Greene County 4-H members Samantha Hardaway and Emily Heupel were among 50 Iowa 4-H members to receive 2017 state 4-H project awards. These 4-H youth are recognized as the top winners in their project areas across the state. Hardaway received a state award in the dog project and Heupel in the citizenship project.
The awards are given to youth who have exhibited mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area. Each youth recipient also received a $100 monetary award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
4-H projects give youth the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas. “This recognition is a great honor and testament to the 4-Hers’ dedication to mastering skills in a specific project area, while also sharing their knowledge with others through communication, leadership and citizenship opportunities,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H youth program specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Each year, youth from around the state complete a rigorous written state project award application and panel interview process,” said Dalager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities in written and interpersonal communication.”
The recipients of this year’s awards were recognized at the State 4-H Youth Conference during the closing ceremony held at the Iowa State University campus in Ames on Thursday, June 29.
Greene County project award winners for 2017 are:
Samantha Hardaway, daughter of Stacy Hardaway, is an eight-year member of 4-H and Junior at Greene County High School. As a 4-H member, she has received the Professional Photographers of Iowa Award and Grand Champion Dog Intermediate Showman at the Iowa State Fair. Samantha has been very involved within her 4-H club as greeter, photographer, recreation Officer, secretary, treasurer and vice president.
Emily Heupel, daughter of David and Kristin Heupel, is a nine year 4-H member from Greene County High School. She has been a part of County 4-H Council, Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and State 4-H Council. She has had numerous projects selected for the Iowa State Fair each year since she was in 4th grade. Emily has held club officer positions as photographer, reporter, secretary, vice president, and president. She was also vice president of County Council.
