The 2025 Box Butte County 4-H Achievement Celebration was held on November 2, 2025, at the fairgrounds in Hemingford, Nebraska. The event kicked off with Melissa Mracek, 4-H Educator, expressing appreciation to the 4-H Council, superintendents, and volunteers, noting that the program’s success wouldn’t be possible without their time, dedication, and hard work.
The awards program began with the Clover Kids being introduced and recognized, each receiving a certificate. Jo Intermill, Taos Votruba, and Brayden Mracek were in attendance and received their certificates. The Clover Kids, ages 5–7, are the future of our 4-H program and a vital part of its continued growth.
Next, 10-year members were asked to stand and be recognized for their long-term commitment to 4-H. Those honored included Trey Carter, Ayla Foster, Eden Foster, Ty Horstman, Ryggin Meyer, Talon Payne, Makenna Quick, Josie Sanders, Railey Wills, and Rozlyn Wills.
Our 4-H volunteers, who do an outstanding job of “Making the Best Better” each and every day, were also celebrated for their time and dedication to the program. This year’s honorees included Jaci Haas, 1st-year volunteer; Cassidy Harwood and Ali Kaman, 5-year volunteers; and Kristy Bolek, recognized for 15 years of volunteer service.
4-H Achievement Applications play an important role in recognizing youth accomplishments within the 4-H program. These applications allow members to be considered for awards, scholarships, and national conference opportunities. This year, one application was submitted by Rozlyn Wills, who was recognized with a beef pin for her outstanding work.
During the Box Butte County Fair, each member is encouraged to demonstrate good herdsmanship. The goal of herdsmanship is to present well-groomed animals in a clean and welcoming environment for fair visitors. Twice a day during fair week, volunteer community members judge and score each area, with totals determining the overall winners for each animal species.
A special thank-you goes out to the Herdsmanship Award Sponsors for providing cash awards to this year’s winners. Little Red Barn sponsors included John & Debbie Thomas, SC Party Productions – Bryan Sherlock, and the John Annen Family. Large Animal Barn sponsors included Antioch Machine, Alliance Animal Clinic, Chester Ranch – Dustin Chester, and Ackerman Ag.
Congratulations to this year’s Herdsmanship winners:
Beef Herdsman: Alex Ackerman
Sheep Herdsman: Brextyn Bolek
Swine Herdsman: Anthony Haas
Goat Herdsman: Breyer McCabe
Overall Large Animal Herdsman: Ainslee Woltman
Poultry Herdsman: Emily Johnston
Rabbit Herdsman: Ayla Foster
Overall Little Red Barn Herdsman: Eden Foster
The All-Around Awards recognize 4-H members who actively participate in a variety of activities within their project areas. Points are awarded for events, projects, and workshops completed throughout the 4-H year. Winners receive a $30 cash award, generously sponsored by Sandhills State Bank.
This year’s Large Animal All-Around Award was presented to Gavin Bell.
Each year, we recognize an outstanding adult who goes above and beyond in their service to the 4-H program. This year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Lloyd Votruba.
“Lloyd is the reason the Bit and Boot Arena came to fruition. He researched the ideal dimensions, drew up detailed plans, and prepared cost estimates. Lloyd worked tirelessly to secure the best deals from local suppliers and spent countless hours using his own equipment to do dirt work, mowing, and many other tasks. His dedication and hard work truly made the project what it is today—an investment that will serve our youth and community for years to come.”
The Junior Leaders presented the Heart of 4-H Award to Mike Manion. Mike has devoted countless hours to volunteering, improving the Box Butte County Fairgrounds, and serving on the Fair Board. His time, talent, and dedication are deeply appreciated by the youth, and the entire 4-H community.
William H. Danforth established this a national Youth Leadership award to honor juniors and seniors who demonstrate high personal integrity, lead well-rounded lives, and show a strong willingness to take on responsibility. This year the award was presented to Katrina Karell. She exemplifies leadership qualities through her positive attitude, diverse project involvement, and commitment to learning. She has contributed great ideas as a youth council member and her expertise in static and small animal projects is second to none. Katrina’s eagerness to learn and participate in large animal projects that are new to her truly reflects the 4-H spirit. Most notably, her enthusiasm for celebrating the successes of other members showcases her servant leadership and dedication to the entire program’s success—not just her own.
The last award presented was the Outstanding 4-H member given to Ainslee Woltman. This award recognizes youth who demonstrate strong leadership skills, active community involvement, and dedicated participation in 4-H projects. Ainslee embodies the entire 4-H pledge: she utilizes her head as she learns new information about her projects and challenges herself to take on more producer roles. Her heart shines when she willingly asks if anyone needs extra help. She uses her hands to serve others as a junior superintendent and is always ready to assist, even if it means helping to film the dog show. She demonstrates health by striving to balance her involvement in 4-H with her school activities. She works hard in all her projects and continues to grow her skills through livestock judging and Junior Leaders.”
4-H families and members had the opportunity to cast their votes to elect new members of our 4-H Council. Before announcing the newly elected council members, recognition was given to the retiring 4-H Council members for their dedicated service. Chad Bell, Katina Karell, Roz Wills, and Gavin Bell were thanked for their commitment and contributions during their terms.
As the evening concluded, the results of the election were announced. Congratulations to Lacy Willey who was elected for her second term and Wyatt Walker, who will now serve on the 4-H Council for a three-year term.
