Southwind Extension District recognized 4-Hers young and old Wednesday evening at the Allen County 4-H Achievement Banquet.
Zoey Rinehart of Logan Pals received the Key Award. Zoey, president of Logan Pals, is incoming president of the Allen County 4-H Council. A nine-year member of Logan Pals, Zoey, age 16, has excelled in woodworking and painting and has been instrumental with the founding of SPARC, students protecting against reckless choices, at Humboldt High School. She is the daughter of Dean and Samantha Rinehart of Humboldt.
In absentia for Jackson Wilks, his parents Jon and Jill Wilks of Olathe, accepted the other Key Award for the night. Jackson is a freshman at Kansas State University and a 12-year member of Prairie Dell. The commitment of the Wilks family to be involved in the Iola club was noted. Jackson excels in poultry, photography as well as music, theater and acting.
Jim Smart of Moran was awarded the 4-H Alumni Award. Smart is a third-generation 4-Her with Prairie Rose and the current County Fair Superintendent. Smarts dedication to the study of agriculture was noted. A graduate of Marmaton Valley High School, Smart proceeded to Allen County Community College, then to Kansas State University where he majored in agronomy and ag business, followed by receiving a masters degree in weed science at South Dakota State University and capped with a doctorate from the University of Nebraska.
Smart worked as a scientist for the USDA for 15 years in Texas before he and his wife, Lisa, returned to Allen County with their four children, who also participated in Prairie Rose.
Other notable mentions were:
Dillon Boren of Borens Roofing, which not only provided dumpsters for the Allen County Fair but also hauled away the waste each day;
Amy and Scott Welch for hosting an international student. Ketrin Kastehein of Estonia stayed with the Welch family as part of the 2018 International Foreign Exchange Program.
Zoey Rinehart was named best secretary;
Cooper Jaro was named best treasurer
Emilia Wilkerson was named best reporter, and
Sophia Heim was named best historian.
Special thanks went to Jerry Dreher of Emprise Bank, which catered the meal.
