Fifty five members and friends of the Carmi Kiwanis Club were in attendance at the Thursday noon luncheon, October 22, held at the University of Illinois Extension Center Meeting Room. President, Alan Saunders, welcomed those in attendance, especially the Corn Days King and Queen and their court.
Prior to the program Doug Hays introduced the high school Key Clubbers in attendance. Dr. Amy Dixon introduced the Outstanding Bulldogs from Jefferson School. Guests were Larry Beck with Ray Smith and Brandon Bax with Thys Bax. In club business Saunders reminded club members that next week’s meeting would be held at the First Christian Church, and Jeremy Jordan announced that he was working on a future club outing to see the Evansville Icemen.
(Photo: 2015 Corn Days King and Queen and their Court. Also pictured are members of their family and 4-H Program Coordinator, Amy McCarty)
Greg Stewart emceed the program which featured the Corn Days King and Queen and their Court. Before introducing members of the Court, he praised the 4-H Program and those adults who work with 4-H members especially the parents and Club leaders. He thanked Kiwanian, Amy McCarty, for all her work with the 4-H as Youth Program Coodinator, and his staff at Conger and Elliott for coordinating the Corn Days King and Queen selection.
Stewart introduced the King candidates and presented each with the monetary gifts from Kiwanis. Those introduced and giving a brief summary of their 4-H involvement were Jace Carter, a seven year member of the Centerville Ripsnorters 4-H Club; Colton Harms, a first year member of the Centerville Ripsnorters; Chase Harms, also a first year member of the Centerville Ripsnorters. The Queen candidates introduced were Katherine Woodard, a second year member of the Mad Hatters 4-H Club; Josephine Hubele, a nine year member of the Mad Hatters Club; Abigail Garner, a five year member of the Crossville Prize-winners Club. Jace Carter’s mother, Jennifer, was also a guest of the club.
And, finally Stewart introduced the 2015 Corn King, Alec Garner, a five year member of the Crossville Prizewinners 4-H Club, and the 16 year-old son of David and Sandy Garner of Carmi. Alec praised 4-H because it has taught him responsibility and life skills that will help him in his future career in the navy.
Next, Riley Price was introduced as the 2015 Corn Queen. She is a nine year member of the 76 Clovers 4-H Club. She is the daughter of Derek and Kathy Price of rural Norris City. 4-H has long been an important part of not only her life but also her entire family. Of the many projects and activities Riley has been involved in, her honors with her horse have been especially rewarding.
Also attending as guests were Riley’s mother, Kathy, and her grandparents, Dan and Carolyn Price. Attesting the fact that 4-H has long been a part of the Price family is evidenced by both Riley’s father and brother as previous Corn Kings and her Aunt Kim as a former Corn Queen as well as her mother and grandmother being former 4-H members and serving many years as leaders.
It was a good day in the Kiwanis family as it continues to exemplify its motto of “Serving the Children of the World.”
