Celebrating success: Owen County 4-H hosts 2026 Awards Night

The Owen County 4-H community gathered Oct. 25 to celebrate another outstanding year of youth development, project excellence, leadership, and volunteer service during the 2026 Owen County 4-H Awards Program. The event recognized the hard work and dedication of 4-H members, volunteers, alumni, and supporters who have helped make the local program a success throughout the year.

The awards ceremony began by recognizing recipients of the prestigious Project Pin Awards. These awards are unique because they are not based solely on top project placings. Instead, recipients are selected for their knowledge, dedication, work ethic, and commitment to learning within their chosen project areas.

Several members received special project and achievement honors. Meilynn Hess earned the Achievement Award for having the best Record of Achievement and was also recognized with both the Photography Award and Shooting Sports Award. Anthony Rush received the Agriculture Award, while Silas Hauser was honored with the Beef Award. Other project award recipients included Ily Swan (Cat Award), Payton Serna (Citizenship Award), Wyatt Curtis (Communication Award), Kallai Hamilton (Dairy Award), and Rain Newman (Dog Award).

Additional project area winners included Easton Page (Electric Award), Marla Lippert (Expressive Arts Award), Parker Curtis (Foods Award), Madeline Hauser (Goat Award), Madi Amick (Horse Award), and Jennifer Daniel (Horticulture Award). The Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding service in the Junior Leader Club, was presented to Samual Logsdon.

Other project award recipients included Luke Wood (Wildlife Award), Elliott Page (Poultry Award), Piper Daniel (Rabbit Award), Charlotte Pavich (Sewing and Fashion Review Award), Raegan Greene (Sheep Award), Parker Newman (Small Animals Award), Hudson Rice (Swine Award), Ellee Walker (Veterinary Science Award), and Quinn Suitors (Woodworking Award).

Two members received the highly respected Lamp of Knowledge Award. This recognition honors members who have excelled in their project work, expanded their knowledge, and shared what they have learned with others. The 2026 recipients were Elliott Page and Parker Curtis.

The national I Dare You Leadership Award was presented to Rain Newman and Samual Logsdon. This prestigious award recognizes young people who demonstrate integrity, balanced living, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2026 Top Ten 4-H Members, each of whom earned a $100 scholarship. This year’s honorees were Meilynn Hess, Rain Newman, Marla Lippert, Aleah Martin, Ily Swan, Jennifer Daniel, Parker Newman, Piper Daniel, Parker Curtis, and Easton Page.

Outstanding 4-H Member honors were awarded to Aleah Martin as the Outstanding 4-Her in grades third through seventh and Meilynn Hess as the Outstanding 4-Her in grades eight through 12th. Both members were recognized for their exceptional involvement, leadership, and service throughout the year.

The program also honored dedicated adults who continue to support the 4-H program. Outstanding 4-H Alumni Awards were presented to Nicholas Heck, Errin Logsdon, and Kala Biggs for their continued commitment to investing in future generations of 4-H youth.

Volunteer service was also celebrated during the event. Christine Slough was recognized for reaching 10 years of service as an Indiana 4-H volunteer. The evening concluded with the presentation of the Owen County 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award to Jason Daniel. Nominated by community members and selected for his dedication to youth through the Bullseye Archery Club, Daniel exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that helps make the Owen County 4-H program thrive.

The 2026 Owen County 4-H Awards Program showcased the tremendous talent, leadership, and service that exists within the local 4-H community. Congratulations to all award recipients for their hard work and accomplishments, and thank you to the volunteers, families, and supporters who continue to help Owen County 4-H fulfill its mission of making the best better.