Dec. 3 -- GOSHEN -- Elkhart County's 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders were recognized on Nov. 7, at Grace Community Church in Goshen.

It is the 78th year of continuous sponsorship by the Elkhart County Farm Bureau, Inc., Interra Credit Union and Keystone Cooperative.

There were 215 4-H volunteers, family members, friends and supporters who gathered for the evening. The 4-H Adult Leader Recognition Banquet was organized to thank all community volunteers and partners for a successful 2024 program year.

The program for the evening was a presentation by Interim State 4-H Program Leader Tony Carrell. Several special awards were presented during the evening. Receiving Friend of 4-H Awards were Shelly Steury, Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Stephenson's of Elkhart and Greencroft Goshen. The awards are presented to those who have contributed to the Elkhart County 4-H program by leadership direction or program support.

The 4-H Emerald Cup recognizes the top three 4-H clubs for their outstanding work and community service in Elkhart County in 2024. The Emerald Award winners were Concord Lads & Lassies, Clever Clovers and Foundations-4-Life.

Adult leader awards are based on tenure and involvement in the many aspects of the 4-H program. The recipient of the Bronze Award (1-5 years of leadership) was Brandi Henderson. Heather Cash was awarded the Silver Award (6-11 years of leadership). The Gold Award (12 years or more of leadership) was presented to Cindy Evers. The Platinum Award was presented to Ken Metzler. The Spirit of 4-H Award is the highest award the Elkhart County 4-H Club Corporation organization can bestow upon someone. It is not something that is awarded on a yearly basis, but rather, when incredible dedication and passion for 4-H needs to be recognized, a statement from 4-H reads. This year the Spirit of 4-H Award was presented to Lori Stickel for her many years of outstanding work with the Elkhart County 4-H Dog Club.