4-H families and supporters gathered together and celebrated the 2022-2023 4-H year with our annual recognition night, "The Wonderful World of 4-H" a Disney theme event on Sunday, November 19 at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Emcees for the evening were Leader’s Council officers, President Will DeBates, Vice President Taylin Muller, Secretary Mason Fruechte, and Treasurer Rylee Folkerts. It was an evening to celebrate 4-H members, families, volunteers, and supporters for a great past year, as well as a time to reflect on the past year’s happenings.
Recognition was given to Extension Committee members, Cloverbuds, first year members and Ambassadors. Leader’s Council officers were installed. Club leaders were honored for their year of service including Chrissy DeBates – Jasper Jolly Juniors; Kyle Caskey and Amy Steuck – Prairie Grangers; Rhonda Kor, Jason & Nicole Weber – Sweet Strivers; Lucas Kracht and Stephen VanDyke - Trosky Peppy Pebbles; Dawn Sutherland and Julie Manzey – Troy Toilers; and Dean Schulze, Rob Faber, and Scott Kor –Shooting Sports Club.
Records are a large part of 4-H projects and every year Pipestone County 4-H recognizes youth who complete records for the first time. This year’s first year record completion awards went to Lily Fruechte, and Emma Odland. Receiving discs for record completion for two year or more were, in a variety of categories included: Summer LaBrune, Autumn LaBrune, Lauren Steuck, Alyssa Steuck, Jaden Weinkauf, Brynn Manzey, Alyvia Caskey, Benjamin LaBrune, Eleanor Stangle, Mason Fruechte Tenley Caskey, Adrian Caskey, Ethan Faber, and Lucas Faber. Three Cloverbuds were also recognized for completing their 4-H Cloverbud records: Tyson Faber, Lacy Odland, and Faith Fruechte.
Three sets of awards are given out to outstanding youth who have worked extremely hard to be a visible, positive 4-H role model in their club and community. Points are given for club activities, project areas, activity areas, leadership, out of county events and achievements such as champions, state and national trips. Terrific Young Achievers (grades 3-5) were: Becklan Whipkey, Tenley Caskey, Lily Fruechte, Benjamin LaBrune, Maren Whipkey, Lucas Faber. Excellent Intermediates (grades 6-8): Mason Fruechte, Finley Whipkey, Adrian Caskey, Maesa Folkerts, Alyssa Steuck, Tom Reese, Lauren Steuck, and Ethan Faber. Outstanding Youth Leaders (grades 9+): Brynn Manzey, Autumn LaBrune, Alyvia Caskey, Will DeBates, Braedon Kor, Joe Kor, Cole Reese, Summer LaBrune, Olyvia Weber, Matt DeBates, and Rylee Folkerts. Shooting sports were also awarded from the state competition as well as two overall awards including the Dave Homann Memorial Top Shot going to Joseph Kor and the Shooting Sports Young Achiever award to Crystal Soleta.
Pipestone County 4-H also recognizes a family each year who has been an active part of 4-H for some years. They are involved, volunteer, participate in many areas and demonstrate skills and leadership. The 2023 4-H Family of the Year was awarded to the Lucas and Kelly Kracht family.
It has been another great year for Pipestone County 4-H and we want to thank everyone who makes 4-H possible in Pipestone County. We continue to grow stronger each year with your support.