2014 4-H Senior & Volunteer Banquet

The 2014 4-H Senior, Volunteer and Donor Recognition Banquet was held on Saturday April 5^th. The banquet theme was “4-H Where Dreams Come True” Planning committee was comprised of Kim Brandt, Brenda DeLong, Vickie Marbaugh, Lionel Enyart, Carrie Jellison, and Jill McCoy,  The delicious meal was catered by Shayna DeLong and Kim Grubaugh.

Seniors presented their own unique reflections on their experiences as 4-H members. Sarah Klinger spoke about the influence that her projects and involvement have had on her own development, Claire Gamble performed a beautiful musical piece on the key board and Elijah gave his own reflections on his 4-H great experiences.

4-H Alumni Bryce Richey was the featured speaker of the evening. He spoke about his own fond memories of 4-H and how they prepared him for the many exciting challenges and opportunities. He followed up reading “Oh, the Places you’ll go”, by Dr. Seuss.   

Dennis Miller & Marie Markward

Dennis Miller & Dennis McCoy

The 4-H program is possible through the dedication and hard work of around 100 volunteers. Active volunteers in the program range from months of experience to almost 50 years! This year recognized for their service years were T. Jay Gamble with Ten years of service and Dennis McCoy with 35 years of volunteering for the 4-H program.

The 2014 Richard Jellison Advisor award was presented to Clever Clovers  advisor and 4-H Council member Marie Markward. Marie has volunteered with the program for 14 years and has given countless hours of dedication to her club and to the county program.

Jay Gamble & Dennis Miller

The 4-H Enrichment Fund donors for 2014 were also recognized at the banquet. Gold Clover donors were Central Mutual Insurance. Silver Clover donors were P&R Home IV Service and Linton Equipment. Bronze donors were; Marilyn Jones, Charles and Linda Mathew, Warren and Marilyn reed, William and Pauline Weldy, Kennedy Kuhn, and the R.L. Adam Family. Other contributors include James and Diane Arn, John and Jean Auld, Mary Fallis, Greg Gamble, Clair and Cindy Hartings II, Terry and Pat Offerle, Dortha Prior, Stan and Marcia Weldy, Ag Credit, Farm Credit, Heffelfinger Farms, and Deb Knapke. Without the support of these donors and their contributions the Endowment fund would not be able to support the scholarships, and community service projects of the 4-H clubs in Van Wert County. The Endowment Board members are Kendra Heffelfinger, Marilyn Jones, Dennis Miller, Sara Lape , Logan Miller, and Tara Vorst.

2014 seniors attending the banquet Alicia Buettner, Macey Ashbaugh, Claire Gamble, Gene Gillispie, Ashlynn Henderson, Samantha Bonifas, Cody Keirns, Audrey Nicolai, Sarah Klinger, Cain Lautzenheiser, Logan Miller, Elijah Wortman, Tyler Priest, Cheyanne Bonifas, and Austen Stuckey. Senior scholarships in the amount of $500 dollars were awarded to Sarah Klinger and Macey Ashbaugh. $250 dollar scholarships were awarded to, Claire Gamble, Kyle Williams, Alicia Buettner, Ashlyn Henderson, Samantha Bonifas and Logan Miller. The scholarships are awarded through the Van Wert Enrichment fund interest income from the invested dollars through the Van Wert County Foundation.

Special CarTeen volunteer awards were given to Sarah Klinger $500, and Leah Lichtensteiger $250.