Washakie County 4-H celebrates Achievement Night

WORLAND – The Washakie County Extension Office hosted the 2015 4-H Achievement Night at the Washakie County Fairgrounds in Worland on Nov. 19. County 4-H members and families were recognized for their accomplishments over the last year, and enjoyed a potluck dinner sponsored by the Cowbelles.

According to Washakie County Extension Youth Educator Amber Armajo, the Achievement Program is designed to support degrees of annual recognition of youth, based on the extent of their involvement in the 4-H program each year. Over continued years of involvement in 4-H, a youth can earn recognition that reflects their efforts in the 4-H program. The achievement program applies only to youth ages 8-19.

Special awards given out at the event included Overall Record Book Awards to Andrew Drake, Rachel Drake and Allison Hampton in the senior division; Zayne Cooper, Elizabeth Voss and Dani Warner in the intermediate division; Brooke Wright, Hailey Uhrig and Walker Cooper in the junior division; Megan Jackson, Bailey Wright and Garrett Piel in the first year division. Allison Hampton was awarded Overall Senior, while Elizabeth Voss received Overall Intermediate, Walker Cooper received Overall Junior, and Overall First Year was given to Bailey Wright.

The ultimate achievement that a 4-H member can obtain is inclusion in the Wyoming 4-H Honors Club. It is based on the principle of providing recognition for youth that maximize their opportunities to foster positive youth development elements of belonging, independence, generosity and mastery over their time as a member in the program. 19 points must be accumulated to obtain the status. Annual efforts are accumulated based on receiving 3 points for a gold effort and 1 point for a silver effort. The 2015 inductee into the Honors Club was Rachel Drake of the South Flat Juniors 4-H Club.

Volunteer of the Year 4-H Leader Award (less than 10 years' experience) went to Stephanie Voss, while - David and Michelle Doyle were named Outstanding Lifetime Volunteers (more than 10 years' experience).

The Ujifusa Awards for outstanding members went to Brooke Wright and Luke Voss.

Other awards presented included State Shooting Sports Awards to Matt Borovatz and Carter Rasmussen.

Herdsmanship awards were presented to Zayne and Walker Cooper (gold, beef), Corey Rice (silver, beef), Brooke and Bailey Wright (gold, sheep), Zayne and Walker Cooper (silver, sheep), Hanna and Addison Griemsman (gold, swine), Elizabeth and Carter Lungren (silver, swine), Elizabeth and Luke Voss (gold, goats), Jon Nicholas (silver, goats), Peyton Woffinden (gold, poultry), Brody Tharp (silver, poultry), Olivia Shaffer (gold, rabbits), Alex Rasmussen (silver, rabbits), and Olivia Shaffer (gold, alpacas).

State Fair participation awards were presented to Sierra Casdorph, Walker Cooper, Zayne Cooper, Meg DeBolt, Maddie Fantaskey, Jacob Gartrell, Josiah Gartrell, Bailey Gibbons, Addison Griemsman, Aften Peterson, Brian Rice, Corey Rice, Skylar Tharp, Brianna Uhrig, Hailey Uhrig, Dani Warner, and Taylor Warner.

Also recognized were the county fair parade winners, Outlaws 4-H Club (first place), Livestock Committee (second place), and Chief Washakie FFA (third place).

Rattlesnake Oilfield Services was named the 2015 Friend of 4-H.