Putnam County 4-H families joined together Sunday at the Putnam County Fairgrounds to recognize volunteers and acknowledge the achievement and accomplishments of 4-H members.
The highest award in the Putnam 4-H program is the Spirit of 4-H Award which is sponsored by Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes. The 2023 winner is Sydney Moore who was presented with a framed certificate and a cash award by Jay Prewitt representing the sponsors.
"We're proud to annually sponsor this top 4-H award honoring an outstanding Putnam 4-H career. The Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991,” said Prewitt.
Typically, there is one winner for this prestigious award. There has been twice in the history of the award that no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two awards in the same year.
Sydney, the daughter of David and Angela Moore, is a 2023 North Putnam High School graduate. She is currently seeking her post high school education with Murray State University where her degree objective is agriculture education.
When asked, who had the most significant influence for her 4-H accomplishments, Moore cited, “My Horse & Pony volunteers (Tiffany/Trent Boswell & Colt/Ashley Underwood) and my Junior Leader advisors (Kim Beadles/Mark Evans) who gave me experiences that enabled me to share knowledge and positive experiences with others.”
In terms of her most significant accomplishments with the overall 4-H program, Sydney said, “Winning versatility [in horse and pony project at fair] and being selected to represent my species in the Supreme Showmanship contest were my most satisfying accomplishments.”
“It has been a blessing to watch Sydney, as her parent and a 4-H leader, develop into a confident young leader because of the 4-H program. The 4-H program took a determined and passionate girl and helped her grow into a confident leader who loves to share her knowledge to develop confidence and leadership skills in younger 4-Hers,” said Greencastle Stars club leader and mother, Angela Moore.
Putnam County’s 4-H Youth Educator, Mark Evans stated, “Sydney will certainly be missed as shequietly took care of business and served the local program helping others and making the best better. She also had a strong, but quiet enthusiasm and encouragement for others.She has a compassion of helping others in wanting to see younger members succeed.”
Other awards during the afternoon program included Outstanding First Year 4-Her for 2023, Katherine Tharp, honored for being the most active in her first year.
Two Junior Leader awards were presented. Outstanding first year Junior Leader accolades went to Aden Beasley and the Top-Notch Junior Leader recipient was Aiden Beadles.
The awards are based annually on the “My Record of Achievement” forms submitted in early September by the 4-Hers. Extension Staff and 4-H Council members review forms to determine the award winners.
