Doug and Lisa Ring accepted the 4-H Family Award for 2019 from Marcy Nicewarner, right, at the annual Achievement Awards ceremony held at Washington High School. Toni Milbourne

CHARLES TOWN – “Celebrate the Possibilities” was the theme for the year-end celebration held on Nov. 21, as members of the Jefferson County 4-H program gathered together at Washington High School

The annual recognition ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication 4-Hers put in throughout the year. Awards for year-long projects, membership and service were given to 4-H members in all age categories.

Several 4-Hers were presented awards as Outstanding Alumni for 2019. Presenting those honors was former recipient of the award, Chasidy Rosa-Morales. Four individuals were called to the stage for this distinguished honor.

According to Rosa-Morales, she saw the benefits of 4-H first-hand from Barbara Dodson, who founded a new club that has grown to become one of the largest in Jefferson County.

“Her club can be seen in the hot dog stand, Clover Corner and as arts and crafts ticket collectors. Her club does many community service projects including creating cards for Veterans and visiting nursing homes,” Rosa-Morales said.

The second Outstanding Alumni Rosa-Morales named, was James Scott Friend. Friend is the father of two 4-H members and is a 4-H All Star. Friend stays active in the 4-H community, by helping with his children’s 4-H club and with projects at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Matthew Ware, who grew up in Jefferson County’s 4-H program, was announced as the third Outstanding Alumni at the event.

“He learned how to be a good citizen and role model in the beef, sheep and swine barns. He instilled in his children to do the best they could,” Rosa-Morales said, mentioning Ware is a trustee at New Street United Methodist Church.

The fourth and final Outstanding Alumni award recipient was Robert Puster, a young man who lives his life serving in all the four “H” areas that 4-H stands for: head, heart, hands and health.

The Citizenship Award was presented to Elizabeth Owens and Sierra Yates. The Outstanding 4-H members of the year were Kyla Barron and Shuchia Lowery, while the 2019 Friends of 4-H kudos were presented to Bill Grove, Cassie Twigg and the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department.

The final award of the night was presented by Marcy Nicewarner, who recognized the 2019 4-H Family of the Year. Doug, Lisa and Sarah Ring were chosen as the recipients for the annual honor, as they have proudly served and supported the county’s 4-H program for many years.

Those seeking information about the county’s 4-H program should visit extension.wvu.edu/jefferson/4h.