The Annual 4-H Awards and Buyers Banquet was held on the evening of Aug. 9 at the 4 Seasons Pavilion in Bowman. During the banquet 4-H members are recognized for their hard work and commitment to their respective projects. Through 4-H, members develop skills of work ethic, responsibility and leadership that will last a lifetime.
The banquet is also to recognize the volunteers and supporters that donate their time, money and efforts to support the youth of Bowman County. The 4-H Alumni and Friend of 4-H award is awarded every year at the banquet to two individuals that have either been a member of 4-H or have been a supporter of the 4-H program; this year those recognized included Jim Fischer, as the 4-H Alumni recipient, and Debbie Mrnak, as the Friend of 4-H recipient.
4-H Alumni: Jim Fischer
Not only was Fischer a member of 4-H in Bowman County, he also supported the 4-H program as a member of the community. A resident of Rhame, his support at the livestock show had not gone unnoticed.
The purchasing of swine and steers speaks of his support for the 4-H program and has been appreciated by many. Fischer’s family accepted the Alumni award in his honor. He passed away in 2015.
Friend of 4-H: Debbie Mrnak
Always willing to lend a hand, the 4-H’s recipient of the Friend of 4-H award for 2016 was awarded to Debbie Mrnak.
Mrnak started out in 4-H in Perkins County as a child, showing at the Lemmon (S.D.) Achievement Days. She then went on to be a leader in Bowman County in 1991 of the new group, the 89’ers 4-H Club.
Mrnak raised two boys through all 10 years of their 4-H careers, showing Herefords and lambs, and who still continue to give back to 4-H.
She stayed on as the leader until the club dissolved in 2004.
