On Nov. 5, members, volunteers and friends of Jefferson County 4-H gathered at Wright Denny Intermediate School to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. Over 200 awards including project completion pins, volunteer years of service and special awards were given throughout the evening.

This year’s Outstanding 4-H members are Alyssa (Ali) Mason of the Ridge Runners and Ben Harrison who is a member of both Saddles and Smiles as well as the Summit Point Busy Bees. Jenny Eaton received the 2012 Outstanding 4-H Leader Award and was recognized for her efforts as the Bakerton County Roads club leader. This year the 4-H Association recognized the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce as a “Friend of 4-H.” Also awarded as Friends of 4-H were April Blaker and Pat Bethany, in appreciation for all the work that they do for the leaders, members and volunteers.

There were several special awards given out at Achievement Night, as well. The first special was to recognize Eileen Chambers for all the work she has done as Superintendent of the 4-H Department at the Jefferson County Fair. She retired after almost 30 years of service managing the 4-H exhibit building.

Mark and Teresa Hostuttler were recognized for their work with the Livestock Judging teams. They coached the senior team that placed 18th overall at the National Livestock Judging Competition in Louisville, Ky. in November.

One of the most closely guarded awards given out every year is the Family of the Year Award. This year’s recipient was the John and Kathy Blue family. Kathy Tabler Blue has remained very active in the 4-H program throughout her life. Her husband John has work alongside her providing assistance whenever needed. They raised their daughter, Sarah Blue Raines, in 4-H and now Sarah has taken on leadership roles in Jefferson County 4-H. Sarah’s husband, Aaron Raines, has jumped right into the 4-H family and the young couple has plans to pass this strong 4-H family tradition to their son Rodney.