Small Town News

County 4-H awards night honors cream of the crop

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The completion of another successful 4-H year was celebrated at the annual Nicollet County 4-H Awards Night Saturday. The "best of the best" were recognized at the event, held at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church in Norseland.

Awards were presented to outstanding 4-H members, leaders, and clubs--as well as a 4-H alumnus and two Friends of 4-H. Trophies, plaques, discs, certificates, and other special awards were sponsored by a host of county and area businesses and organizations.

A dedicated volunteer for the North Kato Explorers 4-H received the Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award. Barb Sorenson is an alum of the Stevens County 4-H program and has worn many hats in her service to Nicollet County 4-H as an employee, volunteer, and parent.

The husband and wife team of Wayne and Shelly Havemeier of rural Nicollet received the Friend of 4-H Award. They have been part of the Nicollet County 4-H program for nearly 20 years. Their four daughters have been involved in the 4-H horse project and the Havemeiers have helped the project in many ways.

Kelly Pankratz and Joni Anderson were named the Outstanding Adult Leaders of Nicollet County. They have made a difference for many members of the Norseland 4-H Club. They have embraced technology as a mode of communication for the 80-plus members of the club. They have encouraged members to try new projects and experiences outside the comfort zone.

Sara Compart of New Sweden was named the county's Outstanding Youth Leader. Compart has been a positive role model for 4-H youth across the county and the surrounding area. She just completed her term as president of the Nicollet County 4-H Federation. According to county 4-H program coordinator Kathy Herberg, Compart has the gift of really listening to others--in her role as an officer, project mentor, and camp counselor. She's also a doer, a good sport, and an active project member.

4-Her Anna Hayes of the Berna-dotte Club received the prestigious Key Award by meeting a long list of requirements and completing an application. An 11-year 4-Her, Hayes has been a club and federation officer and played a key role in her club's Community Pride Kids Against Hunger Project.

Outgoing Federation officers recognized for their service were Compart, president; Jacob Sjostrom, vice president; Emily Thomas, secretary; Alyssa Johnson, treasurer; and Anna Hayes, technology officer.

New officers and advisory board members installed were Sjostrom, president; Molly Herberg, vice president; Hayes, secretary; Thomas, treasurer; Tom Maidl, technology officer; and Beth Bjorklund, Deb Sjostrom, Nancy Fager, Mary Struss, and Shannon Bishop, advisory board



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© 2010 Lafayette Nicollet Ledger Lafayette, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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