Rotary 4-H Achievement Night was held November 12, at the 4-H Center in Pittsfield. This year marked the 47th year that the Rotary Club of Warren has honored Warren County 4-H members for their commitment to leadership development and civic engagement. The President of the Warren Rotarians and master of ceremonies, Kevin Bonner, led the program celebration.

Program speaker Dianna Sleeman, leader of Keystone Connection Interstate Exchange Club, along with two 4-H club members, Lyndsey Keppel and Carly Moore, explained to the crowd their experience in hosting 4-H members from Montana.

This year's Rotary 4-H Agricultural Trophy was awarded to Katelyn Maille of Pittsfield. Katelyn participated in numerous 4-H activities and gave of her time through numerous club community service activities. Katelyn stated in her application, "4-H means a time to learn and grow. 4-H is when you get to learn new skills while having fun and meeting new friends. Katelyn also stated that she enjoys 4-H because she gets a chance to help out the community that is always helping her. She goes on to state, "4-H is when you use your head to learn, your heart for caring about everyone, your hands to help others and your health to keep on going." She is the daughter of Matt and Diana Maille.

The boy Watts Outstanding 4-H'er award was given to Alan Royek of Corry, and a member of the Udder Club and Warren County Small Engines club. Alan's 4-H leaders state that he has a super attitude whether he is winning or losing, it makes no difference. Alan has seen challenges with his 4-H project animals but continues to have a positive, winning attitude. He is consistently willing to lend a hand to younger members and has assisted with several club functions.

The girl Watts Outstanding 4-H'er award went to Katie Downey of Warren, and a member of the Scandia Trail Blazers. Katie is described as the "energizer bunny" by her 4-H leaders. Katie is very supportive of the other 4-H members and is always willing to help in whatever capacity she is needed. In addition to 4-H, Katie was also active in marching band, concert band, envirothon, National Honor Society, and her church.

The 2009 Roll of Distinction 4-H Award was presented to Dean Johnson of Warren. Dean has been a tremendous help to the Warren County 4-H members by working with them to receive their quality assurance credits, assisting them with techniques in clipping and showing and offering the opportunity for fun and educational field trips. Over the years, Dean has held many hands-on clinics to help the members learn how to take a cows temperature, how to administer oral medicines, IV's, shots and how to detect issues with the animal. Each year he works with the club in learning dairy questions and answers that affect the industry in order for the members to participate in the Pennsylvania Holstein Dairy Bowl. This includes current events as well as the history of the industry. Dean inspires the members to do better, be better and help others.

The "I Dare You" awards are given to a boy and girl to challenge them to use their leadership skills as they grow. Winners were Russell Loizeaux of Sugar Grove and Alyssa Stoddard of Youngsville. Both are members of the Sugar Grove Ruff Riders club. Their leader expressed the leadership and commitment that both Russell and Alyssa model in their club work.

Warren County 4-H Development Council member, Cindy Paulmier, presented a $50 savings bond to the Achievement Award winner. For the leadership achievement award, Katelyn Maille discussed her role as the club secretary and explained in her application that holding a leadership position in her club was very important and especially important to communicate information to people. As secretary Katelyn stated that she needs to be organized and able to take clear notes.

The Leo Rapp Volunteer Community Service award was presented to Diana Maille of Pittsfield. Diana has been a leader with the Sanford Saddles and Spurs club. In Diana's application she is described as being devoted to 4-H and always eager to lend a hand. She has organized numerous meetings, fundraisers and community service programs. Diana tries to help the members of the club by giving what information she knows and encourages them to grow with 4-H and to become better people.

Honoring 32 years in support of the Warren County 4-H livestock program, the livestock book scholarship was re-named the Jack McMillen Memorial Livestock Scholarship. Receiving this year's scholarships were Renea Brunecz and Josh Hopkins both of Sugar Grove. Renae is attending Morrisville State College in New York for equine science horse race management, and Josh is continuing his education at Tri-State Business Institute in Erie.

Receiving the Warren County 4-H Scholarship was Amber Gilson of Garland who is attending Delaware Valley College in Doylestown and majoring in equine science and management.

Lyndsey Royek of Corry received the Wright Fund Scholarship. Lyndsey is attending Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, and majoring in Business Administration.

Family members presented the Jack and Judith Hoy Senior Memorial Scholarship to Brenton Maille of Pittsfield. Brenton is pursuing a degree in zoo biology and wildlife management at Malone University in Ohio.

Receiving special recognition for their assistance with the opening ceremonies for the 2009 County 4-H horse show were Nicole Miller, Morgan Molek, Amber Gilson, Katie Woodin, Felisha Tucker, Alicia Durlin, Breanna Williams, Breaunna Baker, Kateyln Maille, Hannah Grable and Katie Downey.

Lindsey McMillen of Sugar Grove and a member of the Shamrock Sheep club was awarded the Debbie Knowlton Livestock award for her club activities, leadership and community service and project records.

Amanda Reynolds of Pittsfield and a member of the Udder Club received a savings bond and plaque for the "Brett Marsh Dairy Member Award" sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jones. Amanda's leader describes her as sincere and having a dedication to the dairy industry. She further details Amanda's goal to attend Alfred State and major in dairy science and vet tech. Within the club, Amanda has held club officer positions; assisted with community service projects and club field trips. Amanda's love of her animals and caring way will help her in pursuing her goal and promote the future of the dairy industry.

The Les Curtis Young Dairy Person Award honors Les who shared his time and dairy industry knowledge with kids of Warren County. This year Jonathon Linkerhof of Russell received the award for his work in the Udder Club. Jonathon explained in his application that through his 4-H experience he has learned to be patient yet steady while working around his animals. He learned that having animals is a daily responsibility but one that he loves doing.The Scandia Trail Blazers Club earned the county wide community service award. The club leaders' Sherry Moore, Melissa Morse, Heather Wilcox, Josh Schrader, Debi Kerner, and Tammi Holden taught members the meaning of community service. The club worked on numerous community service activities and described their members as always looking forward to participating in community service each year because they see the benefits of helping others. Each year the club does Christmas caroling and hands out fruit baskets to the elderly and home bound. Each member at Christmas time also brings items to club meetings that will fit in a shoebox and the items are shipped overseas to a needy child. Items are also collected at Christmas time for the Ruth Smith Center in Sheffield. The club assists the Scandia VFD by setting up for the fire departments turkey parties and making vegetable trays and sandwiches. Lastly they have also assisted the conservation district by painting picnic tables that had graffiti on them.

Other clubs recognized were: Pittsfield Bronc Busters leaders Jim, Barb and Heather Emazhizer, Katie Jukes and Courtney Jenkins; Shamrock Sheep leaders Pat McMillen and Dale and Pam McMillen; Sanford Saddles and Spurs leaders Matt and Diana Maille and Donna Soulsby; Desperados leaders Connie Tenney and Terry Stover; Udder Club leaders Carrie Ludwick and Melinda Johnson and Na-Ca-Ton Wranglers leaders Karen Puckly and Laura Baker.

Ag Choice Farm Credit Production Project Record Book awards of $25 were presented to Lindsey McMillen of the Shamrock Sheep, Dominique Corradi from Corry and a member of the Columbus Cowpokes and Sammie Nichols from Sugar Grove and a member of the Scandia Trail Blazers. Jim Hoge, Executive Loan Officer of Ag Choice in Meadville, sponsored this award.

The Champion Youth Project Award winners received the final part of their award during achievement night. Sweatshirts were sponsored by D n L Enos Milling and Swanson, Bevevino & Gilford. Receiving sweatshirts were: Tyler Eckman of Russell and a member of the Ham Handlers, Katelyn Maille of Sanford Saddles and Spurs and Mitchell Bauer from Corry and a member of the Milkyways.Rotarians presented club officer awards. Brenton Maille of Pittsfield received the club president trophy. Other presidents receiving token gavels, notebooks and pins were Thatcher Bunce of Columbus, Tyler Eckman, Amber Gilson, Josh Hopkins, Alyssa Stoddard and Katie Woodin of Bear Lake.The Vice President trophy was given to Andy Gates of Corry. Other vice presidents receiving a pen and notebook set along with a pin were Ariel Curtis of Columbus, Jenna Chase of Warren, Elyse Clement and Brent Foster of Pittsfield.

Treasurer's trophy went to Timothy Nordland of Columbus for his work with the Columbus Cowpokes. Additional treasurers received a pin and bank included Ashley Blair of Sugar Grove, Kaylene Coons of Bear Lake, Alicia Durlin of Columbus, and Stephanie Puckly of Spartansburg.

The secretary's trophy went to Rebecca Brunecz of Sugar Grove. Amanda Breon of Grand Valley, Leah Curtis of Columbus, Amber Darling of Youngsville, Kate Erdman of Spring Creek, and Brittany Fletcher of Corry were also recognized and received a pin and notebook.

The club scrapbook trophy was presented to Annie and Lyndsey Royek. The members did a great job of collecting club information throughout the year. Additional members receiving folders and scrapbook stickers included Abby Carr and Destiny Upton of Youngsville, Emma Lewis of North East, Kylee Edmisten of Ashville, New York and Oakleigh Gilbert of Warren.

Club news reporters were honored for their work in reporting the club activities. Receiving this year's trophy was Jenny Hoffner of Youngsville. Hannah Bortz of Russell was presented with a pin and notebook for her work.

"Project Pins" were awarded to individuals submitting complete, accurate books with a story on "What I Learned from My 4-H Project." Receiving horse pins were: Cheyanna Borland, Amber Gilson, Kayla Schenck, Manda Breon, Mikayla Holden, Tara Sleeman, Rebecca Brunecz, Russell Loizeaux, Alyssa Stoddard, Nicole Caudill, Katelyn Maille, Destiny Upton, Jenna Chase, Sammie Nichols, Kristina Weikert, Elyse Clement, Jessalyn Peterson, Katie Woodin, Abbie Downs, Savannah Pollow, Katrina Grant and Stephanie Puckly. Receiving sheep pins for their project books were Cody McMillen and Lindsey McMillen and a pin to Tyler Eckman for his swine project.

Rotarians in attendance to help with the presentation of awards were: Sathya Durkac, Molly Santo, Paul Leofsky, Dr. Dave Rice, Dr. John Sechriest, Bruce Williams, Kathy Whittemore and master of ceremonies Kevin Bonner.

To learn about 4-H, visit warren.extension.psu.edu. 4-H programs are open to all boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.