4H hands out annual awards

By Ken Johnston
Editor

A crowd of about 100 district residents attended the annual 4H Awards Banquet in Stratton last Friday.
Rainy River District 4H Association Treasurer, Kim Desserre kicked off the awards ceremonies, giving a brief overview of the organization. “This year we were fortunate enough to have 50 members in the Rainy River District. Of those 14 were new members!
The members participated in numerous clubs, the Emo Fair and community events like the Rainy River Relay for Life.
R.J. McDonald and Nolan Short, both 4H members, thanked parents, volunteers and leaders for getting them to and from 4H and for making 4H fun to be a part of.
Awards began with a recognition of some of those leaders/volunteers. Mitchell Haw was recognized as a Youth Leader. Chantelle Bragg, Louis Bujold and Krista Williams were all given 4H t-shirts for being first year volunteers.
Long time leader certificates were then presented to Kim Desserre (five years) and Bud McQuaker (10 years).
All 14 first year 4H members were called to center stage and presented plaques and t-shirts. They are Ryan Bodnar, Aaron Bujold, Morgan Desserre, Alana Gerula, Evan Govier, Katie Hay, McKenzie Jolicouer, Morgan Kreger, Darby Steele, Cassidy Teeple, Taylor Vlotaros, Aynsley Williams, Madison Williams and Elijah Zimmerman.
4H Project Awards
Milestones are recognized annually as members complete projects.
Six projects completed (presented a pin): Morgan Haw and Savannah Hughes
12 projects completed (presented a pen desk set): Riley Caul and Mitchell Haw
18 projects completed (Presented a travel alarm clock): Julianna Donaldson

Member retirement
One member, Riley Caul, was honoured with a Bernie Brown Print as he is retiring from 4H this year.

Breed Awards
Ontario Junior Limousin Association: Cody Bodnar, Ryan Bodnar, Braydon Kreger and Angel Nixon.
Ontario Hereford Association: Aaron Bujold, Connor Bujold, Justin Bujold, Nathon Bujold and Holly Nixon.
Canadian Galloway Association: Julianna Donaldson, Jolene Stahn and Samantha Stahn.
Ontario Simmental Association: Ashley Croswell, Savannah Hughes, Ben Miller, Myan Miller, Kelsey McLean, Tyson McLean, Cassidy Teeple and Nick Teeple.
Ontario Angus Association: Alanna Gerula, Mitchell Haw, Katie Hay, Kylie Nordin, Aaron Short, Damon Short, Nolan Short, Darby Steele and Ross Steele.
Ontario Charolais Association: Riley Caul, Morgan Haw and R.J. McDonald.
Easter Gelbvieh Association: Jessica Haw.

Other Awards
Best Beef Books
1st R.J. McDonald and Morgan Haw tied
2nd Brayden Kreger
3rd Jessica Haw

Life Skills Clubs
Chocolate Club winner Elijah Zimmerman
Community Involvement winner Morgan Kreger
Explore 4H winner Morgan Desserre

Special Awards
Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (gift certificates for first year beef members): Ryan Bodnar, Aaron Bujold, Alanna Gerula, Katie Hay, Darby Steele and Cassidy Teeple.
Ontario Plowmen’s Association ($100 and certificate): Samantha Stahn.
Rainy River Hereford Assoc. 4H Carcass Award ($200 plus plaque to member with the highest grading Market Steer with Hereford influence): Justin Bujold.
DeGagne Award ($100 to the beef club member who accumulates the greatest number of points in the past three years of beef club work): Morgan Haw.

Years of Support
The Fort Frances Kiwanis Club has supported 4H in the district since its inception. Kiwanis Board of Directors Bob Lidkea and Scott Krienke-Turvey, gave a brief overview of the history between the two organizations, dating back to the early 1920s. To this day the Kiwanis have continued to support 4H annually and this year was no exception as the pair presented 4H Assoc. President Murray McDonald with a cheque for $500 Friday evening.