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Head, heart, hands, health. That is what 4-H'ers strive to improve all year long through their 4-H projects and activities.

Each year, they are recognized for their hard work at the annual 4-H awards ceremony and each year it is the Blount County 4-H Honor Club's job to plan, organize, and deliver an awards program for all the 4-H'ers receiving awards in the county.

This year, the theme was, "4-H: Painting the Future," because the 4-H'ers of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. The evening began Nov. 16 with a reception hosted by 4-H Honor Club Party Committee Kristen Walker and Tara Austin. Then, President Jonathan Walker called the ceremony to order and pledges were led by Tiffany Bryant and Dylan Hill. A spectacular slide show was presented by Taylre Beaty followed by awards given to 4-H'ers and volunteers.

Special awards are given each year to recognize outstanding junior high and senior high members, volunteers, and supporters. This year's Outstanding Junior High 4-H Member was Taylre Beaty, a freshman at Maryville High School. Taylre's project is personal development and she says that "no matter how good you have been in the past, you must keep working to get better."

The Outstanding Senior High Member of the Year award was given to Morgan Beaty, a graduated senior of Maryville High School now attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Morgan's project is also personal development and she will represent Blount County at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta Nov. 27-30.

The 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year award went to Robyn Parker for her leadership with the Smoky Mountain Explorers and natural resource education programs she delivers. The Friend of 4-H Award goes to a local supporter of 4-H. This year's recipient was the Heritage High School Agriculture Department for their partnership with 4-H on the new livestock facilities that 4-H and FFA share behind Heritage High School.

The evening ended with President Walker reminding everyone to look around and see the future in the faces of the 4-H'ers and reminding them to stay involved in 4-H.

For more information on 4-H programs, please contact the Blount County 4-H office at 982-6430.