Marshall County 4-H members were recognized for their achievements, leadership, service and participation during the annual Marshall County 4-H Recognition Event this past weekend. Awards included honors for outstanding members and alumni, leadership, project accomplishments, club participation and years of service by volunteer leaders.
Friends of 4-H Awards were presented to Andrea Kilker and Dr. Aaron Micko of Health First Chiropractic in recognition of their dedication to the Marshall County 4-H program and its mission of “Making the Best Better.”
Ryan Patterson received the Outstanding Alumni Award, sponsored by the Marshall County 4-H Leaders Association. Patterson was an active 4-H member who earned project medals in 22 areas and top awards in special foods, judging, communications and horticulture. He was named Outstanding 4-Her in 1989 and continues to support the program as a parent, volunteer and leader. He helps prepare and take down equipment for Achievement Days and works with youth in the dog program alongside his wife.
Emily Effling received the 2026 Outstanding 4-Her Award for her continued growth and commitment to the program. In her application, Effling credited 4-H with helping her develop public speaking, meeting leadership, recordkeeping and goal-setting skills. Her recommendation letter praised her respect, kindness, willingness to help others and development as a confident young leader.
Maddie Biel of the Prairie Pasques club was recognized as a graduating 4-H member after nine years in the program.
The Lorne Tilberg Memorial Award was presented to Baylee Bender and Emily Effling. The award recognizes members who demonstrate qualities including courtesy, cooperation, citizenship, trustworthiness and responsible actions, along with participation in county communications and Junior Leader activities.
Kaylee Carlson and Lily Mundt received the Danforth “I Dare You!” Leadership Award, sponsored by Doug Card, editor and owner of The Marshall County Journal. First offered in 1941 by William H. Danforth, the award encourages young people to reach their potential and influence others through leadership and service.
The Bee Lady’s Choice Award went to Baylee Bender.
Several members received 2026 Accumulative Medals. Personal Development medals were awarded to Ruth Moeckly, Emmett Symens and Lily Mundt. Lily Mundt received the Agriculture medal, while the Consumer and Family Sciences medals went to Mundt and Baylee Bender.
Club leaders were also recognized for their years of service. Barn Buddies leader Tammy Bender received a three-year certificate. Hillbillie Hustlers leader Kari Feldhaus received a 16-year certificate, and Prairie Pasques leader JaNann Jones received a 24-year certificate. Hills & Valley leaders Kimberly Biel and Jameson Biel each received 12-year certificates, while Judy Guy received a 26-year certificate. Hill Country Muskrats leaders Calee Hagen and Amanda Nordquist each received four-year certificates. Junior Leaders advisers Tawna Patterson and Ryan Patterson each received a five-year certificate and pin.
YOUTH IN ACTION
Communications: Participants included Rhyker Bender, Skylar Bender, Baylee Bender, Emily Effling and Kaylee Biel. Grand champions were Rhyker Bender in beginner communications, Skylar Bender in junior communications and Oliver Moeckly in senior public presentations. Emily Effling was reserve champion in senior communications.
Special Foods: Gianna Nordquist was grand champion in the beginner division, and Olivia Effling was grand champion in the junior division.
Fashion Revue: In the beginner selected outfit division, Rhyker Bender was grand champion and Elise Biel was reserve champion. In the junior selected outfit division, Skylar Bender was grand champion and Jasmine Biel was reserve champion. In the senior selected outfit division, Ruth Moeckly was grand champion and Baylee Bender was reserve champion. Ruth Moeckly and Skylar Bender received recognition in the constructed outfit division. Other selected outfit participants included Elise Biel, Rhyker Bender, Aleece Patterson, Izabella Stiegelmeier, Jasmine Biel, Sophie Patterson and Kaylee Biel.
Other Youth in Action Participants: Marshall County 4-H members participated in a variety of Youth in Action events. Shooting Sports participants included Gage Beck, Tinley Beck, Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Colton Biel, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Maddie Biel, Treyton Biel, Rylan Carlson, Kaylee Carlson, Rylee Carlson, Paxtyn Cole, Olivia Effling, Briggs Hagen, Tripp Hagen, Lily Mundt, Ella Mundt, Jacey Melroe and Jaxen Melroe. Fashion Revue participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Elise Biel, Ruth Moeckly, Aleece Patterson and Sophie Patterson. Communications participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Emily Effling and Ruthie Moeckly. Consumer Decision Making/FCS participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Kaylee Biel, Jasmine Biel, Elise Biel, Emily Effling, Olivia Effling, Cheyenne Braaten, Kade Braaten and Aleece Patterson. Special Foods participants included Gianna Nordquist, Olivia Effling, Jaxen Melroe and Aleece Patterson. Rodeo participants included Rylan Carlson, Kaylee Carlson, Rylee Carlson, Lily Mundt and Ella Mundt.
State and National Recognition: Trey Biel was named to the 2026 National Compound Archery Team, and Baylee Bender was selected as a State 4-H Ambassador.
Consumer Decision Making Contest: Participants included Baylee Bender, Skylar Bender, Rhyker Bender, Emily Effling, Olivia Effling, Jacey Melroe, Cheyenne Braaten, Cade Braaten and Aleece Patterson.
PROJECT MEDALS:
Barn Buddies: Skylar Bender, Home Environment, Citizenship, Hobbies & Collections, Foods & Nutrition; Rylan Carlson, Beef, Aerospace & Rocketry; Jacey Melroe, Shooting Sports, Citizenship, Foods & Nutrition; Baylee Bender, Foods & Nutrition, Home Environment; Kaylee Carlson, Computer, Beef, Dog, Poultry; Emily Effling, Goats, Home Environment, Music & Dance; Olivia Effling, Dog, Music & Dance, First Aid; Ella Mundt, Hobbies & Collections, Home Environment, Horse, Rodeo, Shooting Sports, Visual Arts; Lily Mundt, Clothing, Photography.
Hills & Valley: Elise Biel, Visual Arts; Kaylee Biel, Horse.
Prairie Pasques: Ruth Moeckly, Community Service; Aleece Patterson, Foods & Nutrition.
Hill Country Muskrats: Hollis Cameron, Hobbies & Collections; Emma Ceroll, Sheep; Izabell Ceroll, Sheep; Tripp Hagen, Hobbies & Collections; Tru Hagen, Beef; Tuf Hagen, Beef; Gianna Nordquist, Foods & Nutrition.
4-H CloverBuds: Wyatt Hagen, Otto Ceroll, Claire Nordquist and Lucy Nordquist participated in Achievement Days.
