The Saline County 4-H held its annual Recognition Event on Sunday, January 31, at the Saline County Fairgrounds.

A news release says more than 250 youths ages 5-18 from across Saline County were a part of Missouri 4-H during the 2019-20 year through eight community clubs, in-school programming and community outreach. Members were recognized for their leadership, state and regional activity attendance and community involvement. Adult volunteers also were recognized for their years of service and impact to Saline County.

Highlights of the night included the recognition of Clover Kids ages 5-7 for their participation; youth completion of Missouri 4-H Project Reports; Recognition Forms; Shooting Sports state placings, Missouri State Fair and 4-H Camp contributions; outstanding officers for the year; and 10-year 4-H members. Additionally, Cargill was named the 2020 Friend of 4-H due to its continual support of the Cook Shack at the Saline County Fair.

For the second straight year, Saline County earned the Missouri State Fair First Place Livestock Award for 4-H, with Cole Murphy of Kennedy 4-H being recognized as one of 30 “Best of Show” exhibits within the 4-H Building. Additionally, Kaidyn Foster of Clay Center 4-H won the Missouri Bicentennial 4-H Banner design challenge in Saline County. His design will be printed as the Saline Banner in the Missouri 4-H State Fair building.

Saline 4-H Clubs also were recognized, with seven clubs completing at least one community-service activity. These opportunities, particularly through the challenges of the 2019-20 year, help youth build a sense of community with other youth, as well as strengthen their youth-adult leadership relationships. Youths who remain active in Saline 4-H for 10 years through leadership, service and learning also were recognized. Youth completing 10 years in 2020 were Collin Kuecker of Lucky Leaf 4-H, Kynleigh Fuehring of Liberty 4-H and Megan Plattner of Town and Country 4-H.

Specific award winners included: MRF Level 1 – Charlot Thornton of Clay Center 4-H, Kaidyn Foster of Clay Center 4-H, Ty Murphy of Kennedy 4-H; MRF Level 2 – Brodey Bartlett of Bizy Beavers 4-H, Ashtyn Johnson of Liberty 4-H, Bailee Vogel of Town and Country 4-H; MRF Level 3 – Dalyn Johnson of Liberty 4-H; Missouri State Fair Demonstrations – Brodey Bartlett, Ashtyn Johnson, Audrey Tinoco of Lucky Leaf 4-H; State Fashion Revue – Ashtyn Johnson 1st in Knitting, Alivia Walbourn of Liberty 4-H 2nd in Junior Purchased Clothes; State Livestock Judging – Ty Murphy 1st in Junior Reasons, Cole Murphy 2nd in Senior Reasons; Outstanding 4-H Secretary – Chloe Fisher of Kennedy 4-H; Outstanding 4-H Treasurer – Ty Murphy of Kennedy 4-H.

For more information about joining or volunteering with Saline County 4-H, contact Chelsea Corkins via e-mail at CorkinsC@missouri.edu or via phone at (660) 886-6908.

Photo: Saline County 4-H youths who helped earn the Missouri State Fair 4-H Overall Livestock award. (Photo courtesy Saline County 4-H).