4-H Royalty honored at recognition program

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Published: Saturday, 17 June 2017 00:57

John Rumsey and Andriana Smith were crowned the 2017 4-H Royalty at the annual 4-H Recognition program Saturday afternoon. The program is the traditional opening event of the county fair.

The royalty court members are Shania Hartmann, Rachel Ploss, Ethan Shannon and Kassi Dahn.

Also recognized were 4-H Volunteers – those receiving special awards

for over 20 years of being a volunteer were:

• 30 Years: Sue Rosenbaum and Deb Winter
• 40 Years: Janice Reinhold and Lary and Nancy Eber

The 2017 Pulaski County 4-H Accomplishment Scholarship, funded by the Pork Shack, and the Junior Leader Scholarships both went to Regan Culp, daughter of Dan and Melissa Culp of Francesville. She is a10-year member of the Salem Super Stars 4-H Club.

Farm Bureau Tenure Awards went to Regan Culp and also to Brian Bathke, son of Chuck and Sally Bathke of Medaryville.

Rachel Ploss, daughter of Tony and Patti Ploss, of Winamac, was a local winner of the National 4-H Congress trip and Regan Culp and Peyton Newman, daughter of Art and Melissa Newman, of Winamac, were both winners of the State 4-H Accomplishment Scholarships. All these were awarded earlier this year through Purdue University.

One of the primary features of the fair is to showcase the projects completed by the county's 4-H youth - demonstrating what they have learned in this valuable program which develops  talents as well as important skills and values.

This year is the 115th year for the national 4-H program - and the 113th year in Indiana. Pulaski County has almost 400 youth in the 4-H program. For many years now 4-H members have included “city kids” as well as “farm kids.” They participate because it’s fun and they make new friends. But along the way they learn how to undertake a project and carry it through to completion - and how to do it better next year!

The selection of the “royal” youth is not only a crowning achievement in their own lives, but the 4-H Recognition Program also launches the week-long excitement for the 4-H’ers and others who devote so much effort to the fair.

4-H ROYALTY CANDIDATES FOR 2017

This year there are eight young people vying for the coveted 4-H Royalty and court positions. They have been through interviews and have submitted an essay. Their overall 4-H achievements were also considered. They will reign over the fair by helping with all the 4-H programs and shows.

Kassi Dahn is the daughter of Brian and Rosa Dahn and is a member of the Beaver Township 4-H Club. She has just completed her sophomore year at Abeka Academy and this is her eighth year in 4-H. Awards that she has received: 2016 Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Market Whether, 2016 Goat Showman of Showman, 2016 Grand Champion English and Western Halter Gelding, 2016 Champion Senior Western Showman, and 4-H Royalty achievement court. Her favorite project is Horse and Pony because it takes a lot of hard work and the rewards are unbelievable. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to enjoy your time in 4-H it goes by quick. Her future plans are to attend Texas Christian University to study engineering.

Emily Field is the daughter of Darrin and Dana Field and is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. She has just completed her sophomore year at Winamac Community High School and this is her eighth year in 4-H. She has been awarded Reserve Champion in Gardening, Champion in Photography, Honors in Shooting Sports and Scrapbooking, and Grand Champion in Tractor. Her favorite project is Photography because she can take a picture that is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is do the projects that you enjoy. Her future plans are to go to college and study to become a veterinarian and minor in ag business.

Shania Hartmann is the daughter of Beth Sallee and is a member of Cass White Post Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. She has just completed her senior year at West Central High School and this is her 10th year in 4-H. She has been awarded Grand Champion Overall English Mare in 2015, Grand Champion Overall Dog Showmanship 2016, fifth Overall Barrow Swine Drive, Grand Champion Overall Dog Showmanship 2014, Grand Champion Overall Dog Obedience, Grand Champion Dairy Doe 2012, Grand Champion Llama Poster 2016 and Grand Champion Kitten 2015. Her favorite project is Dogs because every year you have the chance to grow and excel to a higher level and it never gets old or boring. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is just because you don’t think you will do well on something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Her future plans are to go to Ivy Tech in Valparaiso for business.

Lexi Malott is the daughter of Kris and Gregg Malott and is a member of Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. She has just completed her junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her fifth year in 4-H. Her favorite project is pigs because it has allowed her to become more responsible and more outgoing. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is be open to try new things and do not procrastinate. Her future plans are to attend college at IUPUI and study tourism and event management.

Rachel Ploss is the daughter of Tony and Patti Ploss and is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. She has just completed her junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her ninth year in 4-H. She has earned the following awards: 2016 Grand Champion Overall Gilt, Grand Champion in Public Speaking, 4-H Royalty Court 2016, Grand Champion Market Pair 2012, Honor for Fine Art Painting, and competing at the state fair for Public Speaking. Her favorite project is Public Speaking because it has built up her confidence when speaking in front of crowds and opened up new opportunities. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is always try your best on your projects even if you have never done it before. Her future plans are to attend IUPUI and major in tourism, conventions, and event management.

John Rumsey is the son of Chris and Trisha Rumsey and is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. He has just completed his senior year at West Central High School and this is his 10th year in 4-H. He has received multiple awards for Goats, Pigs, Photography, and Farm Toy Scene projects. He is also an officer in his 4-H Club and 4-H Junior Leaders. Goats is his favorite project because of the connections he has with his animals. His advice to younger members is to not take too many projects, do the ones that really interest you and do your best! His future plans are to attend Purdue in the fall and major in animal science.

Ethan Shannon is the son of Cary and Jill Shannon and is a member of Salem Superstars 4-H Club. He has just completed his sophomore year at West Central and this is his eighth year in 4-H. He has received many awards including: multiple livestock awards, Public Speaking winner for the county, 4-H Junior Leaders High Point, and Club Jr. Achiever. His favorite project is Beef because he is very passionate about agriculture and in particular the beef industry. Caring for livestock is one of the most effective ways to grow up. His advice to younger 4-H members is to never give up, try your hardest all the time. His future plans are to attend college and study agriculture.

Andriana Smith is the daughter of Doug and Amy Smith and is a member of Indian Creek and Paw Prints 4-H Clubs. She has just completed her junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her ninth year in 4-H. Awards she has received in 4-H are Junior Achiever, Color Guard, Junior Leader MVP, Most Improved Award for Paw Prints Dog Club, Rookie of the Year for 4-H Junior Leaders, 4-H Royalty Court, multiple Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and state fair entries for various projects. Her favorite project is Foods because she gets to experiment with new recipes and bake for her family. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to enjoy your time in 4-H, it goes by faster than you think. Her future plans are to attend college and study business and marketing.