Submitted by Wendy Waxman Kern

On Sunday night, the Lopez 4-H Club honored its youth members and adult volunteers. There was much to celebrate!

Among those who received special recognition were Betty Burt, who achieved Overall High Point across all divisions and Overall High Point amongst the livestock exhibitors at the San Juan County Fair. Danielle Arnott was also recognized for receiving Overall High Point among all age divisions in the Photography Department. Special mention was made of Hunter Buffum and Kate Combs, who graduated from the 4-H program at the end of the year.

Lopez 4-Hers participated in a number of projects throughout the year — like arts and crafts, photography, cooking and baking, goats, donkeys, horses, poultry, swine and sheep. In addition to certificates and pins, 4-H leaders also recognized their youth by giving them supplies to use in the upcoming year. 4-H volunteers were recognized as well, from first-year recipients Ariella Adams and Chela King to Larry Cochran, who has now completed 48 years of service to San Juan County 4-H.

There were door prizes; Kara Hatchel took home a gift basket, and Hailey King and Betty Burt won “WSU loves 4-H” hats. The evening wrapped up with games for the kids and plenty of dessert for all. 4-H is a positive youth development program that teaches life skills to children between the ages of 5 and 19.