Beckman, Grosserode Earn Top 4-H Honors

The Antelope County 4-H Program celebrated it’s annual 4-H Achievement on Sunday, November 13 at the Neligh American Legion Club. 4-H’ers from the county were honored for their many accomplishments during the 2011 4-H year. The 1:00 p.m. pot-luck meal was enjoyed by those in attendance.

There were several highlights of the 4-H year announced throughout the afternoon. One was the naming of Grant Beckman, son of Scott and Deb Beckman of Elgin; and Brieann Grosserode, daughter of Linda Grosserode, Oakdale as the Outstanding 4-H members for the 2011 4-H year.

Grant has shown exceptional leadership skills during his 4-H career and is always willing to lend a hand to others. He is always seen around the fairgrounds helping move equipment, cleaning stalls, assisting in moving livestock, running errands or doing any extra work that needs to be done. Grant is always an active part of fair set-up and fair clean-up. He has shown well groomed and well cared for sheep and has won the senior showmanship in sheep two years in a row and was the 2010 Large Animal Round Robin Senior Showman winner. Grant exemplifies the qualities of good character that 4-H is all about. He is trustworthy, hard working, caring and giving. He is active in his school, church, community, and 4-H club. He uses his head for clearer thinking, his heart for greater loyalty, and his hands for service to contribute to his club, his community, his country and in turn a better world. Grant is a ten year 4-H member of the Way Out West 4-H Club.

Brieann has been president of Cedar Creek 4-H club for the past two years. She leads meetings with clear authority, but kind encouragement to younger members. Brieann has shown cattle for all 10 years of 4-H. She started showing a bucket calf at 8 years of age. She has cared for her cattle and learned how to groom and show beef in those 10 years. Brieann has received numerous ribbons and awards in photography, sewing, shooting sports, computer, foods, heritage, home environment, poultry as well as other project areas. She is probably most proud of her achievements in showing beef. She received champion bucket calf several years in a row and has placed in beef showmanship. She traveled to Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. to attend the Citizenship Washington Focus group. She has participated in so many different aspects of 4-H. She is always willing to assist younger members and be a positive role model. 4-H has been a very important part of Briann’s life and she has enriched those of us around her because of her active participation.

Another highlight of the evening was the naming of the Mark Hughes Memorial Award winners. This year’s winners were announced as Regan Dierks, Ewing; and Luke Henn, Elgin.

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