2019 Shelby County Outstanding 4-H’er Awards
The Shelby County Outstanding 4-H’er Award is given out annually to FIVE outstanding youth who deserve to be celebrated for the positive impact they are making in their communities. The youth, who are nominated by their peers or advisors, are featured online and in the Sidney Daily News. They also receive a certificate recognizing them for their outstanding leadership. This is a noteworthy award that is presented every fall.
Award #1: Evan Luthman
Evan is a member of the Merry Mod Makers 4-H Club. During his nine year tenure in 4-H, Evan has held several officer positions and has competed at the Ohio State Fair five times with his foods projects. Evan has also taken woodworking and dairy cattle projects and attended 4-H Camp as a camper. According to his advisor, Sally Behr, Evan’s leadership and knowledge of 4-H has helped guide other club members in many positive directons. Evan is a super outstanding and pleasant outgoing 4-H member who represents the program well.
Evan stays just as busy at school as he does 4-H. He is a member of both the cross country and track and field teams at Fort Loramie and has been a band member for six years. Evan is involved with Science Olympiad and Bowling Team and takes College Prep classes at Edison State College. Outside of school, Evan has been a camp counselor for Camp Dalanda for special needs youth. He is active in his faith at St. Michael’s Catholic Church where he participates in youth ministry, Breakfast Club, and the CYO basketball team. Evan also helps at the Fort Loramie’s “Santa’s Market” craft shows every year in December. When he has time, he works part time for Luthman Concrete Company.
Award #2: Morgan Meyer
Morgan is the Vice President of the Shelby County Junior Fair Board and a member in the Anna Livestock 4-H Club. She has been in 4-H for thirteen years and has taken a variety of projects, including market hogs, photography and food and nutrition. Morgan has been on the Junior Fair Board for two years and has been a 4-H Camp Counselor for three years. She was also a member of Junior Leaders. According to Cassie, she is a valuable asset to 4-H and will be dearly missed when she ages out. She is reliable, hardworking, respectful, driven and creative.
Morgan is actively involved in Anna’s FFA Chapter, where she is currently Vice President. She is the President of the National Honor Society at Anna High School, Treasurer of SADD and a member of student council. Morgan also enjoys competing as a member of the Rocket’s golf team and helping with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Award #3: Jess Colby
Jess was just recently voted President of the Russia Livestock 4-H Club and is on the Junior Fair Board. She has been in 4-H for 12 years and primarily shows dairy cattle. Jess was also chosen by her Junior Fair Board peers as Rookie of the Year. According to her advisor, Jess always has a smile on her face and works well with all of the members of her club. She is hardworking and liked by all.
Jess attends Russia High School. She is the Senior Class Treasurer and was involved with Lead Russia. She is in the marching band and has been involved in a variety of sports, including basketball, cross country and track. Jess also participates in Science Olympiad, Envirothon and Academia. Jess is a mass server and a member of the Leadership Team at St. Remy Catholic Church
Award #4: Justin Puthoff
Justin has been in the Fort Loramie Livestock 4-H Club for 11 years. His second home is the Beef Barn, where he keeps his dairy beef feeder project every year.
2020 will be Justin’s fourth year on the Junior Fair Board. He has led the Sheep/Llama/Alpaca department through a number of transitions, including show date and location changes. He also helps with Foods, Poultry, General Livestock Judging and Arenas and Activities. Not only is he a tremendous help on JFB, but also quite the entertainer! Justin is great at keeping things light, especially during times of stress and chaos.
Justin is a senior at Fort Loramie High School. He is on the National Honor Society, serves as President of their FFA, is a member of the Student Council and a regular blood donor.
Award #5: Emma Michael
Emma has been a member of Scissors to Sheep 4-H Club for 11 years. She has taken a variety of projects, many of which have been awarded State Fair Qualifier and Outstanding of the Day. Clothing, cake decorating, pygmy goats and market rabbits are just a select few of the projects Emma has participated in.
Emma is also a mainstay on the Junior Fair Board. She has helped lead the Dog and Photography departments for four years. She has also supported the Swine department. She is passionate about ensuring structure and efficiency within her departments and always carefully evaluates them for improvements.
Emma participates in many school activities at Christian Academy, where she is a senior. She is Student Council President, plays volleyball, competes in archery and performs in show choir and school musicals. Outside of school, she has been a Conservation Day Camp counselor for four years. She also holds a part-time job at Ohio Living Dorothy Love