Shown above are the 2025 Herdsman Award winners at the Chautauqua County Fair.

The backbone of 4-H programs is character. The four H’s stand for head, heart, hands, and health. The youth who take part in 4-H are expected to make their best better. Every year, 4-H gives herdsman awards to outstanding 4-H members. Barn superintendents at the fair nominate young people in their barn based on sportsmanship, kindness, communication skills, trustworthiness, initiative, responsibility and more.

The Most Improved 4-H’er Award is given each year in memory of Robert Spinler, a long-time supporter of Chautauqua County 4-H. This award, sponsored by Emerald Acres in Stockton, goes to the most improved 4-H member from last year to this year.

This year, the Most Improved 4-H’er Award went to Kristen Nickerson, of the Harmony Haystackers Club. Nickerson took on more leadership roles and responsibilities in her club, serving as secretary. She also juggled showing her animal and giving barn tours for children at the fair. Nickerson worked hard this year working with her steer to have an animal that would not get spooked at the fair and it was impressive to see an 11-year-old handle a 1,700-pound steer.

The Spirit of 4-H award is given each year in memory of Kris Tewinkle. Tewinkle was a 4-H member for 10 years and enjoyed the hog program, cooking, sewing, conservation activities and more. He was a member of the 4-H teen ambassador program and a 2004 graduate of Cornell University. Kris was commissioned as an officer in the Navy upon graduating. Kris was laid to rest in Clymer at the age of 23 with full military honors. He is fondly remembered as a role model, leader and friend. The spirit of 4-H award is given to a graduating high school senior in 4-H.

This year’s spirit of 4-H award went to Madilyn Reading. Reading was a junior committee member, teen ambassador, presenter on presentation days, and represented Chautauqua County at the State fair and being in the top 10. She went from being brand new not long ago to winning awards and becoming a grand champion showman.

The most outstanding 4-H junior superintendent award goes to someone who exemplifies 4-H values and has exceptional dedication for their project area. The award goes to an individual who is dedicated, cooperative, informed and motivated, while showing initiative and leadership in educating the public. This award is sponsored by the 4-H teen ambassadors. This year’s winner was Jaidyn Newhouse, who started 4-H as a cloverbud in elementary school. Newhouse has done many projects, with some going to the state fair. Newhouse has been a club officer and is the “go to” person in the barn and a founding member of the rebooted teen ambassadors’ program.

The best all around 4-H member award was given in memory of Kazan Mosher. Mosher was a long time 4-H member who loved people. She was very competitive; her favorite place to be in the ring was in the number one spot. She also loved to laugh and lived life to the fullest. Her award is sponsored by Mark Mosher of Harry Austin Milling. Everett LeBarron won this year’s best all-around 4-H member award. LeBarron is an 8-year 4-H member involved in several animal projects, including exhibition poultry, market poultry, rabbit and goat. LeBarron is a teen ambassador and junior member on the poultry committee that is always willing to help.

The mission of 4-H is to connect youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring contributing members of society. Learn more about a 4-H program near you by going to chautauqua.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth.