(Juneau) Two area youths were recently recognized at a Dodge County Board meeting for their work in the 4-H program. Cameron Pokorny and Lindsay Propst are recipients of the 2021 Wisconsin 4-H Key Award. It is one of the highest recognitions a 4-H member can receive and honors a select group of participants annually.
Those who receive the award are ones who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
Pokorny, a senior at Waupun High School, is in his 12th year as a Dodge County 4-H member. He told the county board that he was diagnosed with a speech delay at a young age and his involvement in 4-H helped him overcome his struggles to communicate. Pokorny says the group has enabled him to go from a reluctant participant to an outstanding leader. He adds that he went from barely being able to speak in groups of three to speaking at the National 4-H Congress in front of an audience of over 750 people.
Propst, a freshman at UW-Madison, is in her 13th year with the organization. She says being a member of 4-H as had a profound impact on her life. Propst says when beginning her time with the group, she was a very shy and passive person. She says 4-H has forced her to step out of her comfort zone and helped her find her voice.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau has been sponsoring the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award Program for over 40 years, having started their support in 1974. Over the years, 4-H youth in every county have received special Key Award recognition. Both Pokorny and Propst received plaques to recognize their achievements.
