Each year during the State 4-H Horse Show,  nominations for the junior and senior sportsmanship awards are open. After nominations close, members of the advisory committee review the nominations and determine the recipients based on the statements and situations presented in which young people exemplify the 4-H characteristics of a helpful, kind, leader. Awards were presented during the Saturday evening program, and were sponsored by the North Central District 4-H Horse Council in memory of Rockingham County Volunteer leader, Pam Holland.

Junior Sportsmanship Award Winner- Avery Pigg, Cabarrus County Kickin’ Tails 4-H Club

This year’s junior sportsmanship winner is described as a kid who is tough, sweet, caring, and helpful to her barn mates. She was riding a very green pony and put 100% of her effort into the pony’s care, even though she had a difficult time at the show. After having a hard fall that caused her to have to scratch the rest of her jumping, she never failed to cheer on her teammates, help everyone out, and always had a positive attitude towards her pony and the show. This sweet gritty kid is the total definition of making the best better! 

Senior Sportsmanship Award Winner- Lily Drake, Burke County Lamb Farm Posse 4-H Club

The senior sportsmanship winner showed exceptional sportsmanship the week of the State 4-H Horse Show by being a role model for younger kids. When she saw a rider who was a first-time exhibitor at the show, that was also without the rest of her barn mates, she helped her, coached her, brought her under her wing, and included her with her friends. She encouraged her friends, offered support, challenged others to improve in a positive way, and truly embodies the 4-H character traits that make her truly deserving of this award.