To say this past year has been untraditional would be an understatement, but the Merrimack County 4-H Honors Evening tradition continued. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some way, and it took an especially large toll on the 4-H program. It was inspiring to see the resiliency of the families that came out to the Fall Festival and Honors Evening, who are ready to make the best better in the upcoming 4-H year. 4-Her’s who received recognition at the event demonstrate commitment and dedication to the program. It speaks to the value of 4-H and the many opportunities that it provides them to grow and develop life skills.
Two special awards in Merrimack County were, again, given this year. The Alice Thompson Award, that recognizes a 4-H member who excels in sewing, crafts, and food project areas along with leadership, was given to Kara Braley of the Dunbarton Silver Birch 4-H Club. The I Dare You Award, given to a member who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and service to their community, was given to Cate McDonald of the Canterbury Rascals 4-H Club.
The ceremony also recognizes volunteers and the many years of leadership they have given to 4-H. Their time in the program has helped create the opportunities members have and ensure meaningful experiences for 4-Hers and families. The ceremony recognized many volunteers who are young in their commitment, as well as volunteers who have served for 30+ years in their roles. To all who give time as judges, superintendents, scoop ice cream at the 4-H Ice Cream Parlor, sit on a committee, Foundation, or Leaders’ Association, know that the 4-H staff is forever grateful. The 4-H program is stronger with the help of community partners and volunteers and will always look forward to honoring these individuals.
See photos from the event here.
List of 2020-2021 4-H Club Members & Volunteer Leaders who were honored:
5 Year Members:
- Landon Akerstrom
- Abbygail Allen
- Kara Braley
- Luke Bronnenberg
- Joseph Furtado
- Madison Hamel
- Matthew Landry
- George LeClair
- Vernon LeClair
- Anna McDonald
- Jordan Monaghan
- Olivia Nason
- Melody Perron
- Ryleigh Perry
- Ella Smith
- Marcella Tonge
- Kyah Travers
- Alivia Walsh
- Ava Walsh
- Lilliann Watts
10 Year Members:
- Lily Butcher
- Jacob Downs
- Falon Labrecque
- Grace Murdoch Roy
3 Year Leaders:
- Heather Chandler
- AnneMarie Chapman
- Jacob Condi
- Stephen Conway
- Sue Douglass
- Brian Durand
- Jessica Durand
- Diane Hersey
- Morgan Mewkill
- Kimberly Scamman
- Linda Smith
- Petra (Angela) Swyers
- Kathryn Valley
- Judith Wherett
- Heidi Wright
- Patrick Wright
5 Year Leaders:
- Alyson Bronnenberg
- Dennis Crawford
- Sheryl Goedecke
- Laura Landry
- Mariana Lassonde
- Kim Murdoch
10 Year Leaders:
- Todd Hammond
- Tara Pinto
- Katrina Snook
15 Year Leaders:
- Danielle Furness
25 Year Leader:
- Velma Van Dyke
30 Year Leaders:
- Sandra Creighton
- Terry Riel
40 Year Leader:
- Mark Riel
45 Year Leader:
- Leon Miller
Thank you to our event sponsors who provided the awards and supplies and to our 4-H clubs who did demonstrations and hosted a bake sale. You all helped to make this event a success! WE thank you!
- Bow Blue Seal
- Canterbury Rascals 4-H CLub
- Contoocook Easy Riders 4-H Club
- Dunbarton & Bow Robotics 4-H Club
- Merrimack County 4-H Foundation
- Merrimack County 4-H Leaders Association
- Merrimack County 4-H Youth Leadership Team
- UNH Collegiate 4-H
