By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
The local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension held its annual 4-H Achievement night on Jan. 27 at the Overton Senior Center. The event is held annually to recognize and thank both the program’s adult volunteers and the achievements of the youth themselves.
Local 4-H coordinator, Lacey Sproul-Tom thanked several of the “Friends of 4-H” that have given the program support over the last year. These included Goettle Air Conditioning, Agro-Farming, Friends of the NRA, Spearhead Cattle, Clark County Farm Bureau, Moapa Valley Rotary, and the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Mesquite 4-H coordinator Denise Houston spoke about the contributions made by 4-H leaders. “Our leaders are our most valuable asset in 4-H,” Houston said. “Without the help of these individuals, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Five individuals were further honored with 2017 Leader of the year nominations. These included Rocki Shaner, Scott Adams, Sue Dreyfus, Kessa Stratton, and Cindy Shakespear. Shakespear was named the 2017 Leader of the Year.
Next, the winners of the 4-H T-shirt design contest were recognized. These were designs by Deagan Shaner and Shae Shaner, with Deagan being the ultimate winner.
Those youth who participated in contests beyond the county level were recognized next. Sixteen youth were recognized for their participation in the Nevada state 4-H livestock judging and skill-a-thon contest. Whitney Wickersham from the Nevada 4-H Quizbowl team; which competed in Denver, Colorado last January; was recognized. Her team ended up placing 6th in the nation.
Ten young marksmen were honored for qualifying for the Nevada 4-H State Shooting Match held in Elko, Nevada. Bodie Burton received a bronze medal at the match for placing third in the state in shotgun. Paver Scronce received a silver medal for placing second in the state in shotgun. Sam Cornwall received a silver medal for archery. And Joey Herring received a blue ribbon in shotgun.
The final awards for the night were for the 4-H portfolios. “These portfolios provide an index of a member’s achievements in 4-H activities,” Houston explained.
This year there were over 100 youth portfolios submitted. In the junior age division, 1st place went to Leilani Monteirth, with 2nd going to Audry Torres, and 3rd to Savannah Aikele.
In the intermediate division, 1st place went to Iain McMurray, with 2nd place going to Brady Montierth and 3rd place to Hannah Mayo.
In the senior division there was a tie for first place with perfect scores between Odin Lyman and Ryan McMurray, with Tatyana Bullock winning second place and Whitney Wickersham winning 3rd.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, dinner was served to attendees and served by MVHS Honor Society volunteers.
“I’m proud of all our 4-H youth and adults and I appreciate the continued support from the community,” said Sproul-Tom.
Houston agreed, saying, “I also appreciate all the volunteers and the many hours they spend serving our youth. I’m really excited to see how the program is growing in Mesquite.”
Local cooperative extension educator Carol Bishop closed the event. “I can’t say how much I appreciate my staff, our leaders, and our great 4-H youth,” Bishop said. “You make me look good and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. Our youth work hard and our adult volunteers are there to support them every step of the way. We are building the citizens of tomorrow and from this angle, the future looks very bright.”
