Rocky Ridge 4-H Club Holds Annual Banquet and Achievement Night

Submitted by Natalie Bentz and Payton Troxell, Rocky Ridge 4-H Reports On November 6, 2016, the Rocky Ridge Progressive 4-H Club held their Annual 4-H Banquet and Achievement Night. Special quests, community members, and 4-H families were in attendance.  The night started off with appetizers, prepared by the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club’s cooking group. Payton Troxell delivered the Invocation, followed by a potluck meal prepared by the member’s families. Austin Ridenour, the Club’s 2016 vice president, gave the banquet welcome. Club Leader Brenda Seiss talked about how proud she was of every member and all the positive things they have done throughout the year. She thanked the families for their time and support. Jason Baust led the American Pledge, and Kelsey Troxell lead the 4-H Pledge. All had the pleasure of listening to Addison Eyler sing “Baltimore and Me.” Next, Nikita Miller introduced all the guests invited to the banquet and asked them to stand for recognition. Caroline Clark, FC Sheep Ambassador; Payton Troxell, FC Beef Ambassador; and Samantha Bentz, Royalty Ambassador, were in attendance. During the evening, several awards were presented to members in the Club. Club Record Book awards were given to Mckenzie Forrest (first-year member), Caroline Clark (junior member), Kallan Latham (intermediate member), and Nikita Miller (senior member). Club Demonstration Awards were given to Katie Glass (first-year member), Caroline Clark (junior member), Jake Kenney (intermediate member), and Brietta Latham (senior member). Members were also recognized for their achievements throughout the year. The Senior Award was received by Margo Sweeney; Intermediate Award to Payton Troxell; Junior Award to Madison Ohler; and Braydon Wetzel for first-year member. Special gifts were given to those Club members who participate in the specialty groups throughout the year. These groups were the Craft Group, led by Mrs. Dutton; the Cooking Group, led by Mrs. McAfee and Mrs. Bentz; and the Sewing Group, led by Mrs. Latham. These leaders give much of their time, providing learning experiences to our members. Ms. Brenda recognized the Club’s first-year members with medals: Braydon Wetzel, Katie Glass, McKenzie Forrest, and Kelsey Troxell. She also recognized our two outgoing senior members: Margo Sweeney and Wesley Brown. Scholarship awards were presented by Jim and Judy Miller to Olivia Dutton and Megan Millison. The Family of the Year Award was given to Jim and Judy Miller, along with their children, Konnor and Nikita. The Rocky Ridge Club presented three community organizations with monetary gifts for their help with the Club in 2016: Thurmont Guardian Hose Company, Thurmont Grange, and Thurmont Ambulance Company.  The Thurmont Grange presented their “Unsung Hero Award” to an individual who works hard and is always there for others: Kolton Wetzel. The 2016 Officers were recognized, and then welcomed the new 2017 Officers. Ms. Brenda and the new officers made a chain to show their trust in one another and the Club. Every 4-H member received a “boot bag,” with a personalized tag as their gift from the Club. The banquet ended with closing remarks from 2017 Secretary Breitta Latham.