Posted on March 9, 2023 by Heather Adams

Members’ Achievements Recognized at Berks County 4-H Dairy Banquet

by Penn State Extension

Members’ Achievements Recognized at Berks County 4-H Dairy Banquet
(L-R front row): Andrea Hix, Malaina Rhoads, Kalina Rhoads, Elaina Fox, Kaelynn Mertz; (back row) Benjamin Zeller, Zander Brown, Alexis Servin, Tanner Davis, Peter Rohrbach, and Kylie Schoeder

Recognition of the Berks County 4-H Dairy Club Members’ 2022 participation and achievements were highlighted during the recent 4-H Dairy Banquet at Virginville Grange Hall.

The Joyce Miller 4-H Career Advancement Award was awarded to Reece Heckman of the Eastern Berks 4-H Dairy Club. The Joyce Miller Award recognizes an outstanding Berks County 4-H dairy club member for their leadership experiences, participation in club and county events, and community service. They receive an award to be used for higher education, career training or career investment. Reece has been a 4-H member for the past 10 years. He has served as a club Vice President and news reporter. He helped mentor his younger cousins and other 4-H youth in the Eastern Berks 4-H Dairy Club. He also participated in his club community service projects such as Socks to Veterans and helping serve meals to senior citizens at the Fleetwood Grange. Reece credits 4-H with helping him decide to be a full-time farmer.

Rookies of the Year: (L-R) Kaelynn Mertz, Overall Rookie of the Year; Elaina Fox

The Charles D. Care Memorial Rookie Award is presented to a first- or second-year member from each dairy club for being a “Rookie” of the year. Each club nominates a member who attends club meetings, participates in projects, helps out at the fair with good housekeeping, and participates in showmanship and fitting. This year the clubs’ “Rookies” were: Kaelynn Mertz from the Eastern Berks 4-H Dairy Club and Elaina Fox from the Western Berks 4-H Dairy Club. The overall county Charles D. Care Rookie of the Year was Kaelynn Mertz.

The 4-H members keep records on their cattle all year long and complete project book to show what they do with their animals. These books are judged, and the top 3 in each age grouping are recognized at the banquet. The 4-H Dairy Project Books were judged by Jaylene Lesher, a former Berks County 4-H member. The winners were: 8-9 Year-Olds 1st place Andrea Hix, Northern Berks; 2nd place Elaina Fox, Western Berks; 3rd place Kaelynn Mertz, Eastern Berks; 10-12 Year-Olds 1st place Alexis Servin, Western Berks; 2nd place Malaina Rhoads, Northern Berks; 3rd place Kalina Rhoads, Northern Berks; 13-15 Year-Olds 1st place Phoebe Stutzman, Northern Berks; 2nd place Zander Brown, Western Berks; 3rd place Benjamin Zeller, Western Berks; 16-18 Year-Olds 1st place Tanner Davis, Northern Berks; 2nd place Peter Rohrbach, Eastern Berks; 3rd place Kylie Schroeder, Eastern Berks.

Officer book awards were presented to: Secretary Book – Malaina Rhoads, Northern Berks; Treasurer Book – James Moyer, Eastern Berks; Club Scrapbook – Eastern Berks, Rebecca and Sarah Berger.

(L-R) Reece Heckman, Joyce Miller 4-H Career Advancement Award and Linda Youse, recognized for volunteering in the 4-H program for 35 years.

The “I Dare You” Award recognizes 4-H members for their character and leadership within their 4-H Club and/or the county 4-H program. This year, James Moyer from Eastern Berks 4-H Dairy Club and Sara Haag from Western Berks 4-H Dairy Club received the “I Dare You” Award.

Two 4-H members were recognized as 4-H Teen Leaders in their 4-H club. They were James Moyer and Luke Moser from Eastern Berks 4-H Dairy Club.

Reece Heckman and Tanner Davis graduated from the 4-H program this past year. They were recognized and given a small token of appreciation for their contributions to the Berks County 4-H Dairy Program.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Natalie Grumbine, Pennsylvania Alternate Dairy Princess, and Audrey Sattazahn, Berks County Lil’ Miss Dairy Princess.

Program participants included: Master of Ceremonies – Reece Heckman and Tanner Davis; Invocation was given by Peter Rohrbach; Pledges were led by the “Rookies of the Year.”

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