OKEECHOBEE -- 4-H volunteers were honored at the Okeechobee County 4-H Awards Banquet on Oct. 19 at the Downtown Venue. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Lake Okeechobee News]

Katrina Elsken

OKEECHOBEE -- The Rudy Suchel Spirit of Volunteerism Award is given by Okeechobee County 4-H in honor of one of the best volunteers the 4-H program was ever blessed with. It is given to 4-Hers who personify the giving spirit of Rudy. The 2024-2025 recipients are J.W. Bass, Hannah Verk, Ava Verk, Haylee Rae Pendry, Allie Love, Hannah Butler, Jacey King, Kathryn MontestDeOca, Blake McDonald and Aiden Watson (some not present) at the Oct. 19 awards banquet. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Lake Okeechobee News]

Katrina Elsken

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OKEECHOBEE -- Suzanna Rucks was honored at the Oct. 19 Okeechobee County 4-H Night of Excellence Awards Banquet with the Friend of 4-H Award.

The Friend of 4-H Award was established in 1989 to honor persons and organizations that have gone above and beyond to provide resources, time and expertise to the 4-Hers of Okeechobee County. It is considered the greatest honor 4-H bestows.

Members and volunteers who nominated Rucks for the awards stated:

• “She has been a part of the Okeechobee 4-H and horse community for a very long time and has spent a lot of time working with youth to improve their horsemanship skills and overall knowledge.”
• “She not only shared her knowledge in the horse program but also her knowledge and willingness to help with chickens. She never once turned down the opportunity to help or give, whether at a meeting, at her house or in the barn.’
• “She has impressed us with the many things she has done and the years she has spent helping without recognition.”

Other awards presented at the dinner included the Rudy Suchel Spirit of Volunteerism Award, given in memory of longtime volunteer Rudy Suchel. Special recognition also went to 4-H volunteers, including  a special awarded to Linda Syfrett  who has been a 4-H volunteer for 37 years.

For more photos of the event, go online to: More photos from Okeechobee County 4-H Awards Dinner | Lake Okeechobee News