Celebrating a Century of 4-H: Winneshiek County Hosts 2025 Awards Program and Spaghetti Supper

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. DECORAH — The annual Winneshiek County 4-H Awards Program and Spaghetti Supper was held Nov. 9, 2025, at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building. The evening program was planned and conducted by members of the Winneshiek County 4-H County Council, the 4-H Youth Development Committee, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Winneshiek County staff. "We would like to thank everyone who helped us recognize some amazing 4-H members, volunteers, and community members during our 2025 4-H Awards Program," said Ashley Horgen, 4-H county youth coordinator. "The 4-H program in Winneshiek County would not be what it is today without the support of our wonderful community." The evening began with introductions of the 4-H County Council, 4-H members, Clover Kids, leaders, and the 4-H Youth Development Committee. Overall Achievement AwardsThese represent the highest honors available to 4-H members at the county level. Achievement in Agriculture: Jadrienne Langreck, Addison Bentley Achievement in 4-H Experience: Adam Schmitt, Jadrienne Langreck AK-SAR-BEN: Isabella Koenig, Karlee Bullerman Achievement in Leadership: Jadrienne Langreck, Rylee Averhoff Achievement in Citizenship: Rylee Averhoff, Karlee Bullerman Achievement in Communication: Rylee Averhoff, Karlee Bullerman Lamp of Knowledge: Jack Hammell I Dare You Award: Karlee Bullerman State 4-H Youth Conference Trip: Adam Schmitt Champion Livestock Awards: Jack Hammell – Poultry Project Award, Dairy Cattle Project Award Jadrienne Langreck – Poultry Project Award Rylee Averhoff – Dairy Goat Project Award, Market Dairy Goat Project Award Karlee Bullerman – Meat Goat Project Award When Everyone Leads Award: Adam Schmitt, Jack Hammell, Isabella Koenig, Addison Bentley Club Officer AwardsClub officers serve as key leaders within their 4-H clubs, demonstrating integrity, dedication, and teamwork. Recipients for 2025 include: President: Jadrienne Langreck Vice President: Rylee Averhoff Secretaries: Kinsey White, Karlee Bullerman Herdsmanship AwardsRecognized for their hard work in the livestock barns at the 2025 Winneshiek County Fair: Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H Club Madison 4-H Club Community Service RecognitionThe Hesper Helpers 4-H Club was honored for their outstanding community service projects completed throughout Winneshiek County over the past year. Award of the CloverRecognizing club leaders for their years of service in five-year intervals: 35 Years: Steven Darrington, Donella Darrington 25 Years: Nancy Sacquitne 20 Years: Brenda Falck, Lisa Bullerman 5 Years: Regan McConnell, Tara McConnell 4-H'er for 4-H Campaign RecognitionClubs contributing $4 or more per member to the Iowa 4-H'er for 4-H Campaign: Decorah Chiefs 4-H Club Hesper Helpers 4-H Club Madison 4-Hers Turkey Valley Clovers 4-H Volunteer AwardsRecognizing members and families who have gone above and beyond in service to the 4-H program: Junior 4-H Member: Tessa Bril Intermediate 4-H Members: Taylor Hammell, Lydia Fankhauser Senior 4-H Member: Kinsey White 4-H Family Volunteer Award: The Fankhauser Family Meritorious Service AwardAwarded to Jeff Suess for his outstanding dedication and behind-the-scenes support of 4-H and FFA programs at the Winneshiek County Fair. Through his work with Tower Sound, Jeff ensures the fair's sound systems run smoothly for every event, greatly contributing to their success. Alumni AwardPresented to Brenda Falck for her decades of dedication to the Hesper Helpers 4-H Club. What began as supporting her daughter's 4-H journey has grown into more than 20 years of leadership and mentorship, including her ongoing role as Clover Kid leader. Honorary 4-H AwardAwarded to Amy Averhoff, whose creative energy and behind-the-scenes support have helped preserve club memories, maintain communication, and encourage youth involvement. Amy's contributions have made a lasting impact on her club and its members. Record Keeping AwardsClover Kid – Record Book Completion: Bo Schmitt, Hayden Schmitt, Walker Schmitt, Amara Schmitt, Audrey Hemesath Junior – First Year Record Keeping: Jared Schmitt Junior – Outstanding Achievement in Record Keeping: Isaac Hammell, Aiden Hemesath Intermediate – Outstanding Achievement in Record Keeping: Anya Volkmann (Reading Award), Emma McFarlane, Taylor Hammell (Dairy Cattle Pin, Rabbit Pin), Lydia Fankhauser (Reading Award), Harrison Schmitt, Charlotte DeLaRosa, Lucas Fankhauser Senior – Outstanding Achievement in Record Keeping: Jadrienne Langreck, Addison Bentley, Jack Hammell, Henry Schmitt, Rylee Averhoff (Veterinary Science, Photography, Home Improvement, Pet, Dairy Goat, and Meat Goat Pins), Adam Schmitt, Isabella Koenig,Karlee Bullerman Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.