Each year the Tioga County 4-H Youth Development Program recognizes its 4-H members and 4-H club and project leaders at the 4-H Awards Night event. Awards are presented to members who complete an annual project and a record book detailing their processes, present a positive 4-H image, dedicate themselves to learning valuable life skills, give back to their community, and build leadership skills. Leaders and volunteers are recognized for the time and skills they share with the 4-H’ers, and their dedication to the program. This year’s event was held Friday, Oct. 23 at the Tioga Center High School.
4-H club and project leaders were presented with certificates, annual pins and gifts. The Tioga Co. 4-H Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Mary Gleason Leonard, Owego, for her four years of volunteer service as the club and organizational leader of the Ranch Riders 4-H Club.
Two 10-year leaders, Cheryl Simmons, Berkshire, and Ken Kuracina, Endicott, received the Volunteer of Distinction award, and Cathy Robinson, Owego, received the Emerald Pin for her 25 years of volunteer service.
Project completion certificates, annual pins and 4-H patches were presented to regular 4-H members (nine to 19 years old) and Cloverbud members (age five to eight years old) who completed their club project, submitted complete and detailed project record books, and exhibited their projects in the Tioga County 4-H Youth Fair.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program presented awards to the 4-H Rifle Team Novice High Shooter, Sam Umiker, and the Experienced High Shooter, Marta Lengyel.
The 4-H Animal Science Program presented 4-H Raiser of the Year awards to 4-H Market Animal Science project youth who successfully completed a set of requirements that include public presentations, oral and written tests, community service, project completion, club meetings, fair participation, and field trips. The junior recipients received a fleece pullover and the senior recipients received a director’s chair.
This year’s recipients were: Junior Beef Raiser of the Year – Gavin Lindhorst, Animal Aholics 4-H Club; Junior Swine Raiser of the Year – Tammy Perrotta, Farm Fanatics 4-H Club; Senior Swine Raiser of the Year – Cassie Hollenbeck, Animal Aholics 4-H Club, chair sponsored by Goodrich Auction Service, Inc.; Junior Sheep Raiser of the Year – Daniel Popp, Hoof & Claw 4-H Club; Junior Goat Raiser of the Year – Katie Popp, Hoof & Claw 4-H Club.; Senior Goat Raiser of the Year – Daniel Popp, Hoof & Claw 4-H Club, chair sponsored by Hollenbeck’s Feed & Coal, Inc.; Junior Dairy Raiser of the Year – Owen Huizinga, Flora & Fauna Friends 4-H Club; Senior Dairy Raiser of the Year – Emily Henry, Flora & Fauna Friends 4-H Club, chair sponsored by Bill Visscher Memorial Award; Junior Poultry Raiser of the Year – Tammy Perrotta; Senior Poultry Raiser of the Year – Marlie Lukach, Farm Fanatics 4-H Club, chair sponsored by the 4-H Livestock Program; Junior Horse Raiser of the Year – Tammy Perrotta; and Senior Horse Raiser of the Year – Marta Lengyel, Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club, chair sponsored by Angel Acres.
The Paul Tryon 4-H Memorial Scholarship recognizes a 4-H animal science member, 14 to 19 years old, for their commitment to 4-H and the animal science program. This year’s recipient was Marlie Lukach, Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club.
The William Haner 4-H Memorial Scholarship recognizes a 4-H member 17 to 19 years old who is planning to pursue a career in the agricultural field. This year’s recipient was Marlie Lukach.
The following 4-H Special Recognition Awards are presented to 4-H members who through years of club, county, district and state participation are applying mastered skills to activities they do inside and outside of 4-H.
The 4-H Outstanding Record Book Award went to Tess Bergfjord, Ranch Riders 4-H Club.
The Honor Secretary Award recognizes those club secretaries that have kept timely and accurate records throughout the club year. The recipients were Megan Henry, Flora & Fauna Friends 4-H Club; Anna Raymond, Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club; and Daniel Popp, Hoof & Claw 4-H Club.
The Movers and Doers Award recognizes those enthusiastic 4-H’ers who are always there to help, attend all of the club meetings and events, and volunteer when needed. This year’s Movers and Doers award recipients were Cassie Hollenbeck, Animal Aholics 4-H Club; Trenton Perrotta, Farm Fanatics 4-H Club; Daniel Hartman, Animal Aholics 4-H Club; and Staci Greene, Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club.
Outstanding 4-H Project Awards are presented to 4-H members who have achieved excellence in a specific project area. They must have completed several years in the project, demonstrated outstanding effort, dedication and involvement in the project, participated in community service activities and kept accurate records. This year’s recipient was Nathan Holt from the Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club for his work in the horse program.
The 4-H Leadership Excellence Award recognizes a 4-H member who, over their 4-H career, has demonstrated leadership roles at the club, county, district, and state levels. This year’s recipient was Marta Lengyel from the Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club and 4-H Shooting Sports.
The 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a 4-H member who has demonstrated a commitment to 4-H and their personal growth. This year’s recipient was Marlie Lukach from the Berkshire Broncos 4-H Club, Hoof & Claw 4-H Club, 4-H Shooting Sports and 4-H Teen Leaders.
To find out more about the Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at (607) 687-4020 or visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu.
