2015 Jackson County 4-H Awards Banquet – Wow, What a Year!
In September 2013, when Jackson County 4-H Agent Angel Granger first joined the UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension Team, one of the first questions she asked was ” Do you have a 4-H awards banquet?” The answer, “No, there has not been one in many years”, concerned Granger and she made a personal vow to bring an overall program awards banquet back. Due to the lack of a program awards banquet, individual clubs held their own banquets which is understandable. But an important part of building a strong program is celebrating the 4-H accomplishments of all of the 4-H participants, from school programs and at large members, as well as individual clubs and volunteers. With 4-H enrollment now at over 200, it was time! The call went out to club leaders in May that the time had come for an awards banquet. It took two months of hard work and planning, but with the help of incredible volunteers led by Stacey Warden, sponsorship from Farm Credit, and donations from individuals and community partners, 4-H Agent Angel Granger and Extension staff members Lynn Nowling and Patti Peacock, pulled it off! The 2015 Jackson County 4-H Awards Banquet was held on August 4, 2015 at the Jackson County Conference Center on Penn Ave.
The evening’s activities began at 5:30 PM with a silent auction with proceeds going to the individual clubs that provided auction items. With over 150 guests present, the program began at 6:00 PM with a welcome from 4-H Agent Angel Granger and introductions by Jackson County 4-H Livestock Club president Caitlin Caudill. Caitlin paid tribute to military veterans who had been invited and were seated at a special table. Caitlin then introduced Jackson County 4-H Livestock club member Bud Basford who led the pledge to the American flag, Jackson County 4-H Buckaroos horse club members Trey Smith, who led the 4-H pledge and Johnny Stone who returned thanks for the meal. Jackson County 4-H members served the meal. After the meal 4-H Agent Angel Granger introduced the guest speaker, former Jackson County Commissioner, Mr. Chanley Carter.
The awards program began at 7:00 PM with recognition of every 4-H member in Jackson County 4-H. Club Leaders Katricia Edenfield, Anita Halling, Terri Hardin, and Brad and Stacey Warden joined the 4-H Agent at the podium to recognize members for club participation, participation at county and district level competitions, participation at state level competitions, and qualification for regional and national competitions. Club leaders Katricia Edenfield and Brad and Stacey Warden were given special recognition by their respective clubs with presentations of plaques.
4-H Agent Angel Granger recognized the 23 enrolled Jackson County 4-H volunteers, as well as a number of community volunteers and business partners. Granger was also recognized with a plaque from 4-H volunteers.
The program ended at 8:00 PM with the conclusion of the silent auction. Thanks to the efforts of 4-H members and volunteers, over $1,000.00 was raised for participating clubs.Jackson County 4-H would like to thank Ms. Lesia Andrews and Farm Credit, all the 4-H members, volunteers, the community and business partners for all of their hard work, dedication and support in making our 2015 4-H Awards Banquet a success. We would also like to thank Mrs. Jennifer Griffin for coordinating the silent auction.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Jackson County 4-H program, please contact the 4-H office at (850) 482-9620 or visit our webpage at https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/about-4-h/about-4-h/