BERRIEN COUNTY — In October, the Berrien County 4-H Horse Judging Team traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the Eastern National 4-H Horse Round-Up and left with a top 10 finish.

Senior team members Haileigh Badtke, Evie Clare, Emma Fanslau and Sarah Jennings used their horse evaluation skills to earn an eighth-place finish overall. The team also received top 10 finishes in team performance and team conformation.

The Berrien County team represented Michigan at the event after a third-place finish at the state 4-H Horse Judging Content in March.

“Members showcased their passion, resilience and dedication-making skills learned over the course of the season to aid them through evaluating various classes,” wrote Kelly Stelter, Berrien County 4-H program coordinator.

For more information about Berrien County 4-H and its horse judging team, Stelter said to contact her at (269) 927-5674 ext. 4015 or at grandtke@msu.edu.

 

Also recently, the Berrien County 4-H youth program hosted the Berrien County 4-H Member & Leader Recognition banquet Nov. 10 at Pebblewood Banquet Hall in Bridgman.

The following awards were sponsored by the Berrien County 4-H Leaders Association, Inc. and the Berrien County 4-H Foundation, Inc:

4-H county project medals — Medals were presented to members with three years of accomplishment in projects.

• Darlene Mattson – Civic engagement

• Isabel Widdis – Dog science

• Aiden Conley – Rabbit and cavy science

• Aiden Conley – Pocket pets

• Evie Clare – Leadership & personal development

• Sydney Melton – Expressive arts and rafts

• Morgan Gruss – Food and nutrition

4-H All-Achievement Awards — Awards were presented to members in recognition of their leadership and experience within a project area they have completed for at least four years.

• Darlene Mattson – Civic engagement

• Paige McKean – Dog science

• Isabel Widdis – Dog science

• Ross Clare – Rabbits and cavy science

• Sydney Melton – Cat science

• Ross Clare – Personal development

• Sydney Melton – Photography

4-H Club Award — This award is presented to a club for outstanding achievement. The club award recognizes clubs for their accomplishments through participating in various community service projects, leadership opportunities and other events and activities through the program year.

• Straight Shooters 4-H

Additional recognition was given to numerous members for first-year membership, Cloverbud completion and citizenship.