Although 4-H is an organization geared toward youth, a visit to an annual 4-H banquet is a good reminder that its lessons are for life.
Wednesday?s affair for Allen County 4-H clubs began with the usual, the 4-H Pledge:
?I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service, and
My health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.?
Wow. Think of the possibilities if we all began our day stating such an honorable mission.
The evening at Marmaton Valley High School celebrated the achievements of members from Square B, Prairie Rose, Logan Pals, Prairie Dell and City Slickers.
Emprise Bank sponsored the evening meal.
Intermediate KAP and achievement pin winners are, front row, Travis Wanker, Shelby Shaughnessy and Leah Mueller; middle row, Lindsey Moore, Angelia Ledford, Carly Kramer, Kyser Nemecek, Teghen Jaro and Gavin Jaro; back row, Katelyn Hicks, Cassidy Friend, Jaiden Emmons, Josie Ellis, Carly Dreher and Abigail Meiwes.
Of special note was recognition of Maynard and Jeanice Cress as Friends of 4-H. Though they were unable to attend the affair, the audience recognized their lifetime of support for everything 4-H.
Zoi Yoho and Brody Nemecek received the evening?s highest awards, the Key Award, which recognizes 4-H?ers who have held leadership positions for at least four years, including service to their local communities and participation in activities beyond the local level.
Zoi is the 18-year-old daughter of Joe and Kim Schomaker of Moran, and an 8-year member of Prairie Rose of which she is president. Zoi credits 4-H for bringing her out of her shell. Prior to joining, Zoi said she was too shy to get involved. But over time she has gained the confidence to take a leadership role not only in 4-H but also in school activities and organizations.
Brody is the 17-year-old son of Jeff and Carla Nemecek of Iola. Through 4-H, Brody has had the opportunity to attend judging events in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City. This summer, he and Jillian Keller participated in the International Livestock Judging tour in Scotland and Ireland. In 2018, Brody testified in Topeka before House and Senate Committees in support of a bill to give the Kansas State Fair Board taxing authority. The bills passed, and future improvements to the fairgrounds will be a direct result of his leadership.
