By PR Extension Office

"Are we going to play more games?" asked 4-H member Paisley Harper, who delighted in the icebreaker activities organized by Teen 4-H members at the 4-H Achievement Night celebration. 4-H Achievement Night is a celebration of accomplishments for last year's 86 4-H members, 20 volunteers and their families.

A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of Vic Rue, former resident and long-time supporter of Powder River County youth and the 4-H program, who recently passed away. In memory of Vic, Fay Ranches Community Foundation donated $2,500 to the Powder River County 4-H Council to benefit 4-H youth. Vic grew up in the Biddle area before moving to McLeod, Montana. He loved his days working on the Powder River County ranch, feeding and milking cows and helping his dad break teams of oxen. Vic's daughter Kebi and her husband Terry Smith and children Justin and Kelsey continue and share his love of agriculture and were active members of the Powder River County 4-H program.

4-H Achievement Night recognized the achievements of many 4-H members including Jayce and Rheanna Schroeder for their strong showing at the Champion of Champions Market Beef Show at the Eastern Montana Fair in Miles City earlier this year. They received jackets for their achievements.

Lauryn Billing and Delaney Ruland received top fair exhibitor awards in the senior and junior division. For nine consecutive years, Lauryn has received the recognition for the quality and quantity of exhibits entered each year at the fair. Award sponsors are John and Julie Riley and Tim and Gaylene Fortner.

Achievement of Excellence award winners included Rheanna Schroeder, Delaney Ruland and John, Hanna and Noah Dudek. These award winners participated in Demonstration Day, exhibited at fair and completed records in each of their projects. They've also taken their 4-H involvement to the next level by either promoting 4-H, leading an educational workshop, helping someone with their project or participating in a community service activity.

4-H Club secretaries were recognized and included Bonita Kinzer, Addison Draine, Grady Tauck and Justin Aye. Each received a gift sponsored by Kelda Page.

Jordyn Schroeder, Lauryn Billing, Oliveah Schaffer, Lea Aye, Maci Emmons, Ashton Madsen and Maddie Brownfield were recognized for being Treasurers of their 4-H Clubs and each received a gift of appreciation sponsored by John and Julie Riley.

The 4-H Club Scrapbook is a historical record of the club's yearly achievements. Receiving recognition for the creative work on their club's scrapbooks were Sammie Hart, Powder River Rising Stars, Mason Stephens, Hammond Helpers, Hanna Dudek, Tongue River Crossroads and Kaylan Reaves, Mizpah Masters. Kaylan was the top historian, receiving an award sponsored by the 4-H Council.

4-H Club reporters responsible for sharing news from their clubs included Michael Stephens, Paisley Harper and Maddie Kramme. Their appreciation gifts were sponsored by Mary and Owen Rumph.

Recipients of Swine of Excellence Certificates, sponsored by the Montana Pork Producer Council were Jordyn, Danica and Rheanna Schroeder, Justin Aye, Alexis Gotfredson, Lauryn Billing, Shyla and Macey Madsen, Baylor and Courtney Kuhbacher, Shaylee Bilbrey and Paisley Harper. Montana Certified Lamb Certificates went to Kinzie Randall, Macey Madsen, Shaylee and Rickee Bilbrey, Cole Draine, Danica Schroeder and Maddie Kramme. They received awards sponsored by the Montana Wool Growers Association.

It was announced that Trace Emmons was the recipient of the Steer of Merit certificate, an award sponsored by the Montana Stockgrowers.

The Powder River 4-H Council officers were recognized and thanked for their leadership. They included Tedi Jo Williams, President, Jamie Harper, Vice President, Meghan Phillippi, Secretary and Allan Reaves, Treasurer.

Rheanna Schroeder, Teen 4-H President, and fellow Teen 4-H members, Oliveah Schaffer, Lauryn Billing, Colton Biesheuvel and Laney Williams led the achievement night celebration with an active round of ice breaker activities. They then emceed the evening's award ceremony that concluded with a slideshow that highlighted 4-H members and the incredible amount of fun, friendship and learning they experienced throughout the year.

Allan Reaves, Powder River 4-H Council Treasurer, receives a check for $2,500 to the 4-H Council presented by Extension Agent Mary Rumph on behalf of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation. The gift memorializes Vic Rue, a champion for youth. Rue died at the age of 81 in August, but his legacy continues through his daughter Kebi Smith and her family. The Fay Ranches Community Foundation is dedicated to helping rural America by focusing on improving the quality of healthcare, education and youth resources.

More photos from the event may be pictured in the November 24th photo album.