Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 scholarship winners
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of its annual scholarships. Nineteen recent high school graduates were selected to receive higher education scholarships based on their outstanding accomplishments in 4-H, dedication to community service, and high scholastic achievement.
Scholarship winners include:
- Ashley Abrahams, Dodge County
- Paige Bunn, Dodge County
- Sierra Cain, Lincoln County
- Alexa Carter, Butler County
- Addison Cotton, York County
- Aleyna Cuttlers, Lancaster County
- Evan Hartman, Dodge County
- Jaci Larsen, Garfield County
- Creyton Line, Buffalo County
- Caleb Most, Keith County
- Abigail Owens, Dawson County
- Thomas Perrin, Keith County
- Kaylee Powell, Hall County
- Kyle Rote, Garden County
- Carson Sullivan, Hall County
- Gregory Treffer, Dawson County
- Olivia Vanderford, Lancaster County
- Spencer Walahoski, Dawson County
- Paige Wood, Nance County
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation provides up to $22,000 worth of scholarships each year to graduating seniors who have been actively involved in 4-H. To learn more about Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships, please visit Ne4HFoundation.org/Scholarships.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Award Winners
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards winners. Seventeen 4-H Clubs were selected to receive $500 grants to complete projects that will have lasting and meaningful impacts on their communities.
The following clubs have been awarded the 2023 Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Award:
- Country Kids 4-H Club, Boone County
- Minute Milker 4-H Club, Clay County
- Dog Gone Fun 4-H Club, Custer County
- Pathfinders 4-H Club, Gage County
- Grant County 4-H Council, Grant County
- Cloverdale 4-H Club, Holt County
- Shining Stars 4-H Club, Holt County
- 5-Star 4-H Club, Lancaster County
- Fusion 4-Hers, Lancaster County
- Hunter’s Pride, Lancaster County
- Lancaster County Teen Council, Lancaster County
- Blossomfield 4-H Club, Polk County
- Clover Rovers 4-H Club, Polk County
- Sheridan County Jr. Leaders, Sheridan County
- Badger Buddies 4-H Club, Washington County
- Tomorrow’s Leaders 4-H Club, Washington County
- Webster County Wranglers, Webster County.
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, NIFA, is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. For more information about the Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards, visit Ne4HFoundation.org.
Nebraska 4-H delegates share their voice with federal officials
Three Nebraska 4-H members shared their voices with federal officials at the 96th annual National 4-H Conference, held April 14-19 in Arlington, Virginia. Nebraska's delegation included Lexi Johnson from Dawson County, Autumn Lindsley from Butler County, and Sarah Treffer from Dawson County.
During the Conference, federal partners presented Challenge Questions to delegates which were designed to provoke critical thinking about current issues. In roundtable groups, youth investigated and discussed the agency's current efforts and generated new ideas to bring about positive change. After working together for two days, the teams presented their recommendations to federal partners during 45-minute Youth Perspective Briefings.
"My favorite part of the Conference was the roundtable discussions where my group worked with the Smithsonian Institution," shared Autumn Lindsley. Lindsley and her team develop ideas for teaching more accurate and inclusive history education in classrooms and community settings. "I hope the suggestions my group made are able to help many people in the future," said Lindsley.
Lexi Johnson's group developed and presented recommendations for the 4-H program to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Agriculture, and Sarah Treffer's team presented a campaign against food waste to the Environmental Protection Agency. "[T]hey were very intrigued by the ideas that we presented to them and even talked about implementing some of our ideas as soon as they could," shared Treffer.
The experience empowers delegates to apply their learning and create positive change in their local communities. Treffer has already begun by informing her peers about food waste issues and challenging them to reduce waste. "Even though informing people about the issue will make a difference, I want to create a composting system at my school and do what I can to help prevent food waste," said Treffer.
"They have a unique opportunity to truly see how their voice matters, and even as young people, they can make a difference from their local club and community to our country and our world," said Dawn Lindsley, Nebraska Extension Educator who accompanied this year's delegation.
While at the National 4-H Conference, youth also made an impact through community service projects. Nebraska Delegates worked with the U.S Forest Service to plant over 400 native trees at the Woodend Sanctuary.
Nebraska Delegates had the opportunity to meet, listen, and speak with the Nebraska Congressional delegation during the Nebraska Breakfast and at the National 4-H Council Congressional Breakfast hosted on Capitol Hill. They also explored volunteer, internship, fellowship, and career opportunities across the federal government at the first-ever 4-H Youth Career Fair held in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
National 4-H Conference is the USDA's flagship youth development opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders. Each year, the event brings together over 300 young people, volunteer leaders, country and state Extension staff, Land-grant University faculty and administrators, and state and federal government officials from across the United States and its Territories.
The Conference serves as the premier civic engagement event for Nebraska 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19. Nebraska delegates are selected through state-level Senior Achievement Applications and a thorough interview process. Delegates also receive funding for trip expenses through the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. For more information about National 4-H Conference, please visit 4h.unl.edu/conference.
Vrbka family builds a legacy through volunteering
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
The Ray and Betty Vrbka family is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. The family, including four generations who volunteer with the Polk County 4-H program, was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County.
"The Late Ray and Betty Vrbka family has been an integral part of the Polk County 4-H program since I started 30 years ago," wrote Pallas. "But their service to Polk County started way before then!"
Ray was a Polk County 4-H member growing up showing dairy cattle in the 1930s. Betty started leading the Rainbow 4-H Club in 1961 and continued serving as the club leader for over ten years. Into the late 2000s, she also led workshops teaching local youth how to make her famous cinnamon twists, Kolaches and Kuchens.
The Late Susan Ott, their daughter, served as the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club leader for many years, a 4-H Council member for nine years, and the Ag Engineering fair superintendent for over 25 years.
Angie King, another daughter, served on the 4-H Council for ten years and is the current 4-H Snack Shack manager. Angie also volunteers as a 4-H superintendent for Ag Engineering and Horticulture, serving over 25 years.
Ray and Betty’s grandchildren continue to be active and volunteer for the Polk County 4-H program serving as fair superintendents and workshop leaders. Stacy Ott Stewart is now a club leader, fair superintendent, and 4-H Council member. Chase King, Ashley King Robbins, Helen King Bender, Haley King Teten, and Cecelia King have helped lead workshops, sharing their skills and talents learned through their 4-H projects. The King kids continue to serve as fair superintendents and volunteer whenever asked.
Ray and Betty Vrbka now have great-grandchildren in the Polk County 4-H program. McKenna and Alexa Stewart volunteer to help with the 4-H Snack Shack and help with the Clover Kids program.
"Volunteering to serve in the Polk County 4-H program is a deep-rooted part of the Vrbka legacy," wrote Pallas. "The Polk County 4-H program is so thankful for all that this family has done throughout the years for our 4-H program."
Tell us about yourselves.
Angie King: I am a second-generation 4-H member. I have been volunteering as a superintendent for 25 years. My kids Chase, Ashley, Helen, Haley, and Cecelia all were members of 4-H in Polk County, where my parents and I were members. My kids have volunteered or currently volunteering at the fair. We are proud bakers, crafters, photographers, hog farmers, and sewers. I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren be a part of 4-H in the near future.
Stacy Stewart: My brothers and I were raised as Polk County 4-H members in the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club. Our mom Susan Ott was our leader. We showed sheep, pigs, and lots of other exhibits. I continue to live in Polk County and am currently on the Polk County 4-H Council and am the leader of the Blossomfield 4-H Club that my 3 girls are members of. My girls' favorite projects are Quilts of Valor.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Angie King: I look forward to helping the kids. 4-H is based on giving others skills to become better people, and we are lucky to share our talents and knowledge to others. Not many people are able to share with others, but 4-H has given us the opportunity to help others while improving our community.
Stacy Stewart: I love seeing the excitement in the youth of our county.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Angie King: Many memories consist of working with my sister and kids on check-in day. As the superintendent of Ag Engineering, we are able to help kids check-in projects and then convince them to speak with the judge. Watching scared kids face their fears and talk about their projects is fun for us. Watching a kid be scared and turn into a kid that is proud of their project is always one of my favorites.
Stacy Stewart: My favorite memory is serving alongside my mom during the fair experience.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
Angie King: Our family showed hogs at the fair also. We were able to help kids gain skills and techniques to improve their showmanship. We were able to watch the excitement of working together and the community being built while teaching each other to become better people.
Stacey Stewart: I have loved helping youth learn new concepts and making projects to take to the fair.
Judy Rath builds community in rural cattle country
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Judy Rath is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. Judy volunteers with the Thomas County 4-H program and was nominated by Tayler Rath.
Judy has served as the Thomas County 4-H Achievers Club leader for over ten years. In a rural community, Judy grew a small gathering into a successful club by organizing weekly meetings focused on various projects, such as STEM, animal science, woodworking, and welding. Judy also established a local FIRST LEGO League robotics team, the Central Sandhills MechTechs, that has won two regional tournaments and advanced to the state championships several times.
"What began as a small gathering in rural cattle country flourished into a successful program enabling youth to grow their knowledge, learn new skills they might have otherwise never known (as the nearest equivalent opportunity would have been hours away), and inspire them to reach for the stars," wrote Tayler. "Because of the dedication of Judith and her empowering belief in the youth of the community, dozens of kids aspiring to become our future ranchers, farmers, scientists, engineers, or anything they set their minds to, were able to pursue their dreams."
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Omaha, NE, and moved to Thedford, NE, when my sons were ages 2 and 3. I was a Stay at Home Mom/Rancher's Wife. I homeschooled my two sons throughout their school careers. My oldest needed challenging subjects in the school atmosphere, and my youngest had several medical needs. Homeschooling was a blessing to our family. As my sons came of age, they joined the local 4-H club, where they were able to find new friends and socialize with youth their age. After the first few years, we found ourselves without a 4-H Club Leader, so I volunteered.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
When I volunteer, I rely on my knowledge and experiences and how I can share those with others. With 4-H, volunteering gave me the chance to share all that I know and provide the youth in our small community with opportunities outside of the basics of public school. In teaching and sharing various subjects such as robotics, STEM, art, and animal husbandry, just to name a few, I gave our 4-Hers the chance to find their own path. In learning various different subjects and getting a hands-on experience, we provide 4-Hers with the chance to see what they like to do, to see what things touch their heart and soul, what they can do to have that positive effect on others, not only their peers but others that they may come in contact with.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
My favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer was seeing all of the kids come together as a group, encouraging one another, whether it be at static exhibits for fair, robotics competition, or livestock showmanship, having a positive impact on one another that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
To find your spark, youth must have opportunities in various subjects so that they can find their true path, their purpose, that place where their heart goes to and a smile lights up their face. We have the ability to provide those opportunities with our experience and knowledge.
Chase Prentice exemplifies positive youth development
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Chase Prentice is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 3. Chase volunteers with the Lincoln County 4-H program and was nominated by Caitlyn Jacobson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson Counties.
As a club leader and certified shooting sports instructor, Chase prioritizes positive youth development. He encourages youth to try new projects and explore different subject areas. Chase creates an environment where youth can thrive. He ensures everyone has an opportunity to participate, actively engages youth in conversations, and coaches them throughout their learning experiences. As a result, he has built strong and meaningful relationships with his club members.
"He has also built strong relationships with his club members in the short year he has been involved in Lincoln. Co. 4-H," wrote Jacobson. "His growth mindset mentality will continue to set him up to be a fantastic leader for many years."
Tell us about yourself.
I have been working as a volunteer in youth development for several years. When my wife and I volunteered to help with our local 4-H, we found out that they wanted to restart the Shooting Sports program. I volunteered to get trained as an Archey Instructor and became a part of the team that is helping to rebuild the Shooting Sports program for our area. I find it to be an exciting role because of my interests in youth development, archery, and community development. I am excited to see where the Shooting Sports program is headed for our county and for the chance to get to be a part of its development.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I look forward to seeing club members become confident in new skills as well as the growth and development club members get in skills they already possess. I also enjoy using my training and knowledge to instruct club members to help them develop skills so that they can be confident in their own abilities.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
The first time teaching as an Archery Instructor for 4-H. It was great to see my training pay off in instructing shooters not only the proper safety techniques and protocols but also letting them have a great time learning by doing using archery equipment in a safe and respectful manner. Seeing the joy on club members' faces as they were shooting their bows is something I strive for, not just teaching club members skills but also giving them an environment in which they could have fun learning in.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
Being a Shooting Instructor for 4-H has given me the opportunity to instruct youth in proper shooting techniques, which has given several club members the confidence to try out a new shooting discipline that they would not have had the opportunity to before. A few of the club members who were a little hesitant to try different disciplines in our shooting sports program have quickly enjoyed developing those new skills once they tried it out.
Sally B Bryner helps youth grow through horse program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Sally B Bryner is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 1. Sally volunteers with the Box Butte County 4-H program and was nominated by Melissa Mracek, Nebraska Extension Educator in Box Butte County.
Even though she has a busy work schedule, Sally supports the Box Butte 4-H program whenever possible. She often lends a hand at the Fort Robinson Horse Camp. Sally has taught at the local babysitting workshops, and she always makes sure to provide items for the local fundraiser.
Sally is most well-known, however, for leading the county horse program. She serves as the county fair horse superintendent. In this role, Sally is responsible for purchasing show awards, managing the program, preparing the exhibitor packets, and overseeing the condition of the arena. As the 4-H Horse Club leader, she holds weekly practices throughout the summer to help members learn riding basics and gain horsemanship knowledge. Sally is a certified examiner for the Nebraska 4-H Horsemanship Advancement Level program and leads county-wide horsemanship and riding workshop.
"Sally is an awesome horse instructor," said Melissa. "She understands the youth and works with them to help them achieve their goals and not only become excellent riders but also knowledgeable horse owners."
Sally encourages local members to grow their project experiences. She is a cheerleader for the Futurity program, through which youth spend four years training a young horse. She ensures these youth are celebrated at the county fair every year. Thanks to her support and guidance, several of Sally’s club members have gone on to compete in statewide rodeo competitions and horse shows.
"My husband attended her practices as a youth. When he went to college, he had the confidence and abilities to participate in the equine riding classes at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as well as was recruited to be a member of the Equestrian team," shared Mracek. "Currently, we own horses, and I do believe that had it not been for Sally’s classes, it would have taken a lot of encouragement and training for that to happen otherwise."
Tell us about yourself.
I am a 20+ year 4-H volunteer, as I started volunteering the following year after I was no longer of 4-H age. I especially enjoy volunteering for the horse project, as that has been my passion since I was a young girl. I participated in the 4-H horse project for my full ten years in 4-H.
I also enjoy showing horses myself when I am able to find the time to do so. I have always enjoyed my time as a volunteer in Box Butte County, where I have resided most of my life, growing up in Alliance and returning after obtaining my education. I currently reside outside of Hemingford on a small "hobby" farm. I also work full-time as Nurse Practitioner at a local Rural Health Clinic in Alliance.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Helping youth learn about their project and seeing that growth as the summer months progress.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
One of my favorite memories as a 4-H volunteer would be watching youth not only grow in their projects but into young adults and enjoying it so much they also return as 4-H volunteers!
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I have tried to keep youth engaged in their projects. I also try to help them learn new things about their project. I love teaching and pushing youth to set goals and try my best to help them achieve those goals.
Joelle Wacker's helps youth honor veterans through Quilts of Valor program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Joelle Wacker is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 7. Joelle volunteers with the Polk County 4-H program and was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County.
Joelle has a passion for the Quilts of Valor program. In 2020, she volunteered to coordinate the Polk County 4-H Quilts of Valor program. She has spent the last three years leading workshops and helping youth create quilts that they then donate to local veterans. During her time as program coordinator, Polk County 4-H members have completed and donated thirty Quilts of Valor. She is currently helping another ten members create quilts that will be finished this spring.
"Most of the 4-Her’s attending the workshops agree that presenting their Quilt is the best part of the project," said Pallas.
While quilting can be costly, Joelle works to ensure this is not a barrier for youth. She collects donations to reduce or even eliminate costs for members and recruits volunteers to help prepare materials.
"These youth learn new sewing skills as most have never quilted before," said Pallas. "They also learn compassion and the importance of community service through the time and effort it takes just to make one quilt, which can equal ten plus hours, only to turn around and give their Quilt of Valor away to a veteran."
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up participating in Box Butte County 4-H from age 8 to 18. After my husband finished his service with the U.S. Navy, we knew we wanted to raise our kids in Nebraska and I wanted them to be part of a 4-H program. We settled in Shelby and are involved in Polk County 4-H.
I organize a Quilts of Valor workshop for Polk County 4-Hers each spring, I help with Blossomfield 4-H Club, and I am the current president of Polk County's Extension Board. Outside of 4-H, I volunteer within Shelby's American Legion Auxiliary Post 296, Sacred Heart Church in Shelby, Aquinas Catholic Schools in David City, and I lead the Stars, Stripes, and Stitches Quilts of Valor group.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I enjoy helping 4-Hers grow and learn, especially through sewing as it stretches your mind.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Seeing the accomplishment on a 4-Her's face when they complete a whole quilt top at our Quilts of Valor workshop.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I'm hoping that in providing 4-Hers with a chance to learn more about sewing and quilting by creating a Quilt of Valor to award to a military veteran, I will help spark both their creativity and their patriotism.
Micah Scholl helps youth take pride in their swine projects
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Micah Scholl is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 11. Micah volunteers with the Pawnee County 4-H program and was nominated by Mary Moser, Nebraska Extension Educator in Pawnee County.
"Micah is very passionate and is very willing to share his experiences with the youth in our county, so his enthusiasm is contagious," said Moser.
Micah is passionate about showing swine and wants to help every Pawnee County 4-H member learn to show swine with competency and confidence. He started by hosting a clinic to teach youth how to select, train, feed, and show their project animals. He then volunteered at the county swine show. Micah is stepping up to serve as the county fair swine superintendent this year. He plans to offer more clinics to help exhibitors in this new role.
"The youth that he has helped definitely feel pride when they can exhibit their animal at a higher level and not only does the judge comment but members of the community notice the time and effort put into the project," said Moser. "Changes would not have been made without Micah’s help."
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Micah Scholl. I am 26 years old. I Grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska but currently reside in Pawnee City, Nebraska, where I am currently working on becoming a licensed electrician through an apprenticeship program and own and Operate Ignite Genetics. In my "free time," I enjoy going to every stock show I can and meeting new people.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Helping others achieve stuff that they never have before or never imagined
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Well, first, I hope the memories are not over, but right now, the one that's at the top is successfully getting somebody on the dirt at the NSF and for them to have their name recognized for their hard work in front of people.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
By hopefully whoever I deal with, giving them confidence in whatever they do.
Sherlyn Damme keeps 4-H program alive and strong
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Sherlyn Damme is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 11. Sherlyn volunteers with the Otoe County 4-H program and was nominated by Cheryl Goff, Nebraska Extension Office Manager in Otoe County.
"Sherlyn is well known by most Otoe County 4-Her's, and they know they can count on her to help them grow and thrive," shared Goff. "Every county needs a Sherlyn to keep the 4-H program alive and strong."
Sherlyn started the Otoe County 4-H shooting sports program four years ago and has since seen membership more than double! She is now working with other volunteers to start shotgun and archery clubs. Sherlyn is an active 4-H Council member and attends all Ag Society meetings as the council representative. This year, she was invaluable in helping update the county fairbook and awards program. Last year, Sherlyn was instrumental in developing the Exploration Area at the Otoe County Fair. Sherlyn can be found leading an activity at the Clover Kid Camp every year. While helping her own children participate in events, Sherlyn also volunteers her time in the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Nebraska State Fair.
"She doesn't ask for any credit but deserves so much for her continued time and effort to make our 4-H program strong and resilient," wrote Goff.
Tell us about yourself.
Married to my husband, Lynn. We have two boys, Cody - age 18, and Ryan - age 15. We live and farm in the country near Lorton, NE. I taught Physical Education, coached for 10 years, and then substitute taught for 17 years. My favorite hobbies when I have time include gardening, crafts/woodworking, and photography. I also enjoy watching my kids and their peers in all the activities they participate in.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
As a volunteer, I simply look forward to helping others and making a positive impact in 4-H. I have been blessed to work alongside other amazing volunteers and professional staff that make up the 4-H community.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
As a shooting sports leader, I get to watch the excitement a 4-H member has when they find success, especially after struggling and being frustrated. There is something about their expressions and enthusiasm that is unforgettable. Those moments are why I do what I do.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I think I have helped youth find their spark by being an active listener, by being encouraging, and by helping provide new local 4-H opportunities for youth.