Courtesy Photo Alpena County’s 2018-2019 4-H Member of the Year Brooke Gersewski (left) is shown with Danielle Hoggard (the granddaughter of Dale and Joann Huggler) and children. The Hugglers have sponsored the 4-H Member of the Year award in Alpena County since 1975.

More than 100 different youth ranging in ages from 5 to 19 received accolades for their 4-H project achievements this past year during the Alpena County Awards Banquet on Oct. 28.

The evening culminated with the announcement of the 2018-2019 Alpena County 4-H Member of the Year, awarded to Brooke Gersewski.

The Alpena County 4-H Member of the Year is sponsored by Dale and Joann Huggler, who have been the sole sponsors of this award since its inception in 1975. The winner will represent 4-H for Alpena County at various public events throughout the year and make public presentations on behalf of the program.

This year Danielle Hoggard, the granddaughter of Dale and Joann Huggler, awarded the title of 4-H Member of the Year to Gersewski, daughter of Paul and Jeanna Gersewski of Lachine. The 4-H Member of the Year is the highest honor a 4-H member can receive in Alpena County.

Youth received project pins in categories ranging from agriculture to photography, swine to rabbits, and shooting sports to visual arts.

Additionally, members were recognized for leadership and citizenship project work and for overall achievement throughout the 4-H year.

The Adeline Alexander Memorial Award was presented to 4-H member Demi Oliver for her superior work in home economics project areas. This award is sponsored by the family of Adeline Alexander in memory of her involvement and support of 4-H home economics related projects.

The “I Dare You” national leadership award, sponsored by the Alpena County 4-H Council, went to Cordel Standen for his leadership and commitment to 4-H.

Morgan Burr, Josie Howard and Carly Leatzow were recognized as the Master Stockman for their overall knowledge of animal science and agriculture. The Master Stockman Award is sponsored by the Roger E. Manning Memorial.

Savannah Avent, Molly MacArthur and Brooke McKenzie were honored at the banquet for serving as delegates for the Michigan 4-H State Horse Show. To serve as a delegate at the state horse show 4-H members must participate at the Alpena 4-H Youth Day, and compete in the Alpena County 4-H Achievement Day held annually in June. Avent, MacArthur and McKenzie represented Alpena County 4-H at the state horse show competition, where Avent earned silver in junior pole bending and cloverleaf, fourth in speed and action and fifth in keyhole, MacArthur placed seventh in senior keyhole and McKenzie placed sixth in junior cloverleaf.

In addition to the 4-H youth awards, volunteers and staff recognized an outstanding Volunteer for the 2017-2018 Year, Katie Kasubowski. She was honored for her tireless dedication to the Alpena County 4-H youth Development Program. Kasubowski has been an instrumental volunteer in Alpena County 4-H, by serving on the 4-H Council, chairing various committees, and more.

Alpena County 4-H sponsors made it possible for this recognition of 161 4-H members for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the 2017-2018 4-H year.

2018 Alpena County 4-H Awards Banquet Sponsors included: Alpena County 4-H Council, Cheryl Taylor, Cynthia Taylor, Dale and Joann Huggler, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, H.P.C. Credit Union, In Memory of Adeline Alexander, Jerry and Karen Niedbala, Lewis and Kathryn Kunze, The Cordes Family, The Kendziorski Family, The Suszek Family, Thor Computer Systems, and Val and Rob Golding.

If you are interested in learning more about Alpena County 4-H, becoming a 4-H member, serving as a volunteer , or serving as a sponsor for our 2019 awards banquet, contact the Alpena MSU Extension office at kendzi20@msu.edu or 989-354-9870.