Daniel Broker of Rice Lake, a member of the Doyle Juniors 4-H Club, Summer Hammann of Barron, a member of the Poskin Jets 4-H Club and Charlotte Odden of Barronett, a member of Section Ten 4-H Club, have been selected as Barron County's Wisconsin 4-H Key Award winners for this year.
The prestigious Key Award, one of the highest recognitions a 4-H member can receive, honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are ones who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
According to Sara Waldron, Barron County 4-H program educator, this year’s winners exemplify the goals and values of the Wisconsin 4-H Program and Barron County 4-H.
Daniel Broker has been involved in 4-H for eight years and is a junior at Rice Lake High School. He is the son of Mike and Cindy Broker. Daniel is a member of the Doyle Juniors 4-H club and has served in nearly every club leadership role possible including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and reporter. He has also been an active participant in 4-H dairy judging, performance arts, softball, and statewide educational experiences. In 2024, Daniel was recognized with the 4-H James W. Crowley Dairy Leadership Award and was one of the top 15 state award winners. Daniel’s passions lead him to strive to be a better citizen in his community."
He states, “I have further developed my confidence, and my abilities to take the input of all involved into consideration, which has helped lead to the further development as a member of the Doyle Juniors 4-H club, as well as a better citizen in my community.”
His 4-H Club leader, Arlaina Meyer, states, “It is nothing short of inspiring to see him work along with others to further develop those skills and use them for good.”
Summer Hammann has been involved in 4-H for 10 years and is currently a student at UW-Madison and a 2024 graduate of Barron High School. She is the daughter of Scot and Becky Hammann. Summer is a member of the Poskin Jets 4-H club and has held numerous leadership positions.
She states, “I have grown my leadership skills, been a mentor for youth in my club and in the dairy project and learned that every kid has different ways they learn whether it’s by listening, watching or doing.”
While Summer is involved in the sheep, photography, foods, vegetables, and other projects, her greatest 4-H achievements have come from her efforts in the dairy project. She received the James W. Crowley Dairy Leadership Award two times, receiving a $5,000 scholarship to attend UW-Madison in 2003 as the top high school junior in the top 15 and being selected as one of the top three youth in 2024, receiving a $1,000 award.
Ag instructor and FFA advisor Kristin Hanson states, “She goes out of her way to assist and encourage other 4-H members and youth exhibitors; including sharing her knowledge with others and encouraging non-farm students to start their own dairy projects with managerial animals from her family farm.”
Charlotte Odden has been involved in 4-H for nine years and is a senior at Cumberland High School. She is the daughter of Tyler and Becca Odden and a member of the Section Ten 4-H Club. She is not only active in her club but demonstrates leadership skills through her involvement in the Junior Leaders program and horse project.
She states that being involved in the horse project has allowed her to develop strong communication and leadership skills as well as develop a love for helping others to succeed. Additional projects she is involved in include poultry, cake decorating, photography, foods, and welding. Most recently she was a first time sheep exhibitor at the Barron County fair, demonstrating that she is always willing to try new things.
Her 4-H project leader, Kylie Bullion, states, “Charlotte is a great representative of the youth we strive to send out into the adult world when that time comes. Charlotte has truly explored her sparks in 4-H and embodies the true spirit of the 4-H motto, 'To Make the Best Better.'"
Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and one year as a youth leader. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company sponsor the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award program. They have sponsored these awards for more than 25 years, helping 4-H to honor some of Wisconsin’s finest youth.
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