With the stress of show season over — for most — 4-Hers can enjoy their awards and extra free time until September rolls around.
June 11 was 4-H awards night for the three Ponoka districts and every young cattleman and woman walked away with awards and big smile.
“The night is enjoyable because I guess the stress of the show and sale isn’t here. They get to relax and enjoy their labors,” said Erin Fleck, leader of Central Ponoka 4-H beef.
Monica Harvey, East Ponoka beef leader, says the night is also a way for the clubs to thank their sponsors. “Many sponsors are multi-generational. They’ve been leaders or sponsors their whole lives, their children went through 4-H.”
“It’s just a chance for families and kids to conclude our year,” said Harvey.
Awards handed out that night included achievement awards, attendance awards and efficiency awards.
While many of the awards aren’t surprises and were announced at the show and sale early last month, Harvey says each of the leaders are proud of the clubs because the youths are willing to work hard with their animals and carry on tradition.
“It’s the connection to the animals that most of our kids really like and the connection to working with other kids. That kind of epitomizes 4-H,” said Harvey.
Note: Not all awards are listed
Central Club Junior Awards:
Dylan Giles – 1st junior judging
Madison Fleck – 1st central zone public speaking
Intermediate Awards:
Chase Fleck – 1st intermediate public speaking
Jesse Stretch – 1st intermediate judging
Kris Malterer – 1st intermediate record book
Emily Gartner – Angus Breed Award
Senior Awards:
Samantha Stretch – Simmental Breed Award
Hannah Stretch – 1st senior judging
Helena Winter – 1st senior presentations
Kaitlin Malterer – 1st central zone public speaking
Lisa Winter – 1st in senior presentations
East Club
Junior Awards:
Anton Hodnefield – Charolais and Simmental Breed Awards
Nadia Simons – 1st junior judging
Intermediate Awards:
Jenna Honefield – 1st intermediate judging
Julianna Harvey – 1st intermediate grooming
Megan Bolton – 1st intermediate public speaking
Nils Simons – reserve champions steer
Tasha Kjenner – 1st intermediate record book
Tawni Kjenner – 1st intermediate showmanship
Senior Awards:
Fallon Jenkins – club champion steer
Shania Kjenner – leadership award
Virginia Harvey – club champion heifer
Interclub Awards:
Grand Champion Steer – Simon Stalder
Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Tyson Matejka
Grand Champion Heifer – Virginia Harvey
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer – Lisa Winter
Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Virginia Harvey
Senior Showmanship – Tyson Matejka
Intermediate Showmanship – Emily Gartner
Junior Showmanship – Kelli-Rai Sieben
Senior Grooming – Lisa Winter
Intermediate Grooming – Emily Gartner
Junior Grooming – Kelli-Rai Sieben
Awards of Excellence
Platinum: Jessica Sperber, Amanda Klimec, Samantha Sperber, Brandi-Lynn McClaflin and Samantha Stretch.
Gold: Katie McClaflin, Kaitlin Malterer.
Silver: Twani Kjenner, Helena Winter, Lindsey Gartner and Matthew Klimec.
Bronze: Megan Bolton, Julianna Harvey, Lisa Winter, Dale Winter Jr., Kris Malterer and Chase Fleck.