{"id":25240,"date":"2025-12-11T16:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T00:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/?page_id=25240"},"modified":"2026-02-02T14:09:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T22:09:30","slug":"4-h-focus-december-january-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/yakima\/4-h\/news-events\/4-h-focus-december-january-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"4-H Focus – December 2025 \/ January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
\n\t<\/div>\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

4-H Focus<\/h1>\t\t\t\t
Yakima County’s Monthly 4-H News and Updates<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n
\n
\""<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n
\r\n \n\n

Newsletter Menu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Club & Program Opportunities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteer Updates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teen Opportunities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fair & Livestock News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equine News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

News You Can Use<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4-H Links and Important Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tFull Yakima County 4-H Event Calendar\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack to 4-H Monthly Newsletter and Calendar\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n


<\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
\r\n\t\n\n

All Upcoming Events<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tMore Yakima 4-H Events\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack to 4-H Monthly Newsletter and Calendar\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
\""<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
\""<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
\r\n\t\n\n

WSU Yakima County Extension Office – Holiday Schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to the holidays our office will be closed multiple times this month. We kindly request that youth members and families please call prior to your arrival to ensure that staff and faculty are present on site to be able to assist you. Please reference our holiday schedule below to note of the dates we will be closed this holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date<\/th>Office Hours<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Thursday, December 18th<\/td>Closed from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm<\/td><\/tr>
Wednesday, December 24th<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday, December 25th<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr>
Friday, December 26th<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday, January 1st<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr>
Monday, January 19th<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Club, Volunteer, & Program News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Opportunities for 4-H clubs, activity highlights, program updates, and volunteer needs<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n

Yakima County 4-H Invitation to Mealtime Manners Event in Kittitas County<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dear Yakima 4-H Families,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever wondered which fork to use during a three-course meal? Or how to order with confidence? Join us for Kittitas County 4-H Mealtime Manners<\/strong>, a fun and educational event for youth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT:<\/strong> Learn dining etiquette, ordering tips, and proper mealtime manners
WHO:<\/strong> Youth ages 5\u201319
WHEN:<\/strong> Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 3:00\u20135:00 p.m.
WHERE:<\/strong> Kittitas Valley Event Center \u2013 Armory Hall
COST:<\/strong> $5 for 4-H youth | $10 for others<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Reserve your spot by January 23<\/strong>: RSVP for Mealtime Manners in Kittitas County <\/a>
\u2705 Volunteer with us: Sign up to be a helper!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions? Contact Kittitas County 4-H<\/strong> at 509-962-7507<\/a> or amy.alder@wsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look forward to seeing you there!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
\""<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
\r\n\t\n\n

Tractor Supply Winter Paper Clover Campaign On Now!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4\u2011H to prepare youth to be ready for work and life. The success of the Paper Clover campaign has raised more than $24 million to impact local youth with the technical skills and life skills that prepare them for whatever comes their way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4\u2011H youth for 4-H camp and leadership activities. 90 percent of donations directly support 4\u2011H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4\u2011H nationally. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 80,000 students by providing them with hands-on learning experiences through projects in STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Winter Paper Clover Campaign runs November 28th<\/strong> through December 14th<\/strong>, both in-store and online at Tractor Supply\u2019s website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n

Decorate While Giving Back This Holiday Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bring warmth, cheer, and the spirit of giving into your home with Mickman Holiday Wreaths. When you order a wreath, spray, or other evergreen item from 4Hwreaths.com<\/a>, you’re not just decorating, you’re supporting 4\u2011H youth across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now through December 31st, 15% of every purchase made through the dedicated webpage will directly benefit 4\u2011H<\/strong>. Each wreath and spray also comes adorned with a special 4\u2011H Beyond Ready embossed sticker, adding an extra touch of pride to your holiday d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spread joy, share the season, and make an impact for your home, for friends, and for 4\u2011H.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tPurchase Wreaths\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
\r\n\t\n\n

Celebrate Computer Science Week with New AI Activities!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Computer Science Education Week is December 8th \u2013 14th<\/strong>, and we’re thrilled to highlight our brand\u2011new Google x CLOVER by 4\u2011H AI activities<\/strong>: free and ready\u2011to\u2011use learning experiences that help youth understand how artificial intelligence works and how it shapes their world.

These activities introduce the building blocks of AI through hands\u2011on learning that fits any classroom, after\u2011school program, or club setting. Whether you’re looking to kick off Computer Science Week with something fresh or planning ahead for the 2026 program year, these activities are a perfect way to ignite tech\u2011driven curiosity in your learners.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tExplore Curriculum\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n

4-H Spotlight: 78th Annual 4-H Recognition & Awards Dinner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To honor all of our club members & volunteers hard work over the year, the WSU Extension Office held the 78th Annual 4-H Celebration and Awards Dinner on Sunday, November 2nd<\/strong>. This event was located in the Fruitvale Grange where they accommodated our party with a spacious set up, friendly service, and a delicious dinner. We are so grateful for our friends from the Grange! We were thrilled to see so many wonderful 4-H families and fellow friends of 4-H who attended the event in support of our program. As a final hoo-rah we would like to formally recognize our award winners for the 2024-2025 4-H year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 Yakima County 4-H Award Recipients<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Award<\/th>Recipient<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Yakima County Leader of the Year<\/td>Netta Haller<\/td><\/tr>
Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year<\/td>Andrew Sheehan<\/td><\/tr>
Outstanding First Year Club Award<\/td>Little Twine Climbers 4-H Club<\/td><\/tr>
Inez Walter Perpetual Traveling Trophy<\/td>Sagebrush Riders 4-H Club<\/td><\/tr>
Lew Evans Memorial Trophy – 1st Place<\/td>Naches Valley 4-H Club<\/td><\/tr>
Toppenish Rotary Trophy – Agriculture<\/td>Green Valley 4-H Club<\/td><\/tr>
Toppenish Rotary Trophy – Family Living<\/td>Naches Valley 4-H Club<\/td><\/tr>
Dennis West Memorial – Livestock Judging (Senior)<\/td>Elise Golladay<\/td><\/tr>
Dennis West Memorial – Livestock Judging (Intermediate)<\/td>Wyatt Blanchard, Grace Morales<\/td><\/tr>
Dennis West Memorial – Livestock Judging (Junior)<\/td>Josie Hansen<\/td><\/tr>
Dennis West Memorial – Horse Judging (Senior)<\/td>Jake Beaudry<\/td><\/tr>
Dennis West Memorial – Horse Judging (Intermediate)<\/td>Abigail Jevne<\/td><\/tr>
Yakima County – Dairy Judging (Senior)<\/td>Claire Sheehan<\/td><\/tr>
Yakima County – Dairy Judging (Intermediate)<\/td>Annelise Sheehan<\/td><\/tr>
Yakima County – Dairy Judging (Junior)<\/td>Molly Oliver<\/td><\/tr>
Clover Leaf Award – 5 Years<\/td>Jamie Hanson, Stephanie Ketcham, Jason Sheehan, Karen Sheehan<\/td><\/tr>
Clover Leaf Award – 10 Years<\/td>Andrea Grooters, Marcie O’Neal<\/td><\/tr>
Clover Leaf Award – 15 Years<\/td>Jennifer Jones<\/td><\/tr>
Clover Leaf Award – 20 Years<\/td>Sheryl Duim<\/td><\/tr>
Newly Elected Honorary Leaders<\/td>Becky Johnson, Ilene Bushnell<\/td><\/tr>
Give Pulse Impact Award<\/td>Bill Snyder<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
County level award recipients. The Inez Walter Perpetual Traveling Trophy is a awarded to a horse club demonstrating outstanding community service work. The Lew Evans Memorial Trophy is awarded to a club for high quality community service projects that develop harmony and goodwill within the club and the community they serve.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Central Washington State Fair Public Presentation Trophies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Award<\/th>Recipient<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Senior 1st Place<\/td>Lillian Miles<\/td><\/tr>
Senior 2nd Place (Tie)<\/td>Lucy Mullinnex<\/td><\/tr>
Senior 2nd Place (Tie)<\/td>Addison Blanchard<\/td><\/tr>
Intermediate 1st Place<\/td>Elijah Mullinnex<\/td><\/tr>
Intermediate 2nd Place (Tie)<\/td>Paisley Snyder<\/td><\/tr>
Intermediate 2nd Place (Tie)<\/td>Addelyn Wagner<\/td><\/tr>
Junior 1st Place<\/td>Parker Brown<\/td><\/tr>
Junior 2nd Place<\/td>Svea Brown<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Central Washington State Fair Public Presentation trophy recipients.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
\r\n\t\n\n

Maravell Gonsioroski Memorial Scholarship<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Washington State Junior Horse Show & Yakima County 4-H are proud to announce the first ever award winners of the Maravell Gonsioroski Scholarship to Brandon Gossett & Delilah Haller. These two youth members were active Washington State 4-H members that have participated in the Washington State Junior Horse Show. This $1,000 scholarship is in recognition of Maravell Gonsioroski and the many long hours she spent in service to 4-H. This scholarship requires a separate application be submitted to Yakima County 4-H. Congratulations to our scholarship winners! We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information on how to apply, please visit the Maravell Gonsiorski Scholarship <\/a>page.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n

State & National Events<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Washington State 4-H Fair – Puyallup<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Award<\/th>Recipient<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Equine<\/td>Jake Beaudry (Senior Performance\/Dressage)<\/td><\/tr>
Livestock Judging (Senior)<\/td>Peyton VanVleck<\/td><\/tr>
Livestock Judging (Intermediate)<\/td>Grace Morales, Emmaline Gray<\/td><\/tr>
Public Presentation (Senior)<\/td>Andrew Sheehan<\/td><\/tr>
Public Presentation (Intermediate)<\/td>Annelise Sheehan<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Washington State 4-H Fair award recipients<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
State Livestock Judging Participants<\/h5>\n\n\n
\r\n \n
\r\n\t\n\n
Seniors<\/h5>\n\n\n\n