4–H honours the cream of its crop

Ken Johnston

4–H in Canada turns 90 this year and at least one of the awards at the annual Rainy River District 4–H Association Awards banquet, held last Friday in Stratton, dates back more than 30 of them.
The DeGagne Award dates back to about 1960 and is awarded to the 4–H Beef Club member who accumulates the greatest number of points during the past three years of beef club work.
Banquet M.C. Kim-Jo Bliss explained that all clubs are responsible for turning in their marks and attendance to district ag. rep. Gary Sliworsky. He uses a standardized system to award points.
Jeff Heyens of DeGagne Equipment in Emo had the honour of presenting Matt McQuaker with the trophy and a $100 cash prize.
McQuaker was also decorated for his work by the Ontario Charolais Association when the breed awards were handed out.
Several individuals were recognized for completing 6 or more projects in 4–H. Stacey Angus, who was unable to be at the banquet, has completed 58 projects. “As far as I can tell from past records, that is the most ever completed by a Rainy River 4–H member,” said Bliss. “In one year she completed seven!” Angus officially retired from 4–H this year. She was presented in absentia with the Member Retirement Seal.
Kerry Hyatt completed 18 projects, but was also absent.
Aaron Kuorikoski has completed 12 projects and received a pen/desk set.
Erika Boersema and Sarah Truelove received a pin for completing six projects.
The Rainy River District Milk Producers presented first year Dairy Club members, Linda Zimmerman, Stacey Angus, Theo Heyens, Tina Hyatt, Hailey Heyens and Andrew Veldhuisen, with gift certificates.
The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association presented gift certificates to Jared McQuaker, Andrew Morrish, David Donaldson and Mike Wilson for being first year Beef Club members.
CIBC of Emo presented a cash award to the member who accumulated the highest score in Dairy Club Work. Tina Hyatt received this honour in absentia.
Jeff Hyatt received the RR Dist. 4–H Leader’s Association and Toronto Dominion/Canada Trust Award. The $100 prize and trophy is awarded to a member nominated by a leader followed up with an application form and essay by the member.
Breed Awards were handed out as follows:
Ontario Hereford Association: Stacey Angus, Jock Gemmell, Sean Forster, Kevin Gemmell, Aaron Kuorikoski.
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association: Greg Haglin, Jared McQuaker and Joey Sletmoen.
Ontario Simmental Association: Jeff Teeple, Sheela Teeple, Mike Wilson, Linda Zimmerman, Melinda Teeple, Sarah Truelove and Laura Zimmerman. Jeff Teeple also won a $500 gift certificate towards the purchase of an Ontario bred animal. Any 4–H member that showed a Simmental in Ontario entered into a province-wide draw.
Ontario Charolais Assoc.: Anthony Boersema, Hannah Firth, Kerry Hyatt, Jay Neilson, Riley Caul, Jeff Hyatt, Matt McQuaker and Matt Neilson.
Ontario Aberdeen Angus Assoc.: Matt Smith.
First time leader Bud McQuaker received a pin as did Laura Zimmerman who was absent.
First year members received certificates. They are Britaney Caul, Jared McQuaker, Andrew Morrish, Andrew Veldhuisen and Mike Wilson.
Second year members received plaques. They are Christine Badiuk, Michelle Bonot, Riley Caul, Garnet Cornell, Shannon Darby, David Donaldson, Hannah Firth and Theo Heyens.
Guest speakers for the evening included Ellen Chjoko-Bolec-prov. director, Rob Smith-Exec. Director and Donna Williamson-First Nations’ rep. All reported on the status of 4–H and the opportunities the program affords young people in Ontario.