4-H Celebrates End of Fair with Herdsman Award Ceremony

DUNKIRK, NY (August 31, 2016) – Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development program celebrates the closing of each county fair with the Herdsman Awards Ceremony recognizing outstanding youth. This year the ceremony was held on Saturday, July 30th at 4:30pm at the Warren K. Brown Show Arena on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds.

Each barn has the opportunity to give six awards during the ceremony. Four exceptional youth are recognized for their exceptional contributions during the week as decided by the 4-H volunteer barn superintendents. Youth who display sportsmanship, kindness, communication skills, trustworthiness, responsibility, ethics, initiative, are a positive role model to others, and who have diverse interests are considered for the following awards.

The Most improved 4-H’er Award in memory of Robert Spinler Award is sponsored by the Fain Family of Bemus Point, NY. Robert Spinler was a long-time supporter of Chautauqua County

4-H. This award is presented annually at the County Fair Herdsman Award Ceremony and is given to the person chosen as the most improved 4-Her from last year to this year. Joyce Wiltsie was awarded the most improved 4-H member because she has become more outgoing and greatly improved the quality of the market chickens that she raised. Joyce has been in 4-H for 8 years and is a member of the Frewsburg Hayseeds 4-H club. She is an excellent sewer and also participates in the poultry and dairy projects. In June Joyce was selected as the 2016 Chautauqua County Dairy Princess.

The Spirit of 4-H Award in Memory of Kris TeWinkle can be awarded to any Chautauqua County 4-H member, who is a graduating high school senior. Award recipients must embody the spirit of 4-H and make 4-H fun and enjoyable. Award recipients do not have to be college bound. The 2016 recipient of the Spirit of 4-H Award is Alyssa Crandall. Alyssa has participated in 4-H for nine years and is an active member of the beef project and Wild Oats 4-H club. Alyssa is always willing to advocate for 4-H and is an excellent businesswoman. She sets an example for others by being courteous and taking great care of her animals.

Christina Dean was awarded the Most Outstanding Jr. Superintendent Award for her dedication to the Horse Barn. Chrissy was always available to help fellow 4-Hers as well as the barn superintendent. Chrissy is known for her smile and willingness to lead. She is a key player on the Quad team and motivates her teammates.

The Best All-Around 4-Her in Memory of Kazan Mosher is awarded to a longtime 4-H members for their participation and contribution to 4-H at the Fair. This year’s recipient is Abigail Jantzi. Abigail has participated for 10 years in the dairy project and is in the Clymer Eager Beavers 4-H club. Abby leads by example. She has a positive attitude, is hard working and is always willing to help others. She is a master showman and has represented Chautauqua County at three national dairy judging contests.

Youth aging out of 4-H were also recognized. 4-H youth who turn 19 before the beginning of the 4-H year cannot participate in 4-H programming. Many 4-H youth who can no longer participate as youth come back and volunteer. Congratulations to all on their dedication to 4-H! This year aging out of 4-H are Brooke Angelo, Judy Bacon, Chloe Burke, Brandon Decker, Abigail Jantzi, Amanda Knappenberger, Rachel McCarthy, Allen McElwain, Dakota Meinzer, Sarah Osborne, Melanie Walters, and Bridget Yaw.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated August 31, 2016