Bent County 4-H Recognizes Outstanding Youth

Ben Miller of the Bent County/Las Animas Trap Club is presented the Friend of 4-H award by member council officer Doug Miller.

Las Animas, Colorado – October 21, 2016:

Bent County 4-H recognized exceptional members at their end-of-the-year Achievement Program held recently. Named Outstanding Members for 2016 were Dominique Cardinelli in the senior division, and Cassidy Jagers in the junior division.  Cardinelli was lauded for her dedication to learning and improving, and her commitment to excellence.  Jagers has excelled in leadership and public speaking, and in her projects.  Both have provided leadership to the county 4-H program as county council officers.

Meritorious Service winner Teresa Garcia is pictured with Senior Outstanding 4-H Member Dominque Cardinelli.

Teresa Garcia was recognized for Meritorious Service to the 4-H program, while the Bent County/Las Animas Trap Club was named Friend of 4-H. Garcia has had a positive impact on a tremendous number of Bent County youth in her 35 years as a volunteer leader. Bent County 4-H members appreciate the support of both Garcia and the Trap Club members.

Junior Outstanding 4-H Member Cassidy Jagers receives her award from council officer Sam Cox.

2016-2017 Bent County 4-H Council officers installed during the program are: President Dom Cardinelli, Vice President Cassidy Jagers, Secretary Sara Reyher, Treasurer Joseph Hawkins, Reporter Alicia Deatherage, and Senators Sara Reyher and Dom Cardinelli.  Leader Advisors are Richard Cox, Teresa Garcia, Shawn Cardinelli, and Linda Smith.

Joseph Hawkins, Cutter Nichols, and Roper Nichols received cash awards from Farm Credit of Southern Colorado for having the best Livestock Record Books. Each of these members earned a 100% on their record book.  Joe Kasza presented a cash award to Grand Champion Breeding Beef winner Mitch Garcia on behalf of Bent-Prowers Cattle and Horse Growers.

Members received pins denoting years of membership. First year members were Hannah Bender, Kylie Brassfield, Tayton Coulter, Bryce Dupree, Claira Ebright, Colby Ebright, Grady Ebright, Hailey Ebright, Alexis Greenbank, Madison Grubb, Corbin Jagers, McKayla Kiniston, McKenzie Kiniston, Tyanne Miller, Hope Mitchell, Jorji Ratzlaff, Emilee Smith, Riggin VanCampen, Garret  Van Dyke, Sarah Van Vleet and Kree Wallace.  Fifth year members were Broc Bender, Brooke Bronniman, Katie Bronniman, Tyler Coulter and Cassidy Jagers.  Mitch Garcia was recognized as a ten year member.  Teresa Garcia received recognition for 35 years of volunteer leadership.

Extension Agent Kaye Kasza stated, “These 4-H members truly demonstrate the 4-H motto ‘Making the Best Better’. We had a great night recognizing these outstanding youth.”  4-H is the Youth Development program of Colorado State University Extension, and focuses on teaching leadership, citizenship and life skills.  4-H and all CSU Extension programs are open to all.  Contact the CSU Extension Office in Bent County, 719.456.0764, for information.