Alabama 4-H Achievement Winners Selected April 26 at 4-H Center

The Alabama 4-H Achievement Awards identify outstanding Alabama 4-H members who have excelled in their 4-H career. Applications are judged by a screening committee of Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals, 4-H volunteers, and appropriate industry representatives. Interviews for the awards were April 26 at the Alabama 4-H Center.

Amelia Spradley, an eight-year 4-H member in Pike County, won the Beef Production award sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Amelia has learned to fit her steers and heifers for showing and teaches younger exhibitors the tips that she has developed.

Ellen Rankins, a six-year 4-H member in Lee County, won the Equine Science award. She volunteers at Storybook Farm, a therapeutic riding center for children with autism. Rankins’ club helped to expand the library for these children.

Anna Leigh Peek, a six-year 4-H member in Limestone County, won the Poultry and Egg Science award sponsored by the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association. Her Chef 4-H demonstrations included the three different grades of eggs, how to safely prepare egg dishes, and she has competed in the National Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky.

Sawyer Spratlin, an eight-year member in Randolph County, won the Natural Resources award. He used his imagination and creativity to see the world through a different point of view. He has photographed, drawn, studied and observed wildlife and nature. This project has taught Sawyer to respect the environment and to work to share his skills with others.

Azeem Ahmed, a six-year member in Lee County, won the Community Service award for Senior Level II, ages 16-19. Azeem volunteers in the Auburn community and has coordinated service projects with the Red Cross, East Alabama Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the March of Dimes.

Aleem Ahmed, a six-year member in Lee County, won the Community Service for Senior Level I, ages 14-15. Aleem has learned decision-making and independent thinking in 4-H. Skills learned through 4-H helped him make phone calls, coordinate events, write E-mails and write a monthly column for the local newspaper.

Erin O’Mary, a four-year member in Marion County, won the Leadership and Citizenship award at Senior Level I. Erin leads by example, and has taught others to lead in their projects and events. She serves as the Marion County 4-H Ambassador Club treasurer and has coordinated travel for educational events.

Stephanie Stanford, a nine-year member in Clay County, won the Leadership and Citizenship award at Senior Level II. Currently she serves as student adviser to the State 4-H Council. Stephanie distributed no-sew blankets to nursing homes and collected can pull tops for the Ronald McDonald House.

Andrea Williamson, a three-year member in Morgan County, won the Performing and Creative Arts Project award sponsored by Rebecca and Ed Persons. Andrea’s interest in the arts, drama and especially music and dance, has provided her opportunities to serve others. She has worked with church groups and senior citizens and performed in a benefit talent show.

Front row (left to right) Azeem Ahmed, Lee County; Amelia Spradley, Pike County; Ellen Rankins, Lee County; Amber Henderson, Coffee County; and Dalta Garrett, Shelby County.

Back row (left to right) Aleem Ahmed, Lee County; Andrea Williamson, Morgan County; Anna Leigh Peek, Limestone County; Amanda Ellenburg, Marshall County; Stephanie Stanford, Clay County; Shellby Sands, Jackson County; and Sawyer Spratlin, Randolph County.

Others participants were Amber Henderson, Coffee County; Dalta Garrett, Shelby County; Amanda Ellenburg, Marshall County and Shellby Sands, Jackson County.

Achievement applications show the sesential elements of 4-H -- belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.

For more information about becoming a 4-H member or a 4-H leader,
contact your Alabama Cooperative Extension System office in your county. The 4-H motto is “To Make the Best Better.”

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