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PC 4-H recognizes members, volunteers at annual banquet
Staff Report
Posey County 4-H celebrated another year of accomplishments during its annual Achievement Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 27, recognizing members for their success at the county and state fairs while honoring the volunteers and club leaders who support the program.
Lyla DeShields received the Overall Sweepstakes Award after also winning the Advanced Division. She exhibited 12 static projects at the Posey County 4-H Fair, earning eight Grand Champion awards, two Champion awards, one Reserve Champion award and a blue ribbon. She also exhibited 14 projects at the Indiana State Fair.
Elaina Russler earned the Intermediate Division Sweepstakes Award after exhibiting nine projects, while Lydia Thompson received the Beginner Division award for her 10 exhibits. DeShields also received the Best Secretary’s Book Award as a member of the Hoosier Boosters.
Julia Commens was presented with the Timmy Lee Schmidt Award, which recognizes an outstanding 4-H member. Commens was honored for her leadership, willingness to mentor younger members and dedication to the program, particularly her involvement with dairy cattle.
Russell Roehr of the Rousing Rookies received the Ned O. Williams Outstanding Club Leader Award for his longtime service and commitment to helping young members succeed. Roehr was also recognized for completing 33 years as a club leader, while Chris Mulkey received recognition for 49 years of service.
Isaac and Celeste Eisterhold were honored with the Volunteer Service Award for their extensive contributions to the program, particularly their work organizing and coordinating the annual 4-H Livestock Auction.
The Rousing Rookies were named Club of the Year, while both the Rousing Rookies and Hoosier Boosters earned Honor Club recognition for their participation, community service and club activities.
Several members received recognition for their achievements at the 2026 Indiana State Fair. Allaina Allyn exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Montadale market lamb, while Walker Eisterhold showed the champion Yorkshire barrow in the Grand Drive.
Abby Head earned the Indiana State 4-H Leader’s Choice Award for her Clover Checkers arts and crafts project, which was selected for display at Purdue University’s State 4-H office.
State Fair Merit Awards went to Tyson Boerner, Jolen Burkett, River Cole, Rhett Cremeens, Lyla DeShields, Audrey Fisher, Cameron Fisher, Hannah Lashley, Calvin Millay, Maggie Moore, Breanna Nellis and Madalyn Nightingale.
Scholarship recipients included Audrey Fisher, who received the Indiana 4-H Foundation Accomplishments Scholarship and a Junior Leaders scholarship. Zoey Gray and Aubrey May received 4-H Council senior scholarships, while Ciara Schenk and Katelyn Seibert also earned Junior Leaders scholarships.
Schenk was additionally recognized as the Farm Bureau Legacy and Overall Achievement Award winner, while Kenzie Seibert of the Hoosier Boosters was honored for creating the winning Posey County 4-H T-shirt design.
Other recognitions included animal penmanship awards, electric project awards and honors for forestry and soil and water projects. Sawyer Woods and Tucker Eisterhold received special recognition for advancing to the Indiana State Fair tractor competition.
The banquet also featured the Celebration of Champions awards, recognizing achievements in livestock and exhibit-building projects, along with the contributions of Junior Leaders, project superintendents, 4-H Council members and additional adult volunteers.
The Posey County Co-Op sponsored the evening’s meal, which was prepared by St. Philip Inn.
