158 4‑H members, parents and leaders attended the 80th annual Dawson County 4‑H Achievement Barbecue held Sunday night, October 5, 2025, at the Ag Pavilion of the Dawson County Fairgrounds. Dawson County Cattlemen provided the beef which was prepared by Jolene Block of the Around the Block Catering. The Dawson County 4‑H Foundation provided the trimmings for the annual event. The Pony Express Association served the group in their usual efficient manner.
Vickie Unterseher, 4-H Café Superintendent, was thanked for the work she and her volunteers did to provide food during the fair and other events. She thanked the 4-H’ers and their families who worked in the Café. Vickie chose Al Martin as the winner of a raffle conducted to pay for a soft serve ice cream machine for the Café. Martin will receive a handmade denim quilt.
Many youth from across the southern part of the KCNI/KBBN listening area were recognized, winning awards in leadership, project excellence, time in 4-H, and other areas.
In the 4‑H Dawson County Council election, Paige McConville and Jake Wolfinger of Lexington decided to stay on the council for a second three‑year term. Paul Peterson of Gothenburg will join the council for a three-year term and Shannon Peterson of Gothenburg was recognized for her time on the council. Sophia Burns of Cozad and Taylor Kramer of Elm Creek will serve a second one-year term. Bristol McConville of Lexington, Matthew Rhoades of Cozad, and Paige Walahoski of Overton will serve on the 4-H Council as youth representatives for a one-year term.
Youth Award Winners:
Winners of the “I Dare You” Leadership Award were Carson Reiman (C) and Maggie Duryea (L). The Outstanding 4‑H Member Service Award sponsored by Nebraska Farm Bureau was presented to Greta Rickertsen (L).
Medals for excellence in several project areas were awarded to Dallee Barnes (G) – Dairy and Horse; Keaton Bebensee (G) – Sheep; Maggie Duryea (L) – Shooting Sports; Addison Howerter (C) – Goats; Hailey Jensen (C) – Dogs; Taylor Kramer (EC) – Electricity; Meagan Lassen (O) – Wildlife; Trina Pearson (B) – Beef; Brooklyn Reiman (C) – Photography & Plant Science; Carson Reiman (C) – Gardening & Horticulture and Public Speaking; Lorelai Rickertsen (L) – Clothing & Textiles; Mollie Spradlin (C) – Cats; Wesley Thompson (L) – Aerospace & Wood Science; Paige Walahoski (O) – Food & Nutrition and Swine; and Jaelin Wolfinger (L) – Home Environment.
Winners of the Jack Reed Memorial Judging trophy were Paige Walahoski (O), Top Senior Meats Judge; Bristol McConville (L), Top Junior Meats Judge; Paige Walahoski (O), Top Senior Livestock Judge; and Bristol McConville (O), Top Junior Livestock Judge.
Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Pins and Certificates were presented to Barrett Hunke (L), Claire Hunke (L), Bristol McConville (L), Riggs McConville (L), and Taylor Kramer (EC).
Parker Caraway (L), Claire Hunke (L), Harlow Rickertsen (L) and Brett Terrell (G) received the 4‑H Good Start Awards. Barrett Hunke (L), Kamrynn Rhoades (C), Alex Rickertsen (L) and Clay Terrell (G) received the 4‑H Great Job Awards.
State 4‑H Camp/Conference Trip winners were Hailey Jensen (C), Taylor Kramer (EC), Meagan Lassen (O), Karsyn Nichols (ED) and Brooklyn Reiman (C).
National 4-H Congress $25 cash awards sponsored by Dawson County Farm Bureau were awarded to: Bristol McConville (L); Abby Negley (G); Brooklyn Reiman (C); and Matthew Rhoades (C).
National 4-H Congress nominees included: Greta Rickertsen (L); Maya Soria (K); Grant Wahlgren (G); and Paige Walahoski (O).
National 4-H Conference nominees who received Achievement Application medals were: Taylor Kramer (EC); Abby Negley (G); Matthew Rhoades (C); Brooklyn Reiman (C); Greta Rickertsen (L); Maya Soria (K); and Paige Walahoski (O).
Three, five and 10 year 4‑H members were recognized. Twenty-four (24) 4-H members received their 3‑year pins, and 14 members received their 5‑year pins. Earning 10‑year pins were: Jenna Anderson (G), Lyndsay Anderson (G), Kylee Kubert (JL), Abby Negley (G), Aleigha Negley (G), Brooklyn Reiman (C), Carson Reiman (C), Josiah Rhea (L), Anabella Tufford (L) and Grant Wahlgren (G).
There were no leaders recognized this year because they were on even years of service.
City Codes
B = Brady
C = Cozad
EC = Elm Creek
ED = Eddyville
G = Gothenburg
JL = Johnson Lake
K= Kearney
L = Lexington
O = Overton
S = Sumner
