Members gather up awards for year’s achievements

  • For the first time, because of the event honoring 2020 and 2021, there were two 4-H members presented with plaques for being chosen for the honor of receiving the Ziebach County 4-H Mercedes Lemke award. The award is in memory of Mercedes Lemke who was a foundational person in the county and state 4-H programming. (L-R): Alan Lemke-chosen for the 2021 4-H year, John D Lemke (one of Mercedes’ sons), and Erin Lemke-chosen for the 2020 4-H year.
    For the first time, because of the event honoring 2020 and 2021, there were two 4-H members presented with plaques for being chosen for the honor of receiving the Ziebach County 4-H Mercedes Lemke award. The award is in memory of Mercedes Lemke who was a foundational person in the county and state 4-H programming. (L-R): Alan Lemke-chosen for the 2021 4-H year, John D Lemke (one of Mercedes’ sons), and Erin Lemke-chosen for the 2020 4-H year.
  • The members of the Friendly Few 4-H Club, advised by Nila Woodward, and the awards they received at Ziebach County 4H Recognition Night. FRONT (L-R): Maverick Lemke, Trinity Leithauser, Wyatt Lemke; BACK: Alan Lemke, Minda Woodward, Sierra Feickert, and Erin Lemke.
    The members of the Friendly Few 4-H Club, advised by Nila Woodward, and the awards they received at Ziebach County 4H Recognition Night. FRONT (L-R): Maverick Lemke, Trinity Leithauser, Wyatt Lemke; BACK: Alan Lemke, Minda Woodward, Sierra Feickert, and Erin Lemke.
  • The members of the Mustangs 4H Club, advised by Patty Peacock, with their 2021 awards. (L-R): Zoey, Gabriella, and Rio DeLaRosa.
    The members of the Mustangs 4H Club, advised by Patty Peacock, with their 2021 awards. (L-R): Zoey, Gabriella, and Rio DeLaRosa.

    The annual night of special recognition for Ziebach County 4-H members returned this year, after not being held last November. During the event, held on November 19, the 4-H members and leaders enjoyed a supper, awards, a presentation about 4-H Performing Arts Camp by Zoey DeLaRosa, and a photo collection by Patty Peacock that presented pictures from the 2020 and 2021 Ziebach County 4-H years’ activities was enjoyed.

    After the meal, the program opened with the Flag Salute and 4-H Pledge and 4-H Member record books and t-shirts were given. Phoebe Lemke recognized the 4-H leaders (Nila Woodward, Kim Bachman, Patty Peacock, and Julie Thorstenson).

    Next, Peacock and Woodward presented the awards earned by the members. Trophies are given for winning the position of Grand Champion or Reserve Champion (first and second place in each division) in areas such as Foods & Nutrition, Horticulture, Shooting Sports, Hobbies & Collections, Home Environment, etc., and many more as there are numerous areas that kids can participate in. In order to win a trophy, a 4-H member must submit a completed 4-H book for the year and win at least one purple in that category and then additional ribbons earned are calculated and compared between members and those with the most points earned are awarded Grand Champion and then Reserve Champion. In case of ties, demonstrations done or involvement in that project area is considered.

    Participation plaques for those members that qualified and competed at the state level in shooting sports or rodeo were presented as well as the prestigious Mercedes Lemke 4-H Award. The award is in memory Mercedes Lemke who was a 4-H leader and a pioneer in getting many of the programs/project areas that we have today started in our state. For a first time, two 4-H members were recognized. Erin Lemke was the 2020 recipient and Alan Lemke is the 2021 recipient.

    The 2021 scholarship from the Ziebach County 4-H Leaders Association was awarded to senior Erin Lemke. (Malory Peacock, who could not be present because she’s at college, was the 2020 scholarship winner).

    Ziebach County 4-H

    2021 Awards Presented

    Foods and Nutrition: Senior Foods & Nutrition Grand Champion, Zoey DeLaRosa; Senior Foods & Nutrition Reserve Champion, Erin Lemke; Junior Foods & Nutrition Grand Champion, Rio DeLaRosa; Junior Foods & Nutrition Reserve Champion, Wyatt Lemke.

    Welding: Senior Welding Grand Champion, Alan Lemke.

    Horticulture: Senior Grand Champion, Alan Lemke; Junior Horticulture Grand Champion, Maverick Lemke; Junior Horticulture Reserve Champion, Wyatt Lemke.

    Hobbies and Collections: Junior Hobbies and Collections Grand Champion, Wyatt Lemke; Junior Hobbies and Collections Reserve Champion, Sierra Feickert.

    Visual Arts: Beginner Visual Arts Grand Champion, Gabriella DeLaRosa; Junior Visual Arts Grand Champion, Sierra Feickert.

    Wood Science: Junior Wood Science Grand Champion, Rio DeLaRosa.

    Computers and Technology: Junior Computers and Technology Grand Champion, Rio DeLaRosa

    Electricity: Junior Electricity Grand Champion, Rio DeLaRosa.

    Home Environment: Beginner Home Environment Grand Champion, Gabriella DeLaRosa.

    Child Development and Family Life: Senior Child Development and Family Life Grand Champion, Zoey DeLaRosa.

    Shooting Sports: Junior Shooting Sports BB Gun Grand Champion, Wyatt Lemke; Junior Shooting Sports BB Gun Reserve Champion, Sierra Feickert; Senior Shooting Sports BB Gun Grand Champion, Alan Lemke; Senior Shooting Sports BB Gun Reserve Champion, Zoey DeLaRosa.

    2020 Mercedes Lemke Award: Erin Lemke.

    2021 Mercedes Lemke Award: Alan Lemke.

    2020 Most Improved Shooter: Michael Donovan.

    2021 Most Improved Shooter: Trinity Leithauser.

    State Participation Plaques: State Rodeo, Minda Woodward, State Shooting Sports; Trinity Leithauser, State Shooting Sports; Sierra Feickert, State Shooting Sports; Juell Twite, State Shooting Sports; Zoey DeLaRosa.

    Photos by Patty Peacock