Scholarships awarded at 4-H banquet

“Saddle UP for 4-H” was the theme for this year’s annual Van Wert County 4-H Banquet held April 2. Emceed by 4-H Council President, Jay Gamble and 4-H Program Coordinator Heather Gottke, the 4-H seniors were honored for active involvement with 4-H throughout their high school years and 4-H Volunteers were also recognized for their years of service.  Contributors to the Van Wert County 4-H Enrichment Fund were noted also.

A total of six scholarships were given through the 4-H Enrichment Fund.  Receiving 4-H Scholarships were: Katey Gamble, Kim Schnipke, Courtney Gehres, Caitlin Hancock, Tobin Joseph and Harrison Oechsle.

Katey Gamble — The daughter of T. Jay and Tonia Gamble, she is a 10-year member of 4-H. Her 4-H activities include: 4-H camp counselor, Junior Fair Board, 4-H ambassador, Interstate Exchange program and officer in her clubs. She is a senior at Van Wert High School and plans to attend Heidelberg University, double majoring in mathematics.

Kim Schnipke — The daughter of Alan and Vicki Schnipke, she is a senior at Delphos St. John’s High School. A nine-year member of the Pathfinders of Delphos, Kim was a 4-H camp counselor, a member of the Junior Fair board, a 4-H ambassador and was on the 4-H Endowment board. She plans to attend Wright State University and major in marketing.

Courtney Gehres — The daughter of Glenn and Chelle Gehres. She is a senior at Crestview and a 10-year member of the Harrison Jolly Booster 4-H Club. Courtney is on the 4-H Fashion Board and in CarTeens and has been a state fair qualifier many times. Courtney plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in history.

Caitlin Hancock — The daughter of Eric and Danielle Hancock, she is a senior at Crestview and is a 10-year member of the Ohio Challengers. She is active in the 4-H Fashion Board and CarTeens and has been officer in her club many times. Her plans are to attend Huntington or Indiana Wesleyan University.

Tobin Joseph — The son of Abbi Price, Tobin is a senior at Lincolnview and an eight-year 4-H member. He is active as a member of the Junior Fair Board, and was a 4-H camp counselor and 4-H ambassador. Tobin plans to attend OSU ATI and major in agronomy.

Harrison Oechsle — The son of Jim and Cheri Oechsle. He is a senior at Vantage Career Center/Van Wert High School. Harrison is a 10-year member of 4-H. He is active in the Udder Dairy 4-H Club, Junior Fair Board and Interstate Exchange Club. Harrison plans to attend Ohio State University ATI and major in agriculture business.

4-H CarTeen scholarships were given to Courtney Gehres and Caitlin Hancock

A multimedia presentation of the senior class, which included snapshots over their 4-H years and early childhood, was shown. Seth Baker, a former Van Wert County 4-Her, shared how 4-H influenced his life and how the 4-H Pledge: “I pledge my Head to Clearer Thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world,” led him to his career of community service. He encouraged the senior 4-Hers to look to their community in Van Wert County when choosing a career and giving back to the area that influenced their lives.

All 4-H Volunteers were honored. Those with 10 years of volunteering included Brenda DeLong, Phil Lape, Sara Lape and Rhonda McNall; 15 years — Irene Luersman, Jerry Luersman, Jacque Welch, and Vickie Wollenhaupt; 20 years — Nancy Johnson; 25 years — Jill McCoy; 35 years — Judy Wortman; 45 years and a special award from the State 4-H office — Carrie Jellison.

The banquet was held at The Van Wert Banquet Center. Committee members for the event were Vickie Wollenhaupt, Jill McCoy, Carrie Jellison, Brenda DeLong, Lionel Enyart, and Don Mosier. 4-H Endowment members are Robin Farris, Kendra Heffelfinger, Marilyn Jones, Dennis Miller, Sara Lape, Vickie Schnipke, Kim Schnipke, Ashley Knittle, and Rebecca Baker.

A big “thank you” was also given to Gold Clover donor: Central Mutual Insurance. Silver Clover donor:  P&R Home IV Service, Purmort Brothers Insurance. Bronze Clover donors: Van Wert County Hospital, Charles Mathews Family, Nancy Johnson, Dog Creek Wind Farm-an Iberdrola Renewables Project, Richard and Brenda Reaver, Van Wert Service Club, Ken and Marie Markward, Mercer Landmark, First Federal Savings and Loan, Marilyn Jones, Warren and Marilyn Reed, and The Marsh Foundation.

Also appreciated were the many other individuals who contributed to the Van Wert County 4-H Enrichment Fund.