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Philisha Sanders wins 2018 Spirit of 4-H Award
Putnam County 4-H families joined together Sunday afternoon to recognize volunteers and acknowledge the achievement and accomplishments of 4-H members. The highest award in the local 4-H program is the Spirit of 4-H Award which is sponsored by Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes. The 2018 winner is Philisha Sanders who was presented with a framed certificate and a cash award by Jay Prewitt representing the sponsors.
“We are proud to annually sponsor this top 4-H award honoring an outstanding Putnam 4-H career,” Prewitt said. ”The Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991.”
Typically there is one winner for this prestigious award. However there has been twice in the history of the award that no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two awards in the same year.
Sanders, the daughter of Phillip and Michelle Sanders, is a 2018 home school graduate and plans to start at Ivy Tech in January 2019. Her area of study is still undecided.
Asked what had the most significant influence for her accomplishments, Sanders said, “The greatest influence in my 4-H career and biggest motivator has been my parents who continually encouraged and pushed me to do my best.”
In terms of her experience with the overall 4-H program, Sanders said, “I have made many friends both young and old that I will always cherish. The experiences and skills I have learned will continue to benefit me greatly. I encourage all youth to get involved in 4-H.”
Sanders wanted to pay tribute to 4-H volunteers.
“Karen Goff was my 4-H club leader during most of my 4-H career and I am eternally grateful for all she taught me. I also want to thank Kim Beadles and Mark Evans for their work with Junior Leaders while also being encouraging and supportive.”
Putnam County’s 4-H Youth Educator, Mark Evans said, “Philisha will certainly be missed as she helped significantly with 4-H Junior Leaders and engaged with mentoring younger 4-H’ers on many occasions. Her positive attitude and smile were contagious with younger members. It was always very clear she was involved for the good of others.”
Other awards during the afternoon program included Mikinley Cantonwine and Adelynn Moore for the 2018 First Year 4-H award winners, honored for completing the most 4-H projects. Top first year Junior Leader awards were presented to Adaline Smith and Justin Evans while the top overall Junior Leader was Hannah York. Congratulations to all of these 4-H’ers.
The awards are based annually on the “My Record of Achievement” forms submitted by the 4-H’ers. Extension Staff and 4-H Council members review forms to determine the award winners.
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