The annual 4-H Awards Ceremony took place Friday at the HOPE Centre in Picton. Close to 100 attended the presentation of awards that are the culmination of a year of hard work, fun and learning.

4-H members range in age from 9-21, with a prequel to 4-H being the Cloverbuds, ranging in age from 6-8. The awards ceremony was hosted by The Prince Edward Senior Members’ Club.

Members were involved in a variety of projects and clubs in 2019 which include Dairy, Farm Machinery, Sewing, Sheep, Christmas in the County, Pizza, Woodworking and Leadership among others.

Since 1913, 4-H has been a popular club throughout Canada, with members drawn to it each year by the “Learn To Do By Doing” motto and the Prince Edward group has a long legacy here in the county of helping educate youth through experiential learning.

Speaking to the crowd was Alissa Rabbie, President of the local 4-H chapter.

“I’d like to thank the leadership club for taking on the organization of tonight. It’s great to see young people doing this so that the volunteers can have a break,” enthused Rabbie.

In her opening speech, Rabbie touched on the a successful year with increased membership.

“This year has been a great year with increased membership numbers and more members enjoying more wonderful clubs. To keep up this success, I’d like to remind everyone that all these programs do not happen without the hard work of our many dedicated leaders and volunteers,” said Rabbie. “I’d like to thank all of you in the room for all your hard work and dedication.”

Some of the major award winners were:

• The Graduate Award, presented by Lynn Ward and Brenda Bell to both Jaret Parliament and David Prinzen.
• The Ontario Ploughman’s Association’s Outstanding 4-H Agricultural Member Award, presented by Lynn Ward to David Prinzen.
  

  Club Leader Selena Prinzen shares a tender moment with Bay of Quinte Mutual Award winner Madison Osborne. Osborne was recognized as the most outstanding second year member. (Sarah Williams/Gazette Staff)

• The Keitha Gilbert Award, presented to the most outstanding first year 4-H Member in Prince Edward County, sponsored by the Gilbert Family in memory of their daughter Keitha, presented by Liz Williams to Declan Vincent.
• The Monica Alyea 4-H Communications Award for an outstanding communications entry presented by Jane Thompson to Emma LaMorre.
• The Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Co. Award for the most outstanding second year 4-H Member in Prince Edward County, sponsored by the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance Company. This award was presented by Selena Prinzen to Madison Osborne.
• The Gold Watch Award, presented to the most outstanding top senior 4-H Member, sponsored by the Picton Branch of CIBC was presented by Alissa Rabbie to Shae-lynn Bell.

Local 4-H representative Megan Burnside spoke to the crowd, concluding the evening of awards. As with Rabbie, Burnside stressed the important role volunteers play in making 4-H possible.

“Thank you for choosing 4-H. There are lots of things knocking at your door looking for your time and attention. The fact that you choose 4-H is very important to you and the organization,” stated Burnside.

Registration and an open house for next year’s 4-H is being held Saturday November 23 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. At the HOPE centre.

For more information, please visit: https://www.4-hontario.ca/4h-in-my-area/prince-edward.aspx.