4-H Council presents service, achievement awards

HARTINGTON — At the Cedar County 4-H Council Oct. 23 meeting, two outstanding 4-H members in the areas of service and achievement were recognized.

To be eligible for these awards, a member must have completed a minimum of five years in the Cedar County 4-H program and be at least a junior in high school. There must be evidence of a variety of projects, leadership and community service exhibited in the 4-H story they submit to the awards judging committee.

Each recipient received a plaque, sponsored each year by the Cedar County News. Each recipient also received a check for $200, sponsored by the 4-H Council.

The winners’ names are added to the Outstanding 4-H member plaque sponsored by the 4-H Council and can be seen in the Extension Office.

This year’s 4-H Achievement Award was presented to Sidney Groene, daughter of Jerry and Shelley Groene, Laurel.

Groene has been a member of the Laurel Bit and Bridle 4-H club and her favorite projects were in the photography, gardening and cooking areas. She is proud of the fact that many of her projects have gone to the State Fair. Her summer employer said Sidney is courteous and professional and showed she can handle responsibilities.

Groene is currently attending Sioux Falls Tech College majoring in business.

The 4-H Service Award this year has been presented to Daniel Steffen, son of Brian and Rose Steffen, Hartington.

Steffen has been in 4-H since he was a Clover Kid starting at age 5, and a member of the Needles and Nails 4-H club. He has shown poultry, rabbits, bucket calves, sheep and beef and serves on the 4-H Council as a youth representative. His 4-H experiences compliment the FFA activities in which he participates. He headed the technical crew for the Champion one-act play, and participated in football and track. He also volunteers his time and talents serving as a mentor in the Big Cat, Little Cat Mentoring program.

Steffen is currently a senior at Hartington-Newcastle High School and is undecided yet on his future plans.

Also recognized that evening was Calley Stewart, daughter of Austin and Laura Stewart, Newcastle. Stewart received the Ruby Level 3 Award in the Diamond Clover Program. She also received a cash award from the 4-H Council.

The 2022 council members, Laura Stewart, Jessica Nelson, Beckie Polak, Laura White, Brenda Buschkamp, Amy Graham, Holly Kruse, Tanya Kuchta, Erin Engel, Tessa Haahr, Karli Bruning, Jeremiah Polak, Daniel Steffen and Claire Rolfes, were recognized for their time, commitment, and leadership to the Cedar County 4-H Program.