Oneida County 4-H honors youth, volunteers and community partners

Oneida County 4-H and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Oneida County celebrated the outstanding contributions of youth, volunteers, sponsors, and county partners at its annual Welcome and Recognition Event held in October.

Gina Heck and Janet Jamison of the Rhinelander Community Foundation pose with 4-H members as they receive the Friend of 4-H Award during the 2025 Oneida County 4-H Welcome & Recognition event in October.
(Contributed photograph)

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to the Rhinelander Community Foundation for its generous support of Oneida County 4-H and the Youth Summer Theater Program.

“We are so grateful to the Rhinelander Community Foundation for their unwavering support of Oneida County 4-H and the Youth Summer Theater Program,” said Anne Williams, Oneida County 4-H educator. “Their generosity helps us create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, build confidence, and develop life skills. This partnership truly strengthens our entire community.”

Emily Ably was honored as the Oneida County 4-H Volunteer of the Year for her leadership in reviving the Junior Leaders group, which had not been offered in Oneida County for more than a decade, and for her creative contributions to the Youth Summer Theater Program.

“Emily did a phenomenal job leading the Junior Leaders group, which hadn’t been offered in Oneida County in more than a decade,” Williams said. “Her vision and dedication gave teens a chance to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and take an active role in helping their community.”

Several Oneida County 4-H volunteers were celebrated for their years of service: Lynn Feldman (31 years), Mary Puestow (29 years), Amy Engel (18 years), Casey Rustan (9 years), and Casey Mayo (4 years).

Richard and Candace Preu were honored with the “Heart of Hospitality” award for their generosity in having provided a home stay for two Missoula Children’s Theatre actor/directors for the Youth Summer Theater Program each year for the past three years.

Youth leaders who were recognized for their leadership roles within the Northwoods Explorers 4-H Club were Elise Williams (president), Evelyn Foat (vice president), Quinn Williams (secretary), Nolan Ory (treasurer), Shaylee Kohnhorst (reporter), Olivia Ory (reporter), Arlen Sauter (pledge leader), and Vienna Bornberg, Simon Ory, Lincoln Spicer, and Holly Thompson as club snack helpers.

Oneida County 4-H also recognized youth and adults who formed a new American Sign Language (ASL) Committee within 4-H this past year, which included 4-H members Nora Foat, Evelyn Foat, Lillian Jirik, and Quinn Williams, and 4-H adult volunteer leader Becky Foat, along with parent helper Jenna Jirik.

Oneida County 4-H also recognized youth leaders who represented Oneida County at state and national 4-H events. 4-H members Claire Ably and Quinn Williams attended Fall Forum, a leadership development event for older youth, and Simon Katzke and Quinn Williams attended Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama, an immersive STEM-focused program that inspires future explorers and innovators.

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