Lamb County 4-H holds Achievement Banquet

The Sudan Community Center was the venue for the Lamb County 4H Club’s awards celebration which was held on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The theme for the banquet was “Flock to 4-H”. The other aspect of the banquet’s theme was provided by Savannah Larsen’s quip, “Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons”. As Bonnie Reese of the Sudan 4-H greeted guests she stated, “Each person involved in 4-H, especially those we are recognizing tonight, has stood out in his or her own way.”

Bonnie then invited Jack Reese to lead the assembly in the opening prayer. Following the prayer, Paisli Claunch led the 4-H Pledge as well as the 4-H Motto.

Bonnie Reese then directed the guests to the serving line. A fried chicken dinner was served to the guests. There were approximately 120 guests in attendance.

As guests were finishing their meals, Garicyn Bigham invited Kauy Carr to introduce special guests for the evening. Kauy then introduced Blake Moore- Lamb County Electric Cooperative CEO, Mrs. Iva Beck, and Clay Carr representing the First United Bank of Sudan.

Connie Burt, the President of the Adult Leaders Association presented appreciation gifts for the 4-H Club managers. These volunteers are the driving forces that keep things moving in their respective clubs: From the Olton Club- Amber DeBerry and April Burns; From the Sudan Club-Suzanne Reese; and from the Littlefield Club- Janet Muller.

Garicyn Bingham then asked all the volunteer leaders present to stand and be recognized. These are the volunteers who coached, led projects, drove 4-H’ers to contests, or volunteered in any capacity throughout the past year.

Kathy Lostroh, then recognized the year awards.

First Year Awards- Callee Albus, Sage Beerwinkle, Sloane Beerwinkle, Khloe Marez, Jayton Parchman, and Claire Senter.

Second Year Awards- Charlie Campbell, Bridget Marez, Weston McCarver, and Jack Reese.

Third Year Awards- Branson Bellar, Hayden Bellar, Lillian “Lilli” Burt, Paisli Claunch, and Grant Muller.

Fourth Year Awards- Charlotte “Charlie” Burt, Hunter Dwyer, and Wesson Dwyer.

Fifth Year Awards- Loren Campbell, Kauy Carr, Drew Carr, Piper Carr, MaKenzie DeBerry, Valaree Harper, Ryan Muller, and Jared Phares.

Sixth Year Award- Claire Lostroh, Seventh Year Awards- Garicyn Bigham, Jaden Burt, Kealee Bussey, Ty Carr, and Bonnie Reese, Eighth Year Awards- Jeremy “JT” Burt, and Tanner Lostroh, and the Ten Year Award- Brindle Harper. The Parade of Champions were presented by Bonnie Reese. The recipients of these awards were required to submit an application and complete an interview with three judges. They also had to compete in one county, district, or state competition and had to participate in at least one project meet-ing, tour, workshop, or community service activity during the year.

The Junior Recipient was Callee Albus, the Intermediate Recipient was Piper Carr, and the senior Parade of Champions Award winner was Kealee Bussey.

Kathy Lostroh recognized the record books that placed at the District Level.

Juniors: Grant Muller and Paisli Claunch Intermediates: Ryan Muller, Piper Carr, Claire Lostroh, Valaree Harper, and Charlotte Burt.

Seniors: Garicyn Bigham, Ty Carr, Brindle Harper, and Kauy Carr.

Outstanding Record Book Awards were presented to: Junior Level- Lilli Burt; Intermediate Level- Ryan Muller, Senior Level- Kauy Carr. Alana Carr, representing the Adult Leaders Association, and Brandon Albus presented the Excellence Awards. Excellence Award recipients were required to submit a completed record book, earn first place at a district 4-H contest or regional or state stock show, and help with the concession stand at the county stock show.

The 2022-2023 Excellence Award winners were: Juniors: Lillian Burt, Grant Muller, and Jack Reese.

Intermediates: Charlotte Burt, Piper Carr, Valaree Harper, Claire Lostroh, and Ryan Muller Seniors: Garicyn Bigham, Jaden Burt, JT Burt, Kealee Bussey, and Brindle Harper.

The Lighthouse Awards are a new award which recognizes leadership which is the lighthouse and community service is the beacon which allows that lighthouse to shine. This award is sponsored by Lamb County Electric Cooperative and was presented by Blake Moore. The Lighthouse awards were presented to: Junior- Grant Muller Intermediate- Charlie Burt Senior- Bonnie Reese The Bronze Star Award winners were Jack Reese and Paisli Claunch The new Rising Star Award was presented to Valaree Harper.

The Silver Star Awards were presented to Ryan Muller and Claire Lostroh The Gold Star Awards were presented to Ty Carr and Garicyn Bigham.

The “I Dare You Award” Leadership Award was offered in 1941 by William H. Danforth who dared young people to achieve their highest potential and to influence others through lives of leadership and service.

This Award was presented by a special guest this year. Mrs. Iva Beck was a former Lamb County 4-H’er and is so proud that her grandchildren are also in 4-H in Lamb county. She and her late husband, Bill, chose to sponsor this award. Mrs. Beck loves what the award represents. She was a recipient in Lamb County nearly 60 years ago.

The Silver Spur Award was presented this year to Erin and Brandon Pointer by Kathy Lostroh. It is the highest honor given to an adult leader. She stated, “This award goes to a couple who have served as outstanding advocates for Lamb County 4-H and provided many years of service to our program. This couple has always been very supportive of the clubs in our county. They have been in the community for years and when we think of 4-H involvement, they are always more than willing to step up to the plate.”

This year the extension office hosted Jenna Yarbrough as an intern over the summer. She is a Family and Consumer Science Education major. Bonnie invited Jenna to say a few words, and stated, “we think Jenna has earned a place as an honorary resident of Lamb County.”

Following her speech Jenna was presented a gift by Brandon Albus and Kathy Lostroh.

Hunter Dwyer offered the prayer to conclude the program. The prayer was “Help me, Oh Lord, to live so that the world may be a little better because Thou Dist Make Me.” Amen.