April 29, 2024

4-H catches up on awards, officer training

Dozens of county 4-Hers honored

By Jason W

There were 29 Jasper County students trained in the duties of 4-H officers at a Nov. 25 officer session. In front, from the left, are Emily Zahurones, Shelby Holdeman, Macy Leonard, Jenna Smith, Lauren VanManen, Lauren Zaabel, Kathryn VanManen, Cadie Horn, Abigail Adkison and Abigail Hobbs. In the second row are Wendy Wiggins, Amber Knight, Trey Knight, Justin Horn, Logan Zaabel, Luke Zaabel, Charly Birkenholtz, Jacob Frier and Jaclyn Michener. In back are Jacob Smith, Halsey Morecock, Ellie Horn, Philip Aurand, Morgan DeHaai, Taylor Guy, Kori Jack and Emily VanGorp. (Submitted Photo)

Members of the Jasper County 4-H club were recently honored for their work with one project, while some of the students learned valuable skills during an officer training session.

In early November, 120 4-H students were honored at their annual award ceremony for record keeping — one of the many life skills taught and encouraged by the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach staff, as well as by 4-H Leaders.

There were more than 200 awards handed out at the ceremony, and 120 Jasper County 4-H members turned in record books and applied for project and life skill awards. The 4-Hers received project awards in the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Expressive Arts, Family and Consumer Science and Personal Development divisions.

Some students received Life Skill Awards. Some students received Elaina Machine Record Keeping awards, which are for an entire book, as compared to a single project.

On Nov. 25, 29 Jasper County students attended 4-H officer training, conducted by the ISU Extension & Outreach Jasper County staff and the 4-H County Council.

Officers are an important part of each 4-H club meeting. They help establish an agenda, follow parliamentary procedure and conduct meetings.

Officers are encouraged to attend this training, as well as youth who plan to become an officer in the future, or who just want to learn about different club offices. Some of the offices featured in the training were secretary, reporter and a recreational officer.

The recreational officer facilitates interactive game and icebreakers to help 4-Hers get to know each other, and helps add a fun, recreational component to 4-H meetings.