By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
There was no red carpet or elaborate acceptance speeches at the recent Wood County 4-H Spirit Night, but the energy was high through a steady stream of award winners, smiles, handshaking and photographs.
The awards, which were presented by a rotating corps of 4-H members, honored hard-working individuals who have impressive 4-H careers, members who showed strong leadership skills, and advisers and friends of 4-H who have supported the youth and program in various ways.
The youth awards are listed first followed by the awards to advisers, friends and supporters.
4-H Member Outstanding Leadership
Among the most honorable awards presented each year are the 4H Member Outstanding Leadership Awards. Though leadership is considered a common skill, “there are a small number of elite people who have the influence to guide members of an organization for the betterment of all,” said 4-H member Cayla Frank in introducing the 4-H Member Outstanding Leadership awards.
Elle Ruffner, a member of Blue Ribbon Rangers 4-H, was the first of five 4-H’ers recognized for their strong leadership.
“She sees tasks that need done before others recognize them and is constantly thinking of the needs of others,” Frank said. She doesn’t seek recognition, but instead, works quietly, putting in extra time if necessary. Elle, whose invaluable passion for helping others, is known for working one-on-one with 4-H campers who need extra attention.
Honored for her determination to succeed, Rylie Kregel, a Simply Stock member, seeks to understand all viewpoints in any situation and focuses on the greater good rather than the wellbeing of one group or one individual.
As a member of the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council, Rylie considers herself an active stakeholder. “She has brainstormed new ideas and offered feedback to 4-H professionals throughout Ohio,” Frank said. She is grateful for all her 4-H experiences and enjoys sharing her 4-H story.
Drew Gase of Prime Cut Kids demonstrates his leadership skills through participation as a club member, 4-H camp counselor and Junior Fair Board member. He is a frequent cheerleader to other members, “sharing positive encouragement in the showring, in their groups and cabins, in the milkshake barn or anywhere you happen to see him lead in his own captivating style,” explained Frank.
Drew also embodies the spirit of community service. He acknowledges “the importance of assisting others, emphasizing how fulfilling it is to put the needs of others first, as it grows strong communities,” she said. “Community service has become a permanent part of his life because of his 4-H experiences.”
A member of Blue Ribbon Rangers, Leadership Board, Junior Fair Board and a 4-H Camp counselor, Emma Ruffner utilizes a coaching style to unlock people’s potential, said Maddie Wiechman, an award presenter.
Emma uses the 4-H motto—Make the Best Better—“to give people a little direction to tap into their ability to achieve all that they are capable of,” Wiechman said. Known for assisting her peers with planning for camp or helping a nervous member show their rabbit, Emma provides support and courage to help them shine.
Wiechman described Katie Oestreich, a member of Blue Ribbon Rangers, as a “Visionary-Follow Me” style leader, which is the mark of confident leaders who map the way and set expectations, engaging and energizing followers along the way. Katie leads by example as a camp counselor, Junior Fair Board member and 2023 Wood County Junior Fair Queen.
She is known for “spreading positive energy and captivating others” wherever she goes, making them feel appreciated and a part of a team.
4-H Career Achievement
As one of the best and strongest 4-H programs in the state, Wood County has a reputation for members who have achieved high standards throughout their 4-H careers. This year four members received the distinction of earning 4-H Career Achievement awards.
Madison Wiechman, Beaver Creek Boosters, has a taken a multitude of 4-H projects throughout her time in 4-H, including swine, rabbits, poultry, sewing, nutrition and miscellaneous projects. “Her consistency in every area is impressive as she has won multiple champion livestock awards, a clock trophy at the Ohio State Fair for her “Party Planner” nutrition project and countless county placings in all project areas,” said award presenter Avalynn Stearns.
Madison’s most meaningful 4-H experience has been being a camp counselor, where she learned time management, teamwork, responsibility and accountability.
Award winner Grace Kingery has a passion for horses and 4-H Camp. While the member of All Tacked Up focused on her horse projects over the years, she also took some sewing and nutrition projects along the way, Stearns said. Grace enjoyed the role of camp counselor, so much so that she also volunteered at Midnight Madness and Clover Bud Day Camp.
“Her 4-H career was filled with simple, meaningful opportunities that made a difference in her life and provided experiences she will utilize for a lifetime,” Stearns said
Mallory Kramer, Blue Ribbon Rangers, has been significantly impacted during her 4-H career. She applied for and was selected to be a 4-H summer assistant at the OSU Extension Office in Sandusky County, said Grace Miller, award presenter.
Mallory’s active 4-H career included leadership roles with 4-H Camp, Junior Fair Board, and Leadership Board. “Early in her career, she worked with beef and goat projects, and discovered scrapbooking, leadership and agricultural careers,” Miller said. Mallory credits “the unwavering support she received from her peers and mentors” made her 4-H experience especially meaningful.
Drew Thomas, Livestock Unlimited, dived into every opportunity 4-H offers at the county, state and national levels and took him to places he never imagined when he started in 4-H. He traveled to the National 4-H Conference as the Ohio 4-H Leadership winner for his achievement record. He also participated as a member of the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board and continues to represent Wood County on the Ohio 4-H Teen Council.
Drew has a long list of honors in his project work, including a state fair clock trophy for his “Beyond the Grill” project and countless awards for his sheep and leadership projects, Miller told the audience. Through is 4-H experiences, Drew learned the importance of beign a responsible leader and earning the trust of those he works with.
4-H Teen Spirit of Leadership
Fifteen 4-H members were recognized for their leadership skills in areas such as camp counseling, mentorship in clubs and/or fair activities, participating in Leadership Board or CarTeens and working behind the scenes to make programs successful.
Drew Gase and Emma Meek introduced this year’s recipients: Carter Lampe, Brooke Simon, Riley Burthcin Keira Buchman, Cayla Frank, Tivan Bennett, Henry Strow, Madi Lee, Amelia Ward, Olivia Zieman, Audrey Nester, Avalynn Stearns, Sam Head, Jimmy Russell and Wesley Kellermeier.
Career Clothing and Nutrition Awards
For 63 years, Wood County 4-H members have been recognized for outstanding project work in career clothing and nutrition projects. Exceptional project work and commitment earned awards for three Wood County 4-H members in the areas of nutrition, clothing award and sewing machine scholarship.
Jacob Obringer of Tontogany Hotwires has taken multiple nutrition projects, demonstrating “patience, time, dedication and lots of experimentation,” said award presenter Olivia Zieman. He won the Nutrition award for 2024. Jacob has taken “Break for Breakfast,” “Star Spangled Foods” and everything in between. His projects have earned multiple county awards and Outstanding of the Day in canning and freezing judging at the Ohio State Fair.
Sewing continues to be an important project area for 4-H’ers. For eight years, Jenica Rollheiser of Portage Valley, has been stitching up winning projects, often entering two projects a year. She has experience constructing projects including sundresses, jumpers, loungewear, and dress-up outfits. Jenica, who has taken up quilting, also has represented Wood County at the Ohio State Fair multiple times over the eight years. She was the winner of the Clothing award.
Madeline Solomon from Lake Harvesters and Emma Nester from CloverAchievers “received top-notch, brand new sewing machines, thanks to the kindness of Sew Nice in Upper Sandusky,” said award presenter Katelyn Barnhart.
Rilynn Bechstein of Tontogany Four Leaf Clovers received the Phyllis Henry Memorial Outstanding First-Year Sewing Award. The family of Phyllis Henry sponsors the award to celebrate the love Phyllis had for the art of sewing. The clothing judges interviewed many first-year members and selected Rilynn as this year’s winner. She received her own Ginger sewing scissors.
Special Horse Awards
Each year, the Wood County Horse and Pony Clubs recognize individuals who exemplify sportsmanship and a caring nature. Award presenter Drew Thomas congratulated Olivia Zieman as the 2024 recipient of the 4-H Horse Good Sportsmanship Award. In addition to being a good sport at competitions, the county fair and at club meetings and county events, Olivia “put her best foot forward as a Junior Fair Board member and 4-H Camp counselor.
Claire Carpenter and Ashley Strayer were presented $500 college scholarships from the horse and pony clubs, recognizing their dedication to the program and supporting them as they pursue their careers.
Horse club members fared well at the Ohio State Fair this year, said award presenter Brooke Simon. Jackets were awarded to Scott McKenzie for Champion Small Equine Jumper, Reserve Champion Small Equine Pleasure Driving and Reserve Champion Small Driven Trail, and to Khloe Jahns, Annabelle King and Raylie Peters for Champion Groom and Clean Junior Team.
Champion Livestock Projects
Each champion livestock and horse department winner at the Wood County fair participates in a judge’s interview, skill-a-thon contest and showmanship. At the 4-H Spirit Night, the grand and reserve champion winners were recognized, as follows (grand champion is listed first, followed by reserve champion):
Senior beef: Luke Brinker and Sara Britton
Junior beef: Avery Sautter and Jaedyn Richards
Dairy: Nora Menzie and Alexis Casey
Senior goats: Riley Burtchin and Kathryn Shultz
Junior goats: Jaedyn Richards and Jocelyn Belleville
Senior horses: Grace Kingery and Claire Carpenter
Junior horses: Laina Schmeltz and Payton Holland
Senior poultry: Madison Wiechman and Katelyn Barnhart
Junior poultry: Micaela Wiechman and Cate Brossia
Senior rabbits: Madison Wiechman and Morgan Wiechman
Junior rabbits: Nora Cordonnier and Micaela Wiechman
Senior sheep: Logan Brinker and Carter Lampe
Junior sheep: Gavin Richards and Adalida Culp
Senior swine: Claire Lampe and Carter Lampe
Junior swine: Henry DeLamatre and Mckenzie Huss
The top five individuals in the Wood County Fair Carcass Contest were Melanie Weaver, first’ Gretchen Miller, second; Grace Miller, third; Eddie Eschedor, fourth; and Henry Strow, fifth.
Lexi Perry was awarded the Dan Frobose Achievement Award, a $500 award to recognize livestock judging attendance, worth ethic and successes.
Darrell Hentges Good Sportsmanship Awards
Darrell Hentges was the longest-showing livestock exhibitor at the Wood County Fair, with a record 63 years before he passed away in 2013. One member in each livestock department is honored with the award in memory of his high showmanship standards.
This year’s recipients, who helped others succeed, worked behind the scenes and celebrated the success of everyone are Garrett Ziegler, beef; Jaedyn Richards, goats; Hailey Dixon, horses; Elle Ruffner, poultry; Cameron Brinker, rabbits; Logan Benedict, sheep; Amelia Ward, swine; and Mackayla Casey, dairy.
Ohio State Fair winners
Wood County 4-H is well represented each year at the Ohio State Fair. According to presenter Emma Meek, 118 members showcased their miscellaneous projects. Wood County members brought home five clock trophies and 21 outstanding of the day awards in miscellaneous projects.
The Senior Livestock Judging Team was first overall, and the Junior Team placed second overall. In livestock judging, Wood County had the champion AOB steer, champion small equine jumper, first place market barrow breeding to name a few. A complete listing is available here and here.
4-H Member award during 4-H Spirit Night.
Honorary 4-H Members
Laura Short of Perrysburg was the first individual this year to be named an Honorary 4-H Member for giving 110% to the county program. “It would be impossible to think of camp without her,” said presenter Grace Miller.
She supports the nurse when the line is backed up for meds, ga-ga ball injuries and bug spray. She entertains campers while running the camp bank, advising counselors, and working behind the scenes whenever she can. She also supports the Bake-Off and Midnight Madness when her schedule allows, Miller said.
The teamwork of Bill and Mary Gase earned them Honorary 4-H Membership for their volunteer efforts. They are the textbook definition of teamwork: “The combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient outcome,” Avalyn Stearns said.
The couple raised a family to believe in the 4-H spirit, became advisors of Prime Cut Kids, and shared that 4-H spirit with club members. They lead by example, recognize the needs of others and strive to make a difference. Together they have impacted a countless number of youths and adults in 4-H, their careers and community organizations.
Volunteer “5th H”
Impeccable service to 4-H is among the criteria required to receive the Volunteer “5th H” Award. Ken Frisch, this year’s recipient, has countless years of service to the 4-H, said presenter Avalyn Stearns. He has given time and expertise when working with 4-H donors, fundraising, investments, photography and rabbits.
“He guided our finances when the milkshake barn started with hand-dipped shakes in 2002, presented his knowledge and expertise with the Bowling Green Community Foundation to Wood County Clover Legacy, and judged programs such as Honors Court, and Citizenship Washington Focus,” Stearns said.
Outstanding Service to 4-H
Eight Outstanding Service to 4-H awards were presented to volunteers and supporters who help Make the Best Better through their commitment to 4-H youth and programs.
Jeff Schulte, whose long-time participation in 4-H, first as a member of Lake Harvesters, then as a club adviser, expanded his volunteerism to include “resident milkshake machine mechanic,” said 4-H member Rylie Kregel. Schulte was recognized for his behind-the-scenes effort to make sure the 4-H program is always running smoothly.
“He is the first to volunteer for special projects such as building skit sets, night guarding at 4-H Camp and making wood panels for 4-H camper to utilize for string art projects,” she said.
“The magic that happens during 4-H camp each summer wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous staff,” Kregel said. “Camp Palmer’s fearless leader, Bill Goodson has always welcomed Wood County 4-H campers with open arms and gone above and beyond” to make camp a seamless event each year,” she said. He is the epitome of hospitality, leadership and camp spirit.
Laura Westgate was recognized for her service to 4-H as a Klassy Kids 4-H adviser for 13 years and as Fair Manager for the Wood County Agricultural Society. “She has gone above and beyond to ensure Wood County 4-H is always taken care of,” Kregel said.
Always helping with a smile, Westgate is an important liaison between the Wood County Fair Board and 4-H staff. “We appreciate her continued kindness and support of 4-H.”
The 4-H Horse Program is a shining star for Wood County 4-H. While many individuals work together to make each of the many horse shows a success, Lucy Trou received the Outstanding Service to 4-H for “going above and beyond,” Kregel said. Trout, a 4-H alumna, assists members and adults involved in the horse department for the past few years.
“Finding time in her busy schedule is important to her,” Kregel said. She helps organize the entry booth each day and works with every horse judge, many who have commented on Trout’s kind mannerism and outstanding work style.
Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation board member Kathy Wilhelm is known for her contagious enthusiasm and strong leadership skills. She has the knack for being a leader and sharing it with an audience of teens.
“She plans programs, shares ideas and believes anything is possible if we put our minds and hearts together,” said 4-H member Emma Ruffner. “We wish to put Kathy Wilhelm in the spotlight for making 4-H a priority in her life by giving her the Outstanding Service to 4-H award.”
Jesse Buxton, fiscal operations at Ohio State University Extension, is a master of paperwork, grants, work orders and accounting. Ruffner called him “calm, confident and supportive,” helping extension staff work through multiple grants and programs in the office. “Simply put, when there is a hurdle to overcome, Jesse will lend a kind, helping hand and is recognized by support staff across the state as one of OSU Extension’s Gems,” she said.
The First United Methodist Church received an Outstanding Service to 4-H Award for always being willing to provide space for 4-H programs when the Junior Fair Building is not available. Carol Lenox and the church staff are generous with letting the 4-H program use space for programs such as Midnight Madness, Clover Bud Day Camp and 4-H Volunteer Training.
Spreading positive news about the 4-H program earned Julie Carle of the BG Independent News an Outstanding Service to 4-H award. She provides endless opportunities for 4-H stories to be shared and has supported the program for many years.
4-H Volunteer Spirit Award
Kimberly Barker’s heart for 4-H started in Auglaize County. When she moved to Perrysburg, she wanted to maintain her connection to 4-H and reached out to the Wood County 4-H program.
“She has jumped in with both feet,” serving on the 4-H committee, as an adviser with Tontogany Four Leaf Clovers and as a volunteer for special events, such as 4-H Family Info Night and Cloverbud Day Camp, Ruffner said. Barker received the Volunteer Spirit award as a prime example of pledging her hands to larger service.
