During National 4-H Week last week, the Warren County Chapter of the organization held its annual recognition night on Sunday at the Wright City Lions Club.

Around 150 young people were recognized for their efforts in a variety of activities, including leadership and work ethic. 

Event Coordinator Carey Benne says the event is a way to celebrate the many accomplishments of the youth and its volunteers over the past year, as 4-H begins its new year Oct. 1. The Warren County chapter of 4-H has 238 members, with the majority of those in attendance on Sunday.

“Each county in the state is encouraged to do something for National 4-H Week,” said Benne. “We want to promote awareness and bring recognition to all the work the kids are doing in the county.”

While dozens of awards were presented, some very distinguished members took home top honors. Alauna Paul and Madelyn Guss were each presented with the Key Award.

Paul and Guss, along with William Lee, were recognized with the “I Dare You Leadership Award.”

“The theme of 4-H Week is ‘grow true leaders,’” shared Benne. “I feel like that’s the bottom line of what 4-H is all about. We’re building up the youth in our community to become great leaders for the future.

Benne says many people may associate 4-H with farming but that many other activities are offered for a variety of interests. It’s become a way for youth to develop confidence in many skill sets. 

“It’s amazing to watch a 10-year-old get up and give a speech in front of a crowd,” said Benne. “Those experiences are huge for them growing as individuals.”

Youth were not the only individuals honored Sunday, as adults instrumental in the success of the 4-H program were also recognized. 

Walter Branson was awarded the Frank Graham Award for commitment to the organization. 

The alumni award went to Ronda Williams for her dedication of time and energy to 4-H.

In addition, each chapter in the state is encouraged to nominate an inductee for the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. This year the Warren County chapter selected Cathy Engelage for that honor.

The Warren County chapter will be holding two more events this weekend, with a Fall into 4-H Night on Friday with activities and food at the fairgrounds. On Saturday they will be hosting a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University Extension Center.

Pictured, from left, William Lee, Alauna Paul and Madelyn Guss were recognized as the “I Dare You” Leadership Award recipient during the 4-H Recognition night Oct. 7. 

Cathy Engelage was recognized as the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductee by the Warren County 4-H Chapter during a recognition ceremony held Oct. 7. 

Ronda Williams was recognized as the recipient of the Alumni Award during the 4-H Recognition Night Oct. 7. 

Alauna Paul was recognized as a Key Award recipient during the 4-H Recognition night on Oct. 7. 

Madelyn Guss was recognized as a Key Award recipient during the 4-H Recognition night on Sunday

Walter Branson was recognized as the recipient of the Frank Graham Award during the 4-H Recognition night Oct. 7.