Over 80 4-H members, volunteers, and family members gathered to celebrate at the 59th annual Horse Awards Banquet. This event has a rich tradition for Monroe County 4-H. It is a time to showcase the learning and achievements of the previous project year.
Arianna Dimitriadis of the Hilton Horsemen 4-H Club received the special Walk Hunter, Jr., Outstanding Novice Award. Arianna received this award, which is presented to a 4-H member in his or her first few years in the horse program. Nominees think horses are terrific, exhibit a positive attitude, seek knowledge and demonstrate enthusiasm. The trophy for this award is donated by the Defendorf family.
The Frank Bono Sportsmanship Award is chosen in memory of 4-H Leader, Frank Bono. This trophy is donated by Ron and Mary Hull as well as Bob Trowbridge and the Twin Post Horsemen 4-H Club. The award is presented to an outstanding 4-H member who has consistently demonstrated a positive, respectful attitude and good sportsmanship. The youth chosen to receive this honor in 2019 is Marissa Wellington of The Hilton Horsemen 4-H Club.
The Community Service Award is presented to the 4-H Horse Club that has exhibited exceptional service to their community throughout the year. This perpetual award is donated by Country Max Stores. The recipient in 2019 is The Posh Ponies 4-H Club. The group completed 19 community service projects last year. These ranged from cleaning up the parks to having a baby shower to benefit new mothers who are on a limited budget. Each club member chose one event to reflect on and wrote a summary of their experience.
Over 20 youth participated in the Horse Five Star Program. The Five Star Program is a progressive achievement program designed to teach horsemanship skills and knowledge. First star recipients show aptitude regarding breed identification and tack identification. Awarded with a first star were Sophia Beghini, Ava Cerroni, Angelica Montagliano, Allyson Thummler, Ella Torrence, Melanie List, Weslea Murowski, Guilianna Jackson, Gabryelle Jackson, and Sophia Wendt. Second star recipients move up a level and challenge themselves to identify coat color of horses or understand hoof care. Second star recipients in 2019 are Ariana Dimitriadis, Makena Barbieri, Erin Zielinski, and Mattison Rife. Challenging themselves with mastery at the third star level were Ava Ciravola, Brooke Fede, Alexis Schwab, Bryana Wellington, and Marissa Wellington. These youth learn the movements of a horse in different gaits and learn about nutritional needs of horses. There were no fourth star candidates this year and two youth were part of the fifth star cohort. Ella Bohn and Rose Lanzatella both passed an identification experience, a written test, and a riding evaluation to receive their fifth stars.
Cloverbud Members Willa Freeman, Melanie List, Ella Schwab, and Sophia Wendt were all recognized with special goodie bags. These are the youngest 4-H youth and are the future of the program.
Gymkhana qualifying awards were received by youth. Erin Zielinski and Victoria Canales were the Junior and Reserve Junior Champion at the Monroe County 4-H Gymkhana Show. Senior and Reserve Senior Champion at the show were Anyanka Katz and Sara Menke. Anyanka Katz was the recipient of the 2019 Monroe County 4-H Gymkhana Trophy. These four youth rode at State Fair in September.
At the banquet, youth were also recognized for participating in knowledge events throughout the year and receiving scholarships to 4-H Camps.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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