BEDFORD – Several 4-H members and volunteers were recognized and honored.
Each year, two outstanding 4-H members and two runner-ups are recognized. These members were nominated by their club leaders, completed a 4-H Life Skills Resume and Short Answer, and underwent an interview.
According to Lesley Lodmell, Extension Director leaders are asked to nominate members that display strong leadership skills, help other members, participate in club activities, and promote 4-H in their community. This year, 21 youth were nominated.
The recipients were Olyvia Pruett and Hunter Roodschild.
Olyvia is in 10th grade and is a club officer and active member of the Dairy Club. She also completes some incredible exhibit hall projects such as fine arts.
Hunter is in 9th grade and is an active member of Swine Club. He is also an outstanding new member of Junior Leaders. He was recently elected to represent the Jr Leaders on the Fair Board.
“Both of these young people show strong leadership skills, and we cannot wait to see how they continue to contribute and improve our 4-H program,” Lodmell added. “We also want to congratulate our runners-up Kenadi Bridges and Jacalyn Blake.”
Incredible volunteers help make the 4-H program possible for approximately 600 young people that enroll each year. Annually, 4-H honors one of those volunteers through the Outstanding Dedication to 4-H award. This award goes to someone that has both been involved for a number of years and makes a large impact.
“For 2021, we are celebrating the contributions of Tomi Carroll,” Lodmell added.
Tomi has been an approved 4-H volunteer for 23 years. During that time, she has been a club leader for the White River 4-H Club, helped as a Jr Leader adviser, served on the Exhibit Hall Committee.
“She is an all-around dependable volunteer. She also serves surrounding counties as a judge for exhibit hall projects. She does an outstanding job getting members involved and helping encourage them to try 4-H opportunities at the state level and beyond,” Lodmell added.
Also recognized was Jacalyn Blake, a very high achieving member who took on a strong leadership role during a year of challenge and unknown.
“Jacalyn has been a stand-out leader and spokesperson for 4-H in her role as Jr Leader president,” said Lodmell. “She got creative for activities and she was a welcoming face to meetings and activities. Jacalyn is beginning her freshman year at Purdue University, and we have no doubt she will accomplish great things.”
