PEC 4H awards night honours members’ accomplishments

Administrator | Oct 24, 2016 | Comments 1

The Sophiasburgh Small Animal Pet Club hosted this year’s annual awards night and “pawty” for members of the Prince Edward County 4H Association.

Members and supporters gathered Friday night at the Hope Centre in Picton to honour a successful year of leadership programs for rural youth in the County. PEC 4H reaches out to children and youth ages 6-21 through clubs, school enrichment programs, workshops and volunteer led clubs.

4H President Jane Thompson remarked upon the culmination of a successful year of activities that included 19 clubs and increases in membership, volunteers and the Cloverbuds program for six to nine-year-olds.

“As long as you do your personal best, every one of you is a winner here tonight,” she said. “And let us keep in mind the purpose, and that is to give our youth the opportunity learn to do, by doing; to develop their abilities to their full
potential and become conscientious, contributing community leaders.”

Brad Rabbie, shown here with 4H President Jane Thompson, received the CIBC gold watch award as the most outstanding senior 4H member in the County. He also shared the Graduate Award with Graham Walt.

Sarah Dettlinger received the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Company Award for being the year’s most outstanding second year 4H member. She was honoured by company president Jeff Howell as a positive and busy member of eight clubs. Dettlinger was also honoured for her first prize chocolate cake at the fair and her second prize art submission. She was named the most outstanding member of the Small Animal Pet Club.

Shannon Desjardins (Langridge) was named the recipient of this year’s Monica Alyea Communications Award, presented by Sue Vincent. Desjardins, a youth director and leader, was honoured for completing a record-breaking 108 projects (112 completed).

The Keitha Gilbert Award, presented to the most outstanding first-year 4H member was presented to Maria Prinzen. She also shared the most outstanding club member honour with Kiandra Gibbons, in the Perfect Popular Party Planners Club.

The Ron Everall Bursary of $400 was awarded to Jared Parliament, a 10-year member, and received by his mom, Susan.

Kaitlyn Bell, also unable to attend as she is attending university, was named the winner of the Ontario Ploughmen’s Association Outstanding 4H Agricultural Member Award.

Graham Walt received the FJ Webster Memorial Award as top overall dairy or beef showperson.

The PEC 4H Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Matt Rabbie, described by his nominator John Vincent, as a 10-year member of the Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable Club and a leader for three years who was always willing to share his education and knowledge as a ‘leader building leaders’. Region 3 rep Megan Burnside and Vincent presented the award.

Chris Bell received the Gay Lea Award of Achievement, for completion of 24 projects in five years in 4H. It was presented by Region 3 rep Megan Burnside.

Carter Black was named most outstanding member of the Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable Club this year. Leaders Matt Rabbie and John Vincent presented his jacket and plaque.

Kiandra Gibbons was named most outstanding member this year of the new Curling Club, the Perfect Popular Party Planners Club (with Maria Prinzen); the Woodworking Level 1 Club and the Cookie Club.

Members of the Horse Club voted Bethany Foster as the most outstanding club member this year.