Dillon Sutherlin winner of 2020 Spirit of 4-H Award

Dillon Sutherlin (left) accepts the 2020 Spirit of 4-H Award from Jay Prewitt, representing the sponsor, Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes.

Courtesy photo

Putnam County 4-H families joined together virtually 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 2020 winner is Dillon Sutherlin 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.

Sutherlin, the son of Ron and Alana Sutherlin, is a 2020 Greencastle High School graduate and started his post high school education at the Lift Academy. His career plan is to become an airline pilot.

Asked what has had the most significant influence for his accomplishments, Sutherlin cited, “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 his experience with the overall 4-H program, Sutherlin said, “I have made many friends and memories at camp, Junior Leaders and especially showing livestock that I will always remember. The experiences and skills I have learned will continue to benefit my future. I encourage all youth to get involved in 4-H.”

Putnam County 4-H Youth Educator Mark Evans stated, “Dillon will certainly be missed as he helped significantly with 4-H Junior Leaders serving as co-president and engaged with mentoring younger 4-H’ers on many occasions. His positive attitude and smile were contagious with younger members. It was always very clear he was involved for the good of others and he was committed to completing a job while looking for the next task to complete.”

Other awards during the afternoon program included Outstanding First Year 4-H for 2020, Gabor Dickerson, honored for completing the most 4-H projects. 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.