2007 Hancock County Achievement Night Results

The 2007 Hancock County 4-H Achievement Program was held October 8, 7:00 p.m. at the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Findlay. There were a total of 570 awards presented during the evening. The highlight of the evening was naming the Outstanding 4-Her and Danforth Award winners. These are the top awards given to 4-H members in the county.

The 2007 Outstanding 4-Her Award was presented to Andrea Mitchell and Ryan Stamper. This is considered the highest recognition received by a Hancock County 4-H member. After being nominated by local club advisors, members submit an application and interview with the Hancock County 4-H Awards Sub-committee. Winners are selected on the basis of leadership to the local club, active 4-H membership, and responsible citizenship. A $100 savings bond sponsored by Ron and Karen McDougall and Rolland and Susan Russell was presented to each winner. (picture)

Andrea Mitchell, an 8 year 4-H member, is the daughter of Dave and Denise Mitchell. She is a junior at Findlay High School. Andrea stated when asked about what her 4-H experiences have meant to her "As a 4-H member I have experienced numerous opportunities allowing me to develop the skills required to become a leader and fulfill my passion to help others. The 4-H program promotes personal growth, equality, responsibility, and leadership. 4-H has encouraged me to excel as an individual and offered me opportunities to gain knowledge and skills necessary to succeed throughout my life. 4-H has given me several opportunities at the local, state, and national level to grow as a responsible, caring, and confident individual."

Ryan Stamper, son of Homer and Barb Stamper, is a senior at Arlington High School. He is a 9 year 4-H member. Ryan related his 4-H experience. "4-H has played an essential role in my life. For over nine years I have attended 4-H programs, from tagging along with my older sisters to participating in the events myself. The many experiences are not only fun, but also help to prepare you for things you will need in the future, such as public speaking and interview skills. Not only have I met people from all over Hancock County, but people from all over the country!"

The 2007 William H. Danforth Award was presented to Calvin Ice and Beth James. The American Youth Foundation’s William H. Danforth “I Dare You” Award is offered to two outstanding 4-H youths in each county in recognition of:
* Excellence of Character
* Balanced Personal Development
* Qualities of Constructive Leadership
A copy of the book “I Dare You”, and a $50 savings bond sponsored by Seven Little Angels Mini Rod Pulling Team and John and Jenny Zirkle were presented to the winners. (picture)

Calvin Ice , a 10 year 4-H member, is a freshman at Ohio Northern University. He is the son of Brent and Angela Ice. "Ten years ago, 4-H became an opportunity for me to learn more about the subjects that interested me at that time. Since then, it has begun to evolve into something so much larger in my life. Over the last few years especially, I have realized what a positive impact the program has made in the lives of countless youths. As a result, I have become determined to give my service back to the program by becoming an effective leader in the county and teaching others the importance of 4-H, as well as everything that can be learned from it." Calvin said about what 4-H experiences have meant to him.

Beth James, the daughter of Ed and Linda James, is a 9 year 4-H member. She is a senior at Arcadia High School. When asked what her 4-H experiences mean to her, she said "My 4-H experience has meant a great number of things. The first is my friendships that have blossomed throughout the years. Each person has influenced my life in a special way. Second, 4-H has meant learning new things, whether it is through projects or at camp where there is an opportunity to learn something new. 4-H has taught me that no matter what I do, I can achieve the motto by 'Making the Best Better.'"

There were also many county awards from local donors presented at the Achievement Program. Listed below are the awards and the winners. Donors for these awards were Eagle Creek 4-H Club; Flight & Fancy 4-H Club; Nancy George; Hancock County Agricultural Society; Hancock County Horse Council; Hancock County Jr. Leadership Club; Joyce Schroeder, Master Clothing Educator; Milk-E-Whey 4-H Club; Millstream Farmers 4-H Club; Northwest Stars 4-H Club; Tom & Carol Wise; and WOW 4-H Club.

Individual Honor Awards
All Individual Honor Awards are provided by:
The Hancock County 4-H Endowment Fund

Secretary Book Awards were given to the following clubs and their secretary.

• Buttons & Bows – Courtney Ritter
• Clever Clovers – Kayla Kershner
• Country Bumpkins – Kaity Weidman
• Country Critters – Ryan Stamper
• Freedom Reins – Alissa Ice
• Gold Star – Danielle Achten
• Hancock Hareraisers – Olivia Crawford
• His Kids – Jared Dryden
• Jr. Leadership – Calvin Ice
• K-9 Best Friends – Kelsey Craig
• Lakeland Leaders – Tracy Rinker
• Lucky Star – Stephanie Taylor
• Millstream Farmers – Amanda Couchot
• Northwest Stars – Ashley Latta
• Pride of Pleasant – Lynae Anspach
• Prospectors – Claudia Paulhus
• Riverbend – Shelby Fletcher
• SoHanCo Livestockers – Devin Roth
• WOW – Morgan Corey

Treasurer Book Awards were given to the following clubs and their treasurer.

• Buttons & Bows – Devin Harmon
• Circle V Riders – Reanna Wisner
• Clever Clovers – Cody Spoon
• Country Bumpkins – Ethan Holliger
• Country Critters – Kaleigh Schmehl
• Flight & Fancy – Jacob Elsea
• Gold Star – Sara DeVore
• His Kids – Laura Campbell
• K-9 Best Friends – Andrea Mitchell
• Milk-E-Whey – Natalie Schaffer
• Millstream Farmers – Brooke Rehus
• Northwest Stars – Kelsey Bryan
• Pride of Pleasant – Brandon Anspach
• Prospectors – Jenna Burget
• Riverbend – Michaela Wallace

The following clubs and organizational advisors were awarded Banner Club.

GOLD BANNER CLUB
Clever Clovers – Linda Siferd
Gold Star – Jill Woodward
His Kids – Julie Horton
K-9 Best Friends – Betty Flinn
Lakeland Leaders – Evelyn Graham
Millstream Farmers – Beth Marshall
Northwest Stars – Joyce Schroeder
Prospectors – Carmen Brown
Riverbend – Tonita Altvater

SILVER BANNER CLUB
All Around Champions – Anne Sweigart
Buttons & Bows – Ronda Ritter
Country Bumpkins – Linda Smith
Country Critters – Monica vonStein
Flight & Fancy – Sandy Wilch
Hancock Hareraisers – Bev Welty
Jolly Jacksons – Lori Russell
Lucky Star – Imelda Ream
Milk-E-Whey – Debbie Siebeneck
Pride of Pleasant – Lori Anspach