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Mahoney-Sutherland captures 2021 Spirit of 4-H Award
Putnam County 4-H families joined together Sunday afternoon at the Putnam County Fairgrounds to recognize volunteers and acknowledge the achievement and accomplishments of 4-H members.
The award is highest honor 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 2021 winner is Bree Mahoney-Sutherland 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, noting the Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991.
Typically there is one winner for this prestigious award. However, twice in the history of the honor no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two awards in the same year.
Mahoney-Sutherland, the daughter of Erin Mahoney and the late Rick Sutherland, is a 2021 South Putnam High School graduate. She is currently pursuing her post-high school education at DePauw University where her degree objective currently is leaning toward biology, though she has not completely decided.
When asked, what had the most significant influence for her accomplishments, Mahoney-Sutherland cited, “The greatest influence in my 4-H career was my mom and biggest motivator has been my sister Shea who previously won this award. While she continually encouraged and pushed me to do my best, I also had the strong desire to do better than her as well.”
In terms of her experience with the overall 4-H program, Mahoney-Sutherland said, “I have made many friends and memories along the way showing livestock and I will especially remember the excitement of winning the Supreme Showmanship contest. The experiences and skills I have learned will continue to benefit my future. I encourage all youth to get involved in 4-H.”
Bree’s mother stated, “This is a wonderful cap to having children in the 4-H program for 24 continuous years.”
Putnam County’s 4-H Youth Educator Mark Evans stated, “Bree will certainly be missed as she added to the presence of a group and would challenge others to do better in reflecting of the 4-H motto ‘To make the best, better.’ She has a compassion of helping others in wanting to see younger members succeed.”
Other awards during the afternoon program included Outstanding First Year 4-H for 2021, Sidney Hodgen, honored for being the most active in her first year.
Two Junior Leader awards were presented. Outstanding first year Junior Leader accolades went to Jori Beasley and the Top Notch Junior Leader recipient was Jacob Beadles.
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.