Tribal Mentoring Award at Annual 4-H Achievement Night

Submitted by Connie Gerow, 4-H Tribal Mentoring Coordinator

Salmon River Central School was the site for the annual 4-H Achievement Night that was held on Friday, November 9. Over 100 4-H members and their families attended this event that recognizes 4-H clubs and youth who have gone above and beyond the normal 4-H activities and events.

Prior to the awards ceremony, interested youth and leaders participated in a balsam “Wreath Making Workshop” presented by 4-H Program Assistant, Mrs. Diane Dumont. Upon completion of the wreath, a drawing was held where 4-H Leader Mrs. Brenda Fleury was selected the winner. Whereas many children and their families enjoyed an evening of swimming, others polished their basketball skills in the gym.

The Secondary Cafeteria was the location for the awards ceremony with Steve McDonald, Franklin County 4-H Community Educator, as the Master of Ceremonies. Selected 4-H youth led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge. Mr. McDonald noted that throughout the year, 4-H members were encouraged to participate in club, county and community events. Some of these events included presentations and demonstrations; participating at horse and dairy camp events, exhibiting their project animal or a finished craft, baked good, scrapbook or garden product at the Franklin County or the Great New York State Fair. In addition, club leaders were called upon to recognize their nominees who received special recognition for achievement, leadership, and most improved members.

Each year a special award is presented to a 4-H member who is recognized for their Caring, Commitment and Compassion – the “CCC Award.” Mikayla Francis, a mentor with the 4-H Mighty Shamrocks, an arm of the 4-H Tribal Mentoring program, was selected to receive this award for her dedication and work in the newly formed program. Unselfishly, Mikayla volunteered her time this past summer to assist the younger members with projects and games. In addition, Mikayla was instrumental with sharing her skills for re-creating the traditional Native American Dream Catcher at the County and State Fair. Mikayla is senior at Salmon River Central where she is active in volleyball and hockey. As noted, when one couples Mikayla’s work ethic with her kind and generous mannerisms, it creates a positive role model for other Native American youth. Mikayla is the daughter of Cecelia Francis and Barry Thomas of Frogtown Road, Akwesasne.

In addition, Quinton M. Wilson and Katrina Martin, mentors of the 4-H Mighty Shamrocks were honored for their Achievement and Leadership skills. Quinton and Katrina have been actively involved with the after school mentoring program, assisting students with improving their academic skills. Dominic Taylor and Dakota Ostroski, 4-H Mighty Shamrock Mentees, were selected respectively for Leadership and Most Improved.

The Junior 4-H’er of the Year award is presented to a youth age 8-12 that has been a 4-H member for two or more years and is very active in multiple areas in the 4-H program; helped with fundraisers, active in community service and who has attended and assisted with many 4-H activities. Austin Gokey, a member of the 4-H Bangor Rangers was the 2012 recipient. He is son of Steve and Marsha Gokey of Burke, New York.

A Senior 4-H’er of the Year award is presented to a youth age 13-18 that has shown leadership abilities, been active in multiple areas in the program, has participated in county and state fair, attended training events and clinics, helped with club and county programming, participated in area and regional public speaking events and has attended educational retreats and training in multiple areas. The 2012 Senior 4-H’er of the Year was presented to Rebecca Adams of the Bangor Silver Spurs 4-H Club. Ms. Adams has been a 4-H member since she was six years of age and currently is a senior at Malone Central School. Rebecca is the daughter of Patricia Wilmont.

Refreshments and many homemade snacks and treats supplied by 4-H families were enjoyed by all who attended. To learn more about 4-H in Franklin County or the 4-H Tribal Mentoring program, one may call the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Office at 483-7403; Connie Gerow at 518-358-4271 or Tsiehente Herne at 613-360-6388.