19 4-H'ers complete 10 years in program

Pulaski County has hundreds of youth in the 4-H program, but only a select few will make the commitment to participate in all 10 years of eligibility. At the 2017 Pulaski County 4-H & Community Fair, which begins Saturday (July 1), nineteen 4-H'ers will complete their 10th year in this national program which teaches life-long values and skills which will guide them as they enter adulthood.

They will be recognized at the 4-H Recognition Program at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 1, at the entertainment stage in the fairgrounds.  All are invited to attend. 

The Pulaski County 4-H program notes that with all the activities young people are involved in today, a 10-year commitment to the 4-H program is a real accomplishment and one the youth should be proud of.

 

2017 4-H Tenure Members & Last Year Members

 

Ten-Year 4-H Members

The following Pulaski County 4-H members are completing their 10th and final year in 4-H:

Bryan Bathke, son of Chuck and Sally Bathke, is a member of Busy Beavers 4-H Club. He plans to attend Manchester University to studying accounting. His favorite memories of 4-H are the judging of projects, interacting with all of the people, and goat judging. Bryan enjoys collecting old video games and playing video games. His advice to other 4-Hers is to plan your projects in advance and not push your paperwork till the last minute. Goats are his favorite project because of the people he meets and the knowledge gained. His greatest honor was placing 10th nationally at the National BPA convention in Orlando. The ability to talk to people, complete paperwork by a deadline and finding efficient ways to do a job are some of the skills that he will continue to use in the future.

Michaela Cook, daughter of Ben and Deana Cook, is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. Her plans are to attend Purdue University to study elementary education. Some favorite memories are going to 4-H camp, club trips, and competing at the State Fashion Revue. Michaela’s hobbies include reading and music, especially piano. Advice to be given to others is to stick with it and do not procrastinate. Her favorite project is sewing which allows her to be creative and has taught her perseverance and diligence. Time management is a 4-H skill that she will continue to use in the future.

Katie Culp, daughter of Gary and Stephanie Culp, is a member of the Salem Superstars 4-H Club. She plans to attend Purdue University to study retail management. Her favorite memories of 4-H are the swine shows. Katie’s most embarrassing moment happened when she managed to get herself locked in the truck while changing before the auction. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends. Some advice to younger members is to try different projects that you enjoy doing. Cake decorating is her favorite project because she can create a new cake and use new techniques. Reserve Grand Champion Barrow 2015 and Grand Champion Market Pair 2015 are two of her greatest honors. The skills that Katie has acquired during 4-H may possibly lead her to opening up a bakery.

Regan Culp, daughter of Dan and Melissa Culp, is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. She will attend Purdue University to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in animal science agribusiness. Her favorite memories of 4-H are all the times she spent out in the barn with her sister preparing their livestock for fair. The funniest thing that happened was, when showing a large goat for another member, the goat decided to take off in the ring and took her with it. Regan’s hobbies include anything crafty and working with her livestock. Advice given to younger members is do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Cattle is her favorite project because she has been able to experience showing beyond the county level and become more involved in the industry that she loves. 4-H Royalty Queen in 2016 was her greatest honor received. Speaking and teaching are the most valuable skills that she has acquired through 4-H.

Audrey Doughty, daughter of Rob and Teri Schmicker, is a member of Beaver Township 4-H Club. She plans to attend the University of St. Francis for nursing. Walking her cows and bottle-feeding her calf her first year are her favorite memories of 4-H. Audrey enjoys scrapbooking and gardening. Some advice is to try something new, no matter how hard it may seem. Scrapbooking is a favorite project because she gets to share memories while exhibiting her creativity. A 4-H skill that Audrey has acquired is dedication, which she will continue to use through her life.

Shania Hartmann, daughter of Beth Salle, is a member of CWP Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. Her plans for the future include attending Ivy Tech in Valparaiso for business. Her favorite memory was when her mom was telling her that her horse was overweight and not to expect to win and she ended up placing first and receiving Grand Champion Overall in Halter. Her funniest experience was when her cow decided to lay down in the show and it took five huge men to get him up. Shania’s hobbies include eating the snacks in the house before her brother finds them and nurturing hurt animals. Her favorite project is dogs because every year she can advance and do new things and obstacles. Receiving Grand Champion Showmanship Overall in dogs is one of her greatest honors. Time management is a 4-H skill that Shania has learned and will continue to use in the future.

Jordan Hopkins, son of Vicki and Johnny Hopkins, is a member of Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. He has participated in 4-H by taking the following projects: Garden, Floriculture, Poultry, Cat, Collections, Rabbits, and Pet Pals. He has received numerous state fair entries in gardening and floriculture.

Conner Jennings, son of Lee and Shelley Jennings, is a member of Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. He will attend Purdue University to major in agronomics. Some of his favorite memories made were by spending time in the barn with his friends. Conner enjoys collecting John Deere farm toys. Advice he would give is get involved and have fun. His favorite project is farm toy scene because it allows him to design his own farm. Receiving numerous Grand Champion ribbons from aerospace, collections, and farm toy scene projects are his greatest honor. Time management, commitment, and determination are skills acquired from 4-H that he will continue to use in the future.

Hailey Jones, daughter of Jack and Karen Jones, is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. She will attend Purdue University to major in agricultural engineering. Her favorite memories of 4-H include attending the State Fair to see her projects. Her funniest memory is when her shoelace was stuck in the roller coaster at Indiana Beach while she was with her 4-H club. Her hobbies include being outside, working out, and painting. Do not procrastinate is her advice for other members. Since she enjoys being creative, decorating cupcakes is her favorite project. Hailey’s greatest honor was receiving Grand Champion and a state fair entry for her photography project. Managing her time wisely is a 4-H skill that she acquired that she will continue to use in the future.

Elana Jonkman, daughter of Ted and Jennifer Jonkman, is a member of Cass White Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. Her plans are to attend college. Her favorite memory is one practice day in the arena for Horse and Pony when it rained. Some of her hobbies include riding horses, sewing, mudding, and welding. Don’t procrastinate is the advice she would give to younger 4-H'ers. Horse and Pony contesting is her favorite project because running the patterns is also fun. One of Elana’s greatest honors was receiving the Krulick Award in horse and pony. She will use the leadership skills that she acquired during 4-H to help others.

Lindsey Jonkman, daughter of Ted and Jennifer Jonkman, is a member of Cass White Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. She plans to attend college in the fall. Her favorite memory was when practicing for the back-to-back bareback, she slid off and when she landed it didn’t smell too well. Her hobbies are horseback riding, mudding, and watching movies with her family. Lindsey feels that 4-H is a place to grow and find out what your favorite project is and how much fun you can have meeting new people and animals. Shooting sports is her favorite project because it taught her how to handle a firearm safely. Receiving Reserve Grand Champion in goats her first year was her greatest honor. The skills she learned while in 4-H will be used to help others in the future.

Lance Keller, son of Renee Keller, is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. He will attend Purdue University to study horticulture science. Showing goats are some of his favorite memories. His hobbies are riding four-wheelers and playing sports. Have fun and spend time with your friends at the fair are some words of advice for other 4-Hers. Do Your Own Thing is his favorite project because he could make what he wanted. One of his greatest honors was taking a project to state fair. Lance will use all the 4-H skills he learned in the future by working hard.

Lucas Maroney, son of Laurie Maroney, is a member of Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. He will attend Purdue University. His favorite and funniest memory is when he was 8 years old, he was showing his pig and it bit someone else. His advice is do not procrastinate. He enjoys the Do Your Own Thing project because it allows him to be creative. Lucas’s greatest honor was having a project go to the state fair.

Dylan Perry, son of Derick and Marcie Perry, is a member of Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. His plans are to attend Ancilla College for two years and then transfer to an art school to major in graphic design. He will run cross-country and track while at Ancilla. Being able to hang out with and bond with fellow 4-Hers are his favorite memories. The funniest thing that happened during 4-H was when his horse tried to buck him off while contesting. Dylan’s hobby is playing video games. His advice to younger 4-Hers is don't  take more projects than you can handle. His favorite project was Computer Arts because it allowed him to do what he wants to do in the future, such as graphically create posters, brochures, and other items. Dylan feels that being able to be part of the Pulaski County 4-H Fair is the greatest honor. The 4-H skills that he has acquired will be used when applying for jobs and during interviews.

Dawson Ploss, son of Tony and Patti Ploss, is a member of Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. He plans to attend the Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne and study computer science. His favorite memory was going to 4-H Round-Up. His funniest memory was when his parents participated in Battle of the Barns with him and beat him at tug of war. Dawson’s most embarrassing moment was when showing a sheep for the first time; it knocked him down in the show arena. His advice for younger members is, stick with it, it only gets more enjoyable. His favorite project is 4-H Junior Leaders because the leaders make the activities fun. His greatest honor was receiving Champion Hamp Gilt. Sticking with everything he starts and listening to his superiors are two 4-H skills Dawson will use in the future.

Brandon Putt, son of Michael and Donna Putt, is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Purdue, he plans to return to the community and farm. His favorite memories are the special trips he took with his 4-H club. The funniest memory was accidently setting off a car alarm right next to the livestock barns. Losing his calf in the show ring was probably his most embarrassing moment of 4-H. Brandon enjoys playing sports with his friends. His advice to other 4-H'ers is don’t be afraid to ask older members questions. His favorite project is beef because he enjoys working with animals. His greatest honor was receiving Grand Champion Meat Whether. He will use his 4-H time management, dedication, and commitment skills in the future.

John Rumsey, son of Chris and Trisha Rumsey, is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. He is working at Stock Vets this summer, assisting the donor cow manager. In the fall, he will attend Purdue University to study animal science. His favorite memories are showing goats and pigs, hanging with friends, and strawberry milkshakes. The funniest and most embarrassing moment was when he dropped the rabbit during Ultimate Showmanship … luckily the judge didn’t see. John’s hobbies are raising and showing Boer goats. Some advice for younger members is to get involved throughout 4-H and do as many leadership positions as possible. His favorite project is goats because it is a family project. Winning Grand Champion Whether with his goat Tebow in 2005 was his greatest honor. Skills that John learned during 4-H that he will use for the rest of his life include: ownership, responsibility, time management, leadership, and record keeping.

Sydney Tripenfeldas, daughter of John and Colleen Tripenfeldas, is a member of Monroe Happy Hoosiers 4-H Club. She plans to attend Ivy Tech in Kokomo to study early childhood education. Her favorite memory from 4-H is getting milkshakes at the fair. Some of her hobbies include outdoor activities and collecting Ryan Newman memorabilia. Her advice to younger 4-H members is do not procrastinate. Sydney really enjoys the Baking with a Box project because it allows her to add her own twist to recipes. Her greatest honor has been being president of her 4-H club for the past two years. Organization and time management are some skills that she has learned from 4-H that she will continue to use in the future.

Jill Zehner, daughter of Greg and Mary Zehner, is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend the travel academy and become a flight attendant. Her favorite memories of 4-H are taking her projects to the fair to be on display. One of her most embarrassing moments was when she was doing a Health and Safety Report and was looking at the wrong kids. Her hobby is putting puzzles together. Jill’s advice is to stick with 4-H, because it goes by fast. Her favorite project is foods because you get to taste your projects. Receiving special merit from the state fair was one of her greatest honors. She plans to use her 4-H microwave cooking skills while at college.

 

4-H Members in Final Year of 4-H

The members listed below did not complete 10 years of 4-H, but are in their final year of eligibility. The local 4-H program is glad they chose to be in the Pulaski County 4-H program.

William Baxter is a member of Horse and Pony and Shooting Sports 4-H Clubs. He has participated in 4-H by taking projects in Horse and Pony and Shooting Sports. He is a first- and last-year member.

Makayla Felda, daughter of Michelle and Don Felda Jr., is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. This is her third year of 4-H. She will attend International Business College of Fort Wayne to be a vet tech. Walking through the animal barns, looking at projects, and hanging out with friends are some of Makayla’s favorite memories. Her most embarrassing moment in 4-H was when she was getting her duck out to show and it started flapping its wings in her face. Her hobbies are shooting guns, fishing, camping, and hiking. Some advice she would give to younger member is to take your time on your projects-don’t procrastinate. Photography is her favorite project because she loves taking pictures. The greatest honors for her were receiving Reserve Grand Champion in recycling, Do Your Own Thing, and Forestry. The skills that she learned in 4-H about taking care of animals will continue to be used when she goes to school.

Andria Johns, daughter of Earl and Stephanie Johns, is a member of Salem Super Stars 4-H Club. This is her ninth year in 4-H. Her plans are to continue to work at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in dietary. Her favorite memory is working in the Pork Shack. Her hobbies are cooking and crocheting. Andria’s advice to other 4-H members is to work hard, have fun, and do not give up. Her favorite project is needlecraft because she can make something unique and give it to others. Receiving the Sweepstakes award at state fair for her American flag blanket in crocheting was her greatest honor. Andria will continue to use the team work and perseverance skills that she learned in the future.

Jordan Lynch, daughter of Nancy and John Lynch, is a member of Beaver Township 4-H Club. This is her ninth year of 4-H. She will attend Eureka College in Illinois to study forensic sciences. Her favorite memories are from showing goats. Her hobbies are reading and raising goats. Goats are her favorite project because she loves animals. The advice that Jordan would give to younger members is to work hard to achieve what you want.

Calvin Rausch, son of Elaine Dell and Joe Rausch, is a member of Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. This is his eighth year in 4-H. He plans to attend Purdue Polytech Kokomo to study computer and information technology. His favorite memories are helping others with their animals and the food. His most embarrassing moment was when he fell asleep on the bleachers. Calvin enjoys paintballing, robotics, reading, and video games. His advice to other members is do not procrastinate; your projects will turn out better with time. Legos are his favorite project because Legos are the best! The greatest honor that he received was Reserve Grand Champion in collections and rabbits. Calvin will use his 4-H teamwork skills to find rational solutions to problems.