Shelby County Outstanding 4-H'er Awards
The Shelby County Outstanding 4-H'er Award is given out annually to FIVE outstanding youth who deserve to be celebrated for the positive impact they are making in their communities. The youth, who are nominated by their peers or advisors, are featured online and in the Sidney Daily News. They also receive a certificate and plaque recognizing them for their outstanding leadership. This is a noteworthy award that is presented every fall.
Please include the name of the 4-H member and 4 to 5 sentences on how you feel they work each day to make a positive impact on those around them. Specific examples of involvement in service leadership should be included. Please also include a photo of the member for publicity purposes.
Email 2021 nominations to Jessica Adams at Adams.2309@osu.edu.
2021
Casey Delaet is our first recipient of the Shelby County Outstanding Teen Award 2021.
Casey was nominated by Steve and Bonnie York, advisors of Russia Livestock 4-H Club, where Casey has been a member for 13 years and is currently treasurer. Casey is serving his 3rd year on the Shelby County Junior Fair Board and also has been a Shelby County 4-H Camp Counselor for 3 years. In 2020 Casey was the Shelby County Junior Fair King 2nd Runner-Up.
Casey, a recent graduate of Russia High School and the Upper Valley Career Center, is an FFA State Degree Recipient, UVCC Honor Society member, Top Placement Student, is involved in the Apprenticeship Program, was a 2021 Prom Candidate, a member of the Senior Class Play, and has a full-time job at Puthoff Brother's Ag Repair.
Casey is also a member and a server at Saint Remy Catholic Church and was also a member of the Saint Remy Leadership Group.
Casey is a great role model for our younger members. His smile and hard work ethics are contagious. He is willing to answer questions from the parents and members. His service to our local, and county 4-H program is appreciated.
Brooke Holthaus is an 8-year member of the Merry Mod Makers 4-H Club and has held various officer positions and as a 4-H Camp Counselor. Choosing Clothing projects and Cake Decorating always led her to the State Fair level.
She is a student at Fort Loramie High School and has kept busy in the History Club, Spanish Club, FCCLA, Mathlete, Band, Track, Volleyball, Cheerleading in Football, Basketball, and cheer competitions at the state level.
Outside of school, she has been busy in the community with YMCA Shelby County Olympics, Chamber of Commerce, Gym Committee, Lifeguard at New Breman Pool, New Breman YMCA, and volunteering at Fort Loramie Historical Society Christmas Dinners.
Brooke has been involved as a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church, assisted with the church daycare center, as church greeter, a Mass server, bible school volunteer, the youth ministry’s cake wheel at Liberty Days, and helped with the Saint Ann’s Society.
Brooke has always gone beyond the project’s requirements and with her skills, she will succeed with her life goals.
Kennedy Jackson has been involved in the Creative Clover 4-H Club of Shelby County for the past eleven years. Kennedy has been an asset in mentoring the younger members of her club. She displays a positive attitude toward all the work that she does within the club. She has been elected to a variety of officer positions over the years: currently serving as president of the club. She is being nominated by her advisor, Kristi Bayhan.
Our club has participated in community service projects. She has volunteered at the annual 4-H breakfast. She has worked a the cemetery and/or Jackson Center pool/park area doing spring clean-up for the community service work. She has helped set up and/or tear down the club booth at the annual Shelby County Fair. In past years, our club has voted to donate has items to the local Jackson Center Fish Pond, Food Pantry, made blankets for the Ronald Mc Donal House, decorated Valentine's for the area nursing home residents, purchased blankets and goods for the Shelby County Animal Shelter.
Kennedy strives in doing her best at any task that is asked of her. She completes her projects with pride and is ready to present the projects to the judge with confidence in herself. Personally, I feel her involvement in the 4-H club will help her communicate with others as she journeys through life. It is great to see Kennedy being active in her community. Yout organizations help shape who students become, it has been rewarding having Kennedy as an active member of our club.
Julia Thompson is a six-year member of Merry Mod Makers and was nominated by Sally Behr.
She has taken photography and has brought several projects to the state fair. She has also held several officer positions and her knowledge and leadership guided other members in various directions on photography.
Julia is a student at Fort Loramie High School and she keeps busy with History Club, Spanish Club, FCCLA, Yearbook, Band, Academia, Mathletes, and participates in Volleyball and Track. She volunteers in the elementary school, Rustick Hope, in the nursing home, bible school volunteer, and making casseroles for a cause.
She is a member of Saint Michaels Church in Fort Loramie and the Youth Ministry.
Besides all of the school and community activities, there was time for her to assist the Building Supervisor at the YMCA, Member Services at the YMCA, and the Country Concert Office worker.
Her positive goals in life will take her to many places.
Amber Zimpfer is a 13-year member of the Anna Livestock 4-H Club and was nominated by Greg and Krista Meyer.
Amber has served various officer positions, including holding the President position for 2 years. She has taken market hog and steer projects. On the County level, she has been a Camp Counselor for four years and a member of the Shelby County Junior Fair Board for three years, where she is a member of the Executive Council. Amber is also an active member of the Anna FFA, where she served as President, Treasurer, and was a member of the Ag Issues Team. Amber received third in the state for her Diversified Crop Proficiency project.
At Anna High School, Amber was also in the National Honor Society, SADD, Student Council, Eco Warriors, and French Club.
2020
Addison Brewer is our first recipient of the Shelby County Outstanding Teen Award 2020.
Addison was nominated by both Sandy Pence advisor of Paw Prints 4-H Club, and Sonia Buehler advisor of Horse and Rider 4-H club.
Addison is a Senior at Anna High School. She has been a ten-year member of 4-H. She is currently a member of three clubs. She brought small animals and market ducks as a livestock project in Shamrock Stitchers 4-H Club where she served in official positions of both President and Vice President. She participated in many classes with her horse in Horse and Rider 4-H Club. She took her dogs as a member of the Paw Prints 4-h club. In Paw Prints she has served the President for the last 3 years.
She has acquired much knowledge over the years with the animals and she is always there to help a member with their project. Addison has participated at the Shelby County Fair and the State Fair and has won many Outstanding of the Days at both.
At the county 4-H level, she has been a 4-H Camp Counselor for three years. Last year Addison got our entire Paw Prints club to participate in the 4-H camp! It was exciting to see the enthusiasm expressed by her and our club members about camp! Addison has come and helped at our 4-H Horse Camp to help with the demonstrations for the instructor.
In addition to 4-H involvement, she has been a Shelby County Conservation Day Counselor and is always there as a volunteer if needed! She has been a member of the Anna Cross Country team for 4 years. She has participated in the musicals and One Acts. Addison is currently also serving as an officer in the Anna FFA.
Katelyn DeLoye is our third recipient of the Shelby County Outstanding Teen Award.
Katelyn has been a 4-H member for 13 years in the Merry Mod Maker 4-H Club. She has held several officer positions throughout her years. She has competed in both county and state fair contests where she has received numerous awards including Outstanding of the Day at the Ohio State Fair.
Katelyn is a great leader, and her knowledge of 4-H has enabled her to be a good role model and an asset as she helps other members of her club.
She is also a Shelby County Camp Counselor and a member of the Shelby County Junior Fair Board. Even though this last fair was a challenge with the Pandemic, she and the Junior Fair Board made the 2020 Shelby County Fair the “Unimaginable to Unforgettable”.
Katelyn is a senior r at Fort Loramie High School where she is very active as a member of the Student Council, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Scholar-Athlete, Mathlete, and also has played softball and volleyball.
She is very involved in Saint Michael’s Catholic Church. She is a Mass Server, a Eucharistic Minister, Youth Ministry, and is a volunteer for the Liberty Days. She is also involved with the Big Brother / Big Sister program and is always ready to help the elderly and handicapped with their special needs and appointments.
Katelyn’s advisor, Sally Behr, nominated her for this award. Sally said, “Katelyn is a super, outstanding role model in 4-H. Her friendship goes beyond the mile.”
2019
Award #1: Evan Luthman
Evan is a member of the Merry Mod Makers 4-H Club. During his nine-year tenure in 4-H, Evan has held several officer positions and has competed at the Ohio State Fair five times with his food projects. Evan has also taken woodworking and dairy cattle projects and attended 4-H Camp as a camper. According to his advisor, Sally Behr, Evan’s leadership and knowledge of 4-H have helped guide other club members in many positive directions. Evan is a super outstanding and pleasant outgoing 4-H member who represents the program well.
Evan stays just as busy at school as he does 4-H. He is a member of both the cross country and track and field teams at Fort Loramie and has been a band member for six years. Evan is involved with Science Olympiad and Bowling Team and takes College Prep classes at Edison State College. Outside of school, Evan has been a camp counselor for Camp Dalanda for special needs youth. He is active in his faith at St. Michael’s Catholic Church where he participates in youth ministry, Breakfast Club, and the CYO basketball team. Evan also helps at the Fort Loramie’s “Santa’s Market” craft shows every year in December. When he has time, he works part-time for Luthman Concrete Company.
Award #2: Morgan Meyer
Morgan is the Vice President of the Shelby County Junior Fair Board and a member of the Anna Livestock 4-H Club. She has been in 4-H for thirteen years and has taken on a variety of projects, including market hogs, photography, and food and nutrition. Morgan has been on the Junior Fair Board for two years and has been a 4-H Camp Counselor for three years. She was also a member of Junior Leaders. According to Cassie, she is a valuable asset to 4-H and will be dearly missed when she ages out. She is reliable, hardworking, respectful, driven, and creative.
Morgan is actively involved in Anna's FFA Chapter, where she is currently Vice President. She is the President of the National Honor Society at Anna High School, Treasurer of SADD, and a member of the student council. Morgan also enjoys competing as a member of the Rocket's golf team and helping with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Award #3: Jess Colby
Jess was just recently voted President of the Russia Livestock 4-H Club and is on the Junior Fair Board. She has been in 4-H for 12 years and primarily shows dairy cattle. Jess was also chosen by her Junior Fair Board peers as Rookie of the Year. According to her advisor, Jess always has a smile on her face and works well with all of the members of her club. She is hardworking and liked by all.
Jess attends Russia High School. She is the Senior Class Treasurer and was involved with Lead Russia. She is in the marching band and has been involved in a variety of sports, including basketball, cross country, and track. Jess also participates in Science Olympiad, Envirothon, and Academia. Jess is a mass server and a member of the Leadership Team at St. Remy Catholic Church.
Award #4: Justin Puthoff
Justin has been in the Fort Loramie Livestock 4-H Club for 11 years. His second home is the Beef Barn, where he keeps his dairy beef feeder project every year.
2020 will be Justin's fourth year on the Junior Fair Board. He has led the Sheep/Llama/Alpaca department through a number of transitions, including show date and location changes. He also helps with Foods, Poultry, General Livestock Judging, and Arenas and Activities. Not only is he a tremendous help on JFB, but also quite the entertainer! Justin is great at keeping things light, especially during times of stress and chaos.
Justin is a senior at Fort Loramie High School. He is on the National Honor Society, serves as President of their FFA, is a member of the Student Council, and is a regular blood donor.
Award #5: Emma Michael
Emma has been a member of the Scissors to Sheep 4-H Club for 11 years. She has taken a variety of projects, many of which have been awarded State Fair Qualifier and Outstanding of the Day. Clothing, cake decorating, pygmy goats, and market rabbits are just a select few of the projects Emma has participated in.
Emma is also a mainstay on the Junior Fair Board. She has helped lead the Dog and Photography departments for four years. She has also supported the Swine department. She is passionate about ensuring structure and efficiency within her departments and always carefully evaluates them for improvements.
Emma participates in many school activities at Christian Academy, where she is a senior. She is Student Council President, plays volleyball, competes in archery, and performs in show choir and school musicals. Outside of school, she has been a Conservation Day Camp counselor for four years. She also holds a part-time job at Ohio Living Dorothy Love.
2018
Award #1: Emma Wilt
Our first Outstanding 4-H'er is Emma Wilt. Emma has been a member of Merry Mod Makers 4-H Club for 8 years. Her awesome projects have led her to the State Fair multiple times. Emma has also participated in Junior Leaders and has held various officer positions in her club. According to her advisor, Sally Behr, Emma shows great leadership in her club and is fantastic with the younger members.
At Fort Loramie, Emma is involved with the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, History Club, and the County Art Show. She also plays on the volleyball and softball teams and serves on the high school's wellness committee.
Beyond 4-H and school, Emma has participated in Buckeye Girls State thru the American Legion Post 355. Her faith also keeps her involved at St. Michael’s Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister, Mass Server, Mass Greeter, and Vacation Bible School volunteer. When she isn't busy volunteering for one of the many organizations she helps with, Emma works at Al’s Bar & Grill as a cook.
Award #2: Katelynn Garber
Katelynn has been a 4-H member for six years and is the secretary of the Starting Farmers 4-H Club. According to Katelynn's advisor, Jerry Schmidt, "The list of Katelynn's accomplishments and leadership abilities is strong. She is always willing to help the younger members of the club at any time."
Katelynn just completed her first year of a two-year term on the Junior Fair Board, where she was selected as Junior Fair Board Rookie of the Year by her peers. She is a 4-H camp counselor and volunteers countless hours of her summer helping staff in the Shelby County Extension Office. Katelynn was selected as one of two teens to represent Shelby County 4-H in Washington D.C. this summer at Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), a state-level leadership opportunity for accomplished 4-H teens. Katelynn also won Grand Champion Meat Pen of Rabbits and Reserve Grand Champion Single Fryer Rabbit at the 2018 Junior Fair.
Beyond 4-H, Katelynn is a senior at Houston High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the volleyball team, and active with the Houston FFA Chapter. Katelynn is also on the praise team at Lockington United Methodist Church.
Award #3: Samantha Gaerke
Samantha Gaerke has been a member of the Russia Livestock 4-H Club for 13 years and is currently in the role of Secretary. She has taken a wide variety of projects including drawing, painting, photography, poultry, sewing, creative writing, and others. She has had the opportunity to participate both at county and state-level competitions. She admits that the hardest project she ever took was sewing a Japanese Kimono. Samantha has also been a member of the Shelby County Junior Leaders for 4 years and a Shelby County 4-H Camp Counselor for 3 years. In addition, Samantha was a 2017 Ohio 4-H Citizen Washington Focus (CWF) Delegate. Samantha is currently serving her 2nd year on the Shelby County Junior Fair Board.
At Russia Local High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, Academia, Envirothon, Future Teachers of America (FTA), Russia Science Olympiad, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band, and has participated in the County Art Show. She has received awards as the top student in both Spanish and Art. She is a 4.0 student. She also has played Varsity Russia High School Volleyball team for 4 years and was captain her senior year. Samantha also is on the Varsity Bowling Team.
Beyond 4-H and school, Samantha has participated in Buckeye Girls State thru the American Legion Post 355. She is a Community Blood Donor and a member of the Farm Bureau. She was a counselor for Conservation Day Camp for 2 years. Samantha is also a member at Saint Remy Catholic Church where she is involved as a Vocational Bible School Leader, is a member of Stella Maria, and Saint Remy Leadership Group.
When she isn't busy volunteering for one of the many organizations she helps with she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working on her art, and taking care of her poultry flock. After graduation this spring she plans on pursuing a career in Industrial Design and Agricultural Communications.
Award #4: Joseph Ballas
Joe has been a member of the Merry Mod Makers 4-H Club for nine years. A leader in almost everything he does, Joe and his projects have made it to the Ohio State Fair multiple years.
According to his advisor, Sally Behr, Joe's leadership and knowledge of many issues has helped guide the other members of his club in various directions.
Joe is an avid runner. He has represented Fort Loramie High School in cross country at the OHSAA State Finals and also qualified to run at the New Balance Nationals in New York City. He also placed 13th in the Emerging Elite.
Beyond 4-H and running, Joe is a member of the band, Spanish Club, the Mathletes, and Science Olympiad. He has also participated in the Quiz Bowl at Wright State Lake Campus for 3 years. He is a recipient of the American Award thru the American Legion and was named American Government Student of the Year. Joe also placed first in the Voice of Democracy competition through the VFW.
Joe's other accomplishments and activities include:
- Volunteering for St. Vincent DePaul Organization
- Raising $600.00 for the Red Cross after the 2017 Hurricane Season
- Helping with SCCF Foundation, ARC Foundation, Agape Food Pantry, and Rustic Hope
- Serving as a Camp Counselor for Camp Dalanda – a camp for developmentally disabled children
- Participating in the Church Choir, CYO basketball, NFL Pastoral Regional Youth Ministry, and more at his church
- Working at Wagner's IGA during the summer
Award #5: Addie White
Addie White is a nine-year member of the Scissors to Sheep 4-H Club and a rock star Junior Fair Board member! According to JFB advisor Cassie Dietrich, Addie is always up for any task and very attentive to her assigned departments. She is thorough and cares very much about making sure things are done correctly!
Addie has taken a variety of 4-H projects, including feeder calves, rabbits, goats, ducks, photography, and creative writing. She has been the treasurer of her club for two years and helps with trash pick and the pizza bash.
Beyond 4-H, Addie is part of the yearbook team at Hardin-Houston High School, where she is a Senior. She is on the Environmental Team, a member of the National Honor Society, Class Vice President on the Student Council, and part of the Spanish Circle. Addie has also been on the Academia team and helped with Vacation Bible School at the United Method Church. Addie enjoys running cross country and helping younger members in their club learn about all the awesome opportunities 4-H offers.
2017
Award #1: Collin Luthman
Collin was nominated by his advisor, Sally Behr. Collin has been a 4-H member for 10 years, wherein he has held numerous club officer positions and served as a 4-H Camp Counselor. Collin has represented Shelby County at the Ohio State Fair numerous times with his outstanding non-livestock projects, ranging from creative arts to woodworking and foods.
Outside of 4-H, Collin is an avid runner, participating in cross country and track at Fort Loramie High School. He has attended Buckeye Boys State Conference in Columbus and is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fort Loramie, where he is a Mass server and also a Lector.
In his spare time, Collin continues to shine in his work at Sherman Landscaping and also for his father’s business, Luthman Concrete Co.
According to Behr, Collin is "just an AWESOME all-around member inside and out." He guides many members with their projects and is always willing to help out in any way he can.
Award #2: Riley Jackson
Riley has been an active member of the Creative Clovers 4-H Club for more than 10 years. She has received numerous honors in the Foods and Nutrition project categories and has represented Shelby County at the state level multiple times. According to advisor Kristi Bayhan, Riley shows outstanding leadership in her club. "She helps with whatever task is at hand and is also a great help with younger club members, especially her three younger siblings."
Outside of 4-H, Riley is the President of her Junior class, Vice President of the Student Council, Treasurer of JC FCCLA, and a National Honor Society member. She has won awards for distinguished student and HOBY leadership and obtained the highest score for the Americanism test in her freshman year of high school.
Riley's service to her community is extensive. She has helped with planting flowers and picking up trash at the JC pool/park area, pulling weeds and cleaning up at a local cemetery, serving at the scholarship breakfast, and making blankets for Ronald McDonald House. Riley has also participated in Bowls for Love (organized meals for teachers, staff, and community to raise money for The Fish Pond Food Pantry) and spends time at Dorothy Love visiting with the residents. She is a mass server and greeter at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and volunteers annually at the Rhine Turkey Shoot helping with raffle sales, craft wheel, and set up for the event.
Award #3: Emily Bohman
Emily has been a member of the Russia Livestock 4-H Club for eight years and currently holds the officer position of Treasurer. Emily has taken numerous projects including Dairy and Market Beef projects, Photography, Scrapbooking, and her favorite, Cake Decorating. Emily's cakes have won many awards at both the county and state levels.
Emily is also a second-year Shelby County Junior Fair Board Member and third-year Camp Counselor. When she is not busy with her 4-H activities, Emily participates in pole vaulting in both indoor and spring track. She was recently named an All-Ohio Academic Track and Field recipient and placed 3rd at the Ohio State High School Track Championships. Emily also holds the school record for the highest vault.
A member of Saint Remy Catholic Church, Emily participates in Leadership Club, is a Bible Camp Leader and a member of Stella Maria, and plays CYO Basketball. Emily is also a member of the National Honor Society and Future Teachers of America (FTA) at Russia High School.
Using her 4-H skills, Emily has started her own cake decorating business called “Tiers of Joy”. In what little spare time she has, Emily provides home care for the local elderly.
Emily's club advisors nominated her because they are proud of her many accomplishments and because they believe she is a great role model to area youth.
Award #4: Hannah Michael
Hannah was nominated by her advisor, Bill Clark. Hannah has been a 4-H member for nine years, taking dairy and pygmy goats, meat ducks, photography, and a variety of clothing projects. She consistently attends club meetings and is always willing to lend a hand at the club’s annual events and fundraisers. “Hannah is a great kid. She doesn’t do the work to be front and center. She does it because leading and helping others is the right thing to do. She doesn’t expect anything in return,” said Clark.
This coming program year will be Hannah’s fourth year on the Shelby County Junior Fair Board, where she helps lead the Beef, Creative Arts, Rabbits, and Special Interest departments. Hannah is always one of the first to complete her tasks and takes her responsibilities very seriously. Her experience and knowledge have gained her respect from the other members, many of whom seek out her leadership when looking for answers. “She is the one who catches things that commonly fall through the cracks when planning the Junior Fair,” said Cassie Dietrich, Junior Fair Board advisor.
Beyond the 4-H world, Hannah is a member of New Hope United Methodist Church, where she helps plan Vacation Bible School and is a member of the praise team. She holds a part-time job at Ohio Living Dorothy Love as a cook in the rehabilitation unit. Hannah also participates in music, volleyball, basketball, show choir, and the ambassador program at Christian Academy. Academically, Hannah serves on the National Honor Society and repeatedly makes the Dean’s List.
Award #5: Maissen Akers
Maissen has been a 4-H member for nine years, where he has taken woodworking, welding, and a variety of poultry projects through the Progressive Livestock 4-H Club. Maissen is also a member of the Jackson Center FFA chapter. Between the two organizations, Maissen has led via multiple officer roles, including Vice President, Historian, and Student Advisor. Furthermore, this coming program year will be Maissen’s third year on the Shelby County Junior Fair Board, where he leads the Horse Department and helps with the Creative Arts and Arenas and Activities committees.
This year, Maissen served as Junior Fair horse show ring steward, requiring him to spend numerous hours at the horse arena. He also helped manage the shows and teach the other Junior Fair board members how to work in the arena and announcer’s stand. The horse advisors praised his outstanding efforts, stating that it was one of the best years they had had in years. In addition, Maissen single-handedly hired the horse judges and helped the Extension Office coordinate the PAS show. “Because of the number of shows, horses are considered to be one of the more challenging departments on Junior Fair Board. However, Maissen saw the challenge as an opportunity and really worked hard to show that it’s not about the amount of work, but the way you approach the work that needs to be done,” said Cassie Dietrich, Junior Fair Board advisor.
Outside of 4-H and Junior Fair, Maissen has participated in FCA, youth group, basketball, soccer, track, student council, and marching and concert band. He also works part-time at the local movie theatre.