Oneida County 4-H honors youth and adults with recognition event

Oneida County 4-H and the University of Wisconsin-Extension Oneida County honored the achievements of local youth and adults during Oneida County 4-H’s Welcome and Recognition event, held Sunday, Oct. 27, in Rhinelander.

Oneida County 4-H presented the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Rhinelander with the “Friend of 4-H” Award for its support of the 4-H program through facility space, according to a press release announcing the honor.

“The church’s generosity in providing a safe, accessible, and centrally-located space in Rhinelander for 4-H club gatherings to be held at has enabled 4-H to expand our access and reach to 4-H families,” 4-H program educator Anne Williams said at the event.

Grace and Ethan Thompson and their children received the 4-H Family of the Year Award.
(Submitted photo)

Casey Mayo of Rhinelander was honored as Oneida County 4-H’s Volunteer of the Year. Mayo volunteered her time to help start a new 4-H community club, has helped the 4-H club in community service work, and currently serves as the adult mentor of the youth club treasurer. She received a 4-H recognition plaque and certificate for her volunteering efforts.

“I choose to volunteer to help the youth,” Mayo said at the recognition event. “They are our future.”

Also recognized at this special event were Grace and Ethan Thompson, along with their children Katie, Holly, June and Charles, of Rhinelander. The Thompson family received the Oneida County 4-H Family of the Year Award.

“The Thompsons have been very engaged in their 4-H club, especially in club community service work, and participated in nearly every 4-H program offered this past year,” Williams said.

Oneida County 4-H members Broden, Casen, and Shaylee Kohnhorst, Nolan and Olivia Ory, Arlen and Finley Sauter, and Noah Williams were all welcomed as new 4-H members who joined in 2023-2024. June Thompson was welcomed as a newly enrolled member in 2024-2025. Katie Thompson (secretary), Elise (treasurer), Quinn Williams (reporter), and Noelle Mayo (president) received awards for the 4-H club leadership roles they held in 2023-2024. Holly Thompson and Noah Williams were recognized for their help with snacks at club gatherings as well.

Oneida County 4-H volunteers who were recognized for their years of volunteer service were Lynn Feldman (30 years), Mary Puestow (28 years), Amy Engel (17 years), Casey Rustan (8 years), Casey Mayo (3 years), and Grace Thompson (2 years). 

Feldman was also honored for volunteering 30 years with 4-H and for her recent induction into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame.

Numerous other youth and adults were recognized for their participation in various 4-H activities and events throughout the past year, but were unable to attend the event.

Oneida County 4-H is free to join and can be done online at http://wi.4honline.com or by calling 715-365-2750. Visit https://oneida.extension.wisc.edu for more information.