Jacob Beadles winner of 2022 Spirit of 4-H award

Putnam County 4-H families joined together Sunday afternoon at the Putnam County Fairgrounds to recognize volunteers and acknowledge the achievement and accomplishments of 4-H members. The highest award in the Putnam 4-H program is the Spirit of 4-H Award which is sponsored by Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes. The 2022 winner is Jacob Beadles who was presented with a framed certificate and a cash award by Jay Prewitt representing the sponsors.

Prewitt said, “We are proud to annually sponsor this top 4-H award honoring an outstanding Putnam 4-H career. The Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991.” Typically there is one winner for this prestigious award. However there has been twice in the history of the award that no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two awards in the same year.

Jacob Beadles, the son of Chad and Kim Beadles, is a 2022 South Putnam High School graduate. He is currently seeking his post high school education at Purdue University via the Pathway to Purdue program where his degree objective currently is leaning towards animal science, though he has not completely decided.

When asked, what had the most significant influence for his accomplishments, Beadles cited, “My family, whether it was showing in the arena with my brother, Aiden, or late night in the [sheep] barn with my parents and grandma as I would not have had the experience I did without their help. I also carried the tradition and legacy started by my Great Grandparents, William and Helen Hurst. They started the wheel a rolling and I have been so proud to keep their memory alive.”

In terms of his experience with the overall 4-H program, Beadles said, “It is much more than a program, rather a life experience of learning.” Beadles’ parents agreed with their statement, “4-H has been such an important part of Jacob’s life and this is such an honor as he ends his 10-year career.”

As his 4-H Lucky Clovers club leader, Mona Smith said, “Jacob is a delightful young man that was eager and ready to help any young 4-Her. Whether giving advice on a project, giving a demo about something pertaining to 4-H or helping them with our activity of the night. An honor well-earned throughout his 4-H career.”

Putnam County’s 4-H Youth Educator, Mark Evans stated, “Jake will certainly be missed as he added joy to any location with his enthusiasm and warmth of encouragement. He has a compassion of helping others in wanting to see younger members succeed which really came out in his sheep project area.”

Other awards during the afternoon program included Outstanding First Year 4-Her for 2022, Cora Beasley, honored for being the most active in her first year. Two Junior Leader awards were presented. Outstanding first year Junior Leader accolades went to Adelynn Moore and the Top-Notch Junior Leader recipient was Kelsey Moore. The awards are based annually on the “My Record of Achievement” forms submitted in early September by the 4-Hers. Extension Staff and 4-H Council Members review forms to determine the award winners.

Photo Caption: Pictured (L) is Jacob Beadles, the 2022 Spirit of 4-H Award winner, with Jay Prewitt (R) representing the sponsor, Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes (courtesy photo).