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Hinkle wins 2019 Spirit of 4-H
Putnam County 4-H families joined together recently 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 2019 winner is Eric Hinkle, who was presented with a framed certificate and a cash award by Robin Snider representing the sponsors.
“We are proud to annually sponsor this top 4-H award honoring an outstanding Putnam 4-H career,” Snider said. “The Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991.”
Typically there is one winner for this prestigious award. However there have been two occasions in the history of the award that no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two in the same year.
Hinkle, the son of Troy and Jody Hinkle, is a 2019 South Putnam graduate and is attending Columbia College in Chicago. His area of study is theater. His 4-H projects included rabbits, sheep and electric.
When asked, what had the most significant influence for his accomplishments, Hinkle cited his parents.
“The greatest influence of my 4-H career and biggest motivator has been my parents who continually encouraged and pushed me to do well,” he said.
In terms of his experience with the overall 4-H program, Hinkle said, “I have made many friends through the fair and 4-H Camp. The experiences and skills I have learned will continue to benefit me and I encourage kids to be in 4-H so they can have the same great experiences.”
The Putnam County 4-H Rabbit Club was Eric’s primary 4-H club.
“Eric’s positive attitude and big smile will certainly be missed in the rabbit barn,” Rabbit Club leader Dawn Overbay said. “His willingness to mentor the younger kids over the years has made a big impact in the barn.”
“Eric helped significantly with 4-H Junior Leaders, served as a camp counselor and junior camp director,” 4-H Youth Educator Mark Evans said. “His greatest talent was engaging with and welcoming younger 4-H members. His positive attitude and smile were contagious with younger members.”
Other awards during the afternoon program included Emmie Haddon for the 2019 First Year 4-H award winner, honored for completing the most 4-H projects. Top first-year Junior Leader awards were presented to Abbey Shoffner and Aiden Beadles, while the top overall Junior Leader was Gayle Baugh. 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.
Upcoming events
Nov. 12 – 4-H Orientation, Extension Office, 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 14 – Knives and Garnishes 101, Area 30 Career Center, noon, $5
Nov. 28-29 – Extension office closed, Thanksgiving Holiday