New York 4-H Shooting Sports Recognizes Excellence

The 10th Annual New York 4-H Shooting Sports Program’s Banquet & Auction held on April 18, 2009 recognized 4-H program and industry leaders at the Roaring Brook Resort in Lake George.  The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Glenda and Dick Smullen of Speculator, New York for their dedicated leadership in the Archery, Living History, Muzzleloading and Coordinator disciplines, for serving as statewide key instructors and their leadership at the county level.

NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator Bill Schwerd stated: “Individually either Dick or Glenda could have received this award but together they are an unbeatable team!  As nationally certified instructors, in several disciplines, the Smullens travel across New York State and the Northeast conducting instructor workshops, while never losing sight of the youthful participants.  Each year they conduct archery workshops for camp counselors for 4-H and other organizations.”  Schwerd concluded: “We are proud to have Glenda and Dick Smullen as dedicated volunteers who continue to learn new skills and to share them across the generations.”

The Challenge of Excellence awards for New York State 4-H Shooting Sports volunteers, with approximately three years in the program, were presented to Hannah Brewster and Cathy Leininger of Albany County; Dave Felano of Saratoga County, Lynn Ann DeRose of Montgomery County and Howie Zink of Schenectady County.  This award is designed to recognize those who are getting started, letting each recipient know that their contributions are being recognized while encouraging our volunteers to continue their valuable work. 

The Challenge of Excellence awards for Cornell Cooperative Extension staff were presented to Eileen DePaula of Albany County, Holly Sakowich, of Jefferson County, Paul Webster of Genesee County and Anita Paley of Schenectady County.  Each has worked with their volunteers to make the program to become established or to grow.

Michelle Baker of Warren County Cornell Cooperative Extension received the 2009 Award of Excellence in the support staff category.  Working closely with 4-H Team Leader John Bowe of Warren County CCE, Michelle is an invaluable staff member.  Her knowledge of both youth and volunteers in Warren County, NY is enabling the program to reach new heights.

The Special Recognition award is presented to an individual or couple who are valued for their support of the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Program.  This year Lois and Ed Cerkowski of Rensselaer County were the recipients of this award.  New York State Coordinator Bill Schwerd stated:  “Ed and Lois are invaluable.  They work with Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and youth to further the ideals and values of shooting.  We are pleased to recognize them for all they do!”     

The 2009 Industry and Business Award was presented to “Talk of the Town” Auction House of Ballston Spa New York and its owners Beverly and John Stanislowsky, in the Regional New York Category.  The Stanislowsky’s have provided invaluable support to New York 4-H Shooting Sports Program by conducting our fundraising auctions, by enabling volunteers and staff to work with their clientele and in their dedicated commitment to enhance the program both locally and across the state.

The New York State Crossbow Hunters Association was the recipient of the 2009 Empire State Award which is presented to a New York company or organization that supports 4-H Shooting Sports and the world of the outdoors.  Bill Hilts, Senior accepted the award on behalf of the Association.  The group will be working to further the opportunities for youth to learn more about the historical and current crossbow applications in the New York program through a pilot program that will begin this summer.

Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA is the 2009 recipient of the Nationwide Industry Award.  MidwayUSA and the Potterfields, Brenda and her husband Larry, are staunch supporters of youth shooting and especially 4-H Shooting Sports.  Their catalog “Just About Everything” sums up their involvement in shooting and can be acquired through the MidwayUSA catalog.  New York State 4-H Shooting Sports is pleased to present this prestigious award to Brenda Potterfield. Midway USA is located in Columbia, Missouri.

The National 4-H Shooting Sports Award for 2009, as presented by the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Program, was given to Margaret Hornady of Hornaday Manufacturing, Grand Island Nebraska.  Mrs. Hornady served for many years on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and continues to host the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational.  Her devoted willingness to actively support programs across the country enables programs in states, like New York, to grow and serve more youth while training many more volunteer instructors.         

A Special Recognition award was also given to New York State Assemblyman Jim Tedisco for his outstanding and committed support to the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Program.  Mike Miller accepted this award on behalf of Assemblyman Tedisco.

 ~ Honor Rolls - 2009 ~

Individual Recognition

Business Supporters