For Immediate Release
OREGON, Ill.- Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, November 13, in the Byron Middle School Theatre.
Top county honors went to 4-H teens Clare Montavon, Davis Junction, and Alex Williams, Leaf River. Montavon, Mighty Clovers 4-H Club, and Williams, Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, were the recipients of the Co-op Watch Awards sponsored by Ogle County Farm Bureau and its affiliates. Watches are awarded yearly to the two 4-H’ers with the most impressive records of long-term leadership and service at the club level and beyond.
Nicholas Cassens, Byron, was the recipient of a $50 cash award sponsored by the Ogle County 4-H Foundation. The Foundation Award is presented annually to a single 4-H’er who has shown leadership skills, a willingness to help with 4-H activities, and has served as a positive example to younger members.
Four youth were challenged to greater leadership and service as recipients of the “I Dare You” Leadership Award. New owners of William Danforth’s inspiring book, “I Dare You,” these youth were selected based on their previous leadership, citizenship, and project work. Winners included: Trent Heller, Grand Detour Greens; Lydia Sherburne, Leaf River Soaring Eagles; Lacie Williams, Leaf River Soaring Eagles; Tristin Williams, Ogle Jolly.
Other special award winners included:
Outstanding Club President
Ali Danekas, Pine Creek Valley
Sarah-Beth Haenitsch, Grand Detour Greens
Outstanding Club Vice-President
Courtney Bushman, Pine Creek Valley
David Wehler, Leaf River Soaring Eagles
Outstanding Club Secretaries
Alexandria Cassens, By-Y-Badgers
Natalie Johnson, Leaf River Soaring Eagles
Outstanding Club Treasurers
Kendall Boatman, By-Y-Badgers
Kaeden Motszko, Leaf River Soaring Eagles
Outstanding Club Reporter
Braden Rogers, Ogle Jolly
Outstanding Club Historians
Lauren Carlson, By-Y-Badgers
Cheyenne Somers, Hub Hickory Nuts
Ogle County Club Recreation Chairperson
Melinda Goldstick, Byron Emerald Eagles
Lacie Williams, Leaf River Soaring Eagles
Outstanding Club Junior Leaders
Tristin Williams, Ogle Jolly
Electricity Achievement Award
Preston Taylor, Hub Hickory Nuts
Illinois Holstein-Friesian Association Award
Shelby Harbaugh, Carefree
Several awards were distributed to community clubs throughout the county to recognize outstanding community service, educational programming, and promotional efforts. Additionally, one club’s leadership team was recognized for their exceptional efforts to work together to effectively meet the needs of and coordinate the work of their club. Congratulations to all the following club winners:
Window Display Promotion Award
1st Place – By-Y-Badgers 4-H Club
2nd Place – Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club
3rd Place – Summerhill Huskies 4-H Club
Ogle County 4-H Club-of-the-Year
1st Place – Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club
2nd Place – Summerhill Huskies 4-H Club
3rd Place – Carefree 4-H Club
Top Leader Team Award
Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club: Nickie Lingbeck, Kenlie Motszko, Annette Williams
4-H is an informal youth education program of University of Illinois Extension. For more information or to get involved, call 815-732-2191 or visit us online at
https://extension.illinois.edu/bdo. Now is the best time of year to join!
If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in programming, contact the Ogle County Extension office, 815-732-2191. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Extension Councils Cooperating
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
