ALAMOSA – More than 250 members, parents, leaders and friends attended the annual San Luis Valley 4-H Achievement Night, held Friday, December 14 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Alamosa. The event recognized members, leaders and volunteers for their achievements and contributions to the 4-H program during the past year.

The Achievement Night event featured dinner, presentations and awards. The theme of this year’s event was The Old West. During the night, members were recognized for their years in 4-H as well as various achievements, including outstanding record books, horse level awards, and dinner ticket sales. Additionally, leaders were recognized for years of volunteer service. Special awards were given for outstanding leaders, members and friends of 4-H.

Dawn Sammons, of Alamosa, received an Outstanding Leader award for her eight years of service to the program. Sammons leads the Final Drive 4-H Club, and excels at making sure all youth feel included and supported.

Beverlee Keilman, of Del Norte, was also recognized as an Outstanding Leader. Keilman has served as a leader for 10 years. She leads the Sargent Community 4-H Club with energy and enthusiasm that inspires her members to succeed.

Haley Clark, of San Luis, won the Outstanding Member award. Clark, 16, has been a 4-Her for seven years. She serves as the regional leadership council reporter. She was recognized for supporting 4-H outreach efforts, and serving as a positive role model for other youth.

Kathy Black was recognized as the Outstanding Friend of 4-H for her ongoing support of 4-H clothing project members. Black’s business, Kathy’s Fabric Trunk of Del Norte, has provided generous support to the annual 4-H Fashion Revue for the past eight years. The Fashion Revue, held at the San Luis Valley Fair, promotes valuable life skills, and teaches youth poise and confidence. Black’s support of the event, and having her store as a community resource, helps keep sewing strong in the Valley.

4-H Achievement Night was organized by the District 8 4-H Council, a group of 4-H members that includes Nikki-Jo Albert, Kendra Yund, Blair Vanderpool, Amelie Pacheco and Savona Thomson of Rio Grande County, Dietrich Smith and Alyson Noga of Alamosa County, Haley Clark, Robert Clark, and Keaton Fischer of Costilla County, Jayceen Booth and Kelcey Martin of Conejos County, and Kristine Hoffner and Johnnie Torr of Saguache County. They received support from the San Luis Valley Area Extension Office and volunteer leaders from around the Valley.

Visit http://sanluisvalley.colostate.edu or call 719-852-7381. 4-H is a cooperative effort between Colorado State University Extension and Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties.