Benton County 4-H is blessed to have dedicated, passionate, and hard-working volunteers that all contribute to the success of the 4-H program. Thank you to all of our volunteers and leaders for all they do for the organization and our youth. Sunday evening was an excellent opportunity to celebrate our volunteers and leaders for their accomplishments.
