Brice Vitosh and Lindsay Mendenhall were recognized as 2025 Outstanding Alumni. Vitosh, accepting the award from 4-H Council Youth Member Avery Beemer, has served as 4-H Archery Leader for three years. Mendenhall was recognized for her contributions to the 4-H Dog Program.
Nathan Vitosh is presented the Heart of 4-H Award by 4-H Council Youth Member Carter Kuenning. Vitosh and his wife Kelly were given the award for their nearly 20 years of work with 4-H.
Odessa Zadina and Carter Kuenning were named 2025 Outstanding 4-H Members. Both are ending their second terms on the 4-H Council.
Chase County 4-H celebrates year’s achievements
By Diane Stamm
Chase County Extension Office
Chase County 4-H members, families and alumni gather to celebrate the 2024-2025 4-H year Nov. 10 at the annual Achievement Night.
Awards started off with Heart of 4-H presented to Nathan and Kelly Vitosh. The couple has dedicated nearly 20 years to Chase County 4-H through their work with the Chase County Shooting Sports programs and the 4-H Council, among other 4-H involvement.
Outstanding Alumni awards went to Brice Vitosh and Lindsey Mendenhall.
B. Vitosh went from participating in Archery, Shotgun and Woodworking projects to becoming a three-year co-leader of the Archery program. Mendenhall also stayed busy in several 4-H areas before stepping up to lead the Dog program. Mendenhall deepened the knowledge of youth participants and their dogs and, with the help of her family, expanded program’s equipment.
Outgoing 4-H Council Members Odessa Zadina and Carter Kuenning were honored as this year’s Outstanding 4-H Members. Each has served two terms on the council while taking part in various 4-H projects.
This year’s Shooting Sports Sportsmanship Award went to Tell Ringleman. As a BB Gun participant, Ringleman has demonstrated responsibility, courtesy and safety during practices and competitions. The award is sponsored by Vickie Beard in memory of Jim and Jan Trupp.
The 2025 Bearnes Award, given for outstanding accomplishments in livestock evaluation, went to Hayden Fowler for her exceptional skill, dedication and achievement in livestock judging.
This year’s Herdsmanship winners went to the Sandoval family for Sheep, the Lechtenberg family for Goats, the Beemer family for Beef and Josey Wilson for Swine. Each 4-H livestock exhibitor was evaluated during the fair for their care of their livestock, pens and equipment. The Herdsmanship contest promotes safety and encourages members to keep their animals and surrounding areas clean and attractive at all times.
Also outgoing from the 4-H Council are Brandon Zadina and Becky Bernard, both six-year members.
Other 4-H Council members are Julie Sparrow, Kayla Sauder, Geoff Beemer, Chris Johnson, Brandi Dannatt, Gene Heather, Chance Thayer and Avery Beemer. Joining the council for the upcoming year are Kelly Kuenning and Cara Wilson, as well as youth members Maria Adle, Hayden Worth, Sawyer Sauder and Bennett Kuenning.
Achievement Application winners were announced with overall wins going to Charlee Spickelmier, Junior Agriculture; Emerson Beemer, Junior STEM; Cryder Thayer, Junior Healthy Living; Jackson Sauder, Junior Communications; Henley Worth, Junior Family and Consumer Science; Alex Nelson, Senior Agriculture; Sawyer Sauder, Senior STEM; and Maria Adle, Senior Communications and Expressive Arts.
Other recognition during the event was given to the 20 leaders and 12 volunteers who make a clubs and a wide range of programs available to possible for 4-H members.