East Bethel--Several Orange County 4-H'ers had plenty to celebrate as they were recognized for their achievements this past year at the 2022 Orange County 4-H Achievement Celebration.

The afternoon event took place on Oct. 23 at the Middle Branch Grange in East Bethel. Samantha Flint, a 10-year 4-H member from Brookfield, was the master of ceremonies. She also received a community service award, which recognized her hard work in preparing the 4-H Ice Cream Booth for the Tunbridge World's Fair this year.

Twelve Orange County 4-H'ers received special recognition, based on evaluation of their project record books, overall achievements in a specific project area and success in meeting their personal 4-H goals for the year.

Participation certificates were awarded to recognize outstanding work in a project. Earning a certificate for their work in the 4-H dairy project were Dani Flint, South Royalton; Andrew and Sophia Fors and Amos and Arden Riesterer, all from Bethel; and Thomas Williams, Randolph Center.

Certificate of excellence recipients fulfilled the requirements for a certificate of participation but also did project work outside the club level. Earning this award for the dairy project were Amanda and Joey Ferris, Braintree; and Leah Rogers, Randolph.

In addition, Joey earned a medal for the working steer project. Medals are awarded to 4-H'ers who previously earned a certificate of excellence in their project area, were enrolled in that project for a minimum of two years and participated beyond the club level.

Four 4-H'ers received the highest recognition, that of the continued achievement award. This honor goes to 4-H'ers who previously received a medal and have continued to achieve in that project. Recipients were Amanda Ferris, Braintree (working steer); Samantha Flint, Brookfield (sewing); Austin Washburn, Bethel (dairy); and Elizabeth Waterman, Topsham (dairy).

The celebration also included a cupcake competition and a presentation by Joey Ferris, Braintree, and Dylan Slack, Bethel, on their experiences as delegates to the 2022 National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two awards were handed out in the cupcake competition with Leah Rogers, Randolph, winning for "Most Delicious Cupcake" and Elizabeth Waterman, Topsham, for "4-H Spirit." The latter award went to the 4-H-themed entry with the best use of green and white, the 4-H colors.

Leah and Elizabeth also were chosen to perform the candle lighting ceremony at the conclusion of the celebration along with Bethel 4-H'ers Andrew and Sophia Fors.

Every 4-H participant went home with a 4-H swag bag, courtesy of the Orange County 4-H Foundation. The gift was another way in which all the 4-H'ers were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments.

For more information about the 4-H program in Orange County, contact University of Vermont Extension 4-H educator Molly McFaun at (802) 476-2003, ext. 205, or molly.mcfaun@uvm.edu.