Ohio 4-H Volunteer and Teen Awards Nominations

The Ohio 4-H Program recognizes exceptional volunteers and teens through specialty awards that are selected each year. We would love to see Fairfield County 4-H volunteers and teens selected for some of these prestigious awards. If you have someone that you would recommend for one of these awards, please let Leslie or Aubry know by Friday, November 10, 2023 so we can have the time to collect the necessary information to complete the nomination and to ensure nominations are submitted by the deadline. You can view the list of award categories HERE or view them in the images below.

How to get started on Ohio 4-H Achievement Forms – a virtual workshop on October 1st

The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council will be hosting a virtual Achievement Form Workshop on October 1st, 2023 via Zoom from 6:00-7:30 p.m. An informational session will be held, providing a basic overview of the Achievement Form, giving introductory tips for completion, and sharing about potential opportunities available to members who complete and submit their forms.

Must register at https://go.osu.edu/AchForm2023 by September 29 to receive Zoom information for the workshop.

This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend in live-time.

What’s an Ohio 4-H Achievement Form? Check out this flyer: Achievement Record Flyer FINAL

Thank You Note Tips

A simple, handwritten thank you note goes a long way to express gratitude for time, service, sponsorship, donation, etc. As we approach project judging, camp, county fair, state fair and maybe other summer programming—it is important to remind our youth about thank you note importance. As Teresa Johnson mentioned in her “Saying Thank You” document, “A lot of respect can be earned or lost by our ability to say thanks”. A well written thank you note is worth it’s weight in gold and it not only makes the donor feel appreciated, but it may also have an influence on if they choose to give again. We want to make a positive impact! Encourage a handwritten note versus a typed one. Encourage youth to write as neatly as possible in blue or black ink.

Need a refresher on formatting? No problem.

  1. Begin with a greeting, like “Dear Mr. Jones,” or “Dear Insert Organization Here”.
  2. Express appreciation and why the thank you note is being written. Be specific. Don’t be afraid to go into detail about how the item/gift will be used.

Example 1:Thank you for serving as a class sponsor for the 2023 Trumbull County Jr. Fair Dairy Show. The duffle bag I received for first place is very much appreciated and will travel with me to future 4-H events!

Example 2:Thank you so much for purchasing my 4-H market rabbit at the 2023 Trumbull County Livestock Sale. The Trumbull County Fair has been a highlight of my summer since joining 4-H six year ago. The money received will be placed in a savings account to help pay for college. Thank you for your support of the Trumbull County 4-H Program and my 4-H project.

  1. Express appreciation/acknowledge generosity again. “Thank you again for your support of Trumbull County 4-H and the Trumbull County Jr. Fair. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.” -OR- Thank you again for your generosity and for supporting the 2023 Trumbull County Jr. Fair. I hope to see you again next year!”
  2. Closing: “Sincerely, _______”. Make sure the youth member signs their name.

Other Tips:

  • Encourage youth to be prompt in getting the thank you mailed- a suggestion is two weeks or less from the date the award, monetary gift, etc. was received.
  • Make sure the nature of the thank you is positive! We do not want to criticize or express the desire for a different or additional gift.
  • Personalize it: add a photo to the thank you, thank the buyer/donor the following year on a poster above the animal or exhibit, etc. Counties may already have buyer/donor appreciation gifts (i.e. goodie bag, etc).
  • Make sure the youth member has the correct address for the individual/business.
  • Do not assume everyone is a professional at writing thank yous! Go over formatting at a club meeting, committee meeting, or QA event. It’s also helpful to provide additional resources to families and/or advisors.

Source: May/June – Teen Leadership Snack Break (Ashlee Meardith, Trumbull County 4-H Educator)

Friend of the Junior Fair Award – due 9/8/2023

The Junior Fair Board is again sponsoring the Friend of the Junior Fair Award. Agricultural students, 4-H members and community members in Fairfield County are encouraged to nominate a person or business in the community that has a strong influence in agriculture and has contributed to the lives of Junior Fair members and the Fairfield County Junior Fair. This award will be presented at the Junior Fair Panorama on Saturday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Feeder Creek Vet Show Arena at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

Applications are due Friday, September 8th and can be obtained online or at the OSU Extension Office or from a Junior Fair Board member. Nominate a deserving person or business you know today!

Congrats! Ohio State Fair In-Person Skillathon Results – SWINE

Congratulations to Fairfield County 4-H/FFA members completing the Ohio State Fair In-Person Skillathon for Poultry. For a complete list of Ohio State Fair Skillathon Results, visit: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-skillathons

Age 13:

  • Brin Leigh Hoisington, 6th Place

Age 16:

  • Henry Hoisington, 3rd Place

Age 17:

  • Grace Ahrens, 10th Place

Congrats! Ohio State Fair In-Person Skillathon Results – POULTRY

Congratulations to Fairfield County 4-H/FFA members completing the Ohio State Fair In-Person Skillathon for Poultry. For a complete list of Ohio State Fair Skillathon Results, visit: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-skillathons

Age 10:

  • Garrett Basnett, 1st Place

Age 11:

  • Gracie Weber, 6th Place

Age 12:

  • Hunter Basnett, 1st Place
  • Chase Deahl, 2nd Place

Age 15:

  • Logan Basnett, 6th Place