DUNKIRK, NY (August 28, 2017) – Cornell Cooperative Extension of 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 29th 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 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-H’er from last year to this year. Hope Catanese was awarded the most improved 4-H member because she has become more outgoing and greatly improved the animals she raised as well as her performance in showmanship. Hope has been in 4-H for seven years and is currently a member of the Cassadaga Fireflies. Hope is a Jr superintendent in the sheep barn and willingly educates her
4-H peers and the public about sheep.
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 2017 recipient of the Spirit of 4-H Award is Jacob Lesch. Jacob has been in 4-H for ten years and is a member of the Canadaway 4-H club where he has held an office for nine years. He has been a Jr superintendent in the hog and steer barns. He is always eager to learn more in school, in work, and in his hobbies. He enjoys mastering every project he completes. Jacob volunteers for his club, cloverbud group, leads projects, and volunteers at his church.
Madison Styers was awarded the Most Outstanding Jr. Superintendent Award for her dedication to the Hog Barn. Maddie has been in 4-H and the hog project for ten years. She has served as a Jr superintendent for eight years. Maddie truly enjoys mentoring other 4-H youth and is knowledgeable about selecting and feeding pigs. She is well spoken, dedicated, and enthusiastic and sets a great example for her peers. This year Maddie balanced her duties as a 4-H Junior superintendent with attending classes at Hewes BOCES.
The Best All-Around 4-H’er in Memory of Kazan Mosher is awarded to a longtime 4-H members for their participation and contribution to 4-H at the Fair. Jesse and Shelly Harrington sponsor this award. This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Comstock. Liz has been in 4-H for eight years and a member of the Harmony Haystackers 4-H club where she’s been president for the last 4 years. Liz is a Teen Ambassador and serves as a teen rep on the hog advisory committee. Liz takes on a lot of responsibilities through the year and at the fair and enjoys helping younger 4-H members. She is very talented and has had many life-skills projects selected for State Fair or special judges awards. Liz is an expert seamstress and the blue floor-length sequin gown will be on display and modeled by Liz at the New York State Fair.
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 Alyssa Crandall, Austin Crowell, Billy Eskeli, Logan Fain, Melissa Fiebelkorn, Rebecca Frisbee, Katelynn Gierlinger, Lacey Johnson, Makayla Keefe, Jordyn Majka, Allen McElwain, Abigail O’Brien, Stephanie Rogers, Sam Starceski, Madison Styers, and Madison Woodis.
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.
Emily Reynolds
Executive Director
eck47@cornell.edu
716-664-9502 ext. 201
Last updated August 28, 2017