Submitted photo The Paul and Colleen Meidl family were recognized for the Brown County Farm Family of the Year award at the Brown County 4-H award banquet recently. From left are Tyson Meidl, Paul Meidl, Colleen Meidl, Tiffani Meidl, Brittney Cook, Oakleigh Cook and Ryan Cook.

SLEEPY EYE — The Brown County 4-H Federation held its annual awards banquet on Sunday, Nov. 24, in Sleepy Eye.

Over 150 4-H youth and adult volunteers were recognized for their work and dedication to the 4-H program in Brown County.

The program began with recognition of our outgoing federation officers and installation of new officers for the 2019-2020 program year.

Brown County officers this year are: President Isaac Rasset of Burnstown/Brookville, Vice President Clara Lemarr of Golden Rose Riders, Treasurer Jade Jensen of Golden Rose Riders, and Secretary Sophia Portner of Leavenworth Lucky Clovers.

Youth received awards for their involvement for one, five, and 10 years. Graduates also received awards. Graduates this year were Molly Carnell of Comfrey Comets, Tyson Meidl of Burnstown/Brookville, McKenzie Cselvoszki of Golden Rose Riders, and Crystal Portner of Leavenworth Lucky Clovers.

Awards were also given to youth for their outstanding work on their record keeping. Forty-three youth participated in record keeping this year. There were also individuals awarded as top record keeper in their age category. Sparkler of the Year (grade 3-5) was awarded to Chloe Johnson of the Sleepy Eye Wide Awakes, Firecracker of the Year (grade 6-8) was awarded to Cindy Jensen of the Comfrey Comets, and Rocket of the Year (Grades 9 and up) was awarded to Megan Jensen of the Comfrey Comets.

Additional youth awards given this year included: Citizenship Award, Holly Sellner, Stark Happy Hustlers; Citizenship Award, Joshua Wenninger, Milford; Young Achiever Award, Holly Sellner, Stark Happy Hustlers; Top County Junior Leader, Andrew Hellendrung, Golden Rose Riders; Outstanding 4-H Graduate, McKenzie Cselvoszki, Golden Rose Riders and Tyson Meidl, Burnstown/Brookville.

Clubs were also recognized for the participation throughout the program year. The Golden Rose Riders 4-H Club was awarded a purple ribbon for club participation and Blue Ribbon club was the Comfrey Comets. The Stark Happy Hustlers received the Crazy Club Award which is awarded to the club with the most unique club experience throughout the year.

In addition to recognizing our youth, Brown County 4-H also recognized our volunteers, committee members, and business friends.

Adult volunteers were recognized for one through twenty years of volunteering as club leaders, committee members, and much more. Brown County 4-H is thankful for our volunteers and the countless hours individuals put in to keep our program going.

Additional awards given out include Outstanding Service to 4-H which was awarded to John Dietz and John Edwards of the fair board grounds keeping crew. Mages Land Company and Auction Service received the Outstanding Business Friend Award. Friend of 4-H was awarded to Heather Hammer and Honorary 4-Member was given to Kathy Covington.

The awards banquet concluded with the 4-H Family of the Year Award. The Paul and Colleen Meidl family were recognized for this award. This family has given opportunities to 4-H youth and has always been willing to help and extend a hand to any 4-H youth and their family whether it be by helping out at shows at the county fair, transporting livestock and stepping up and being a chaperone at state fair.

The family is a role model for not only for their club’s families, but for all Brown County youth and volunteers. They have truly made a significant impact on Brown County 4-H and their club and Brown County Federation are forever grateful for their dedication, hard work, and willingness to lead and mentor youth to be great leaders. Paul and Colleen Meidl family have been part of the Burnstown/Brookville club.

If you are interested in joining Brown County 4-H as a youth or adult volunteer, please contact the Brown County Extension Office at 507-794-7993 or email aschwab@umn.edu.