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
Avery exemplifies “making the best better” every time she comes to the barn. She’s a hard worker who is hungry to learn as much as she can and is always willing to help her teammates however she can. She puts her horse before everything else and never blames the horse for any challenges that arise (she even apologizes to her horse whenever she does something wrong!). On top of Avery’s day to day indomitable spirit, she is a FIGHTER. Shortly before the District horse show, she received a life changing cancer diagnosis. Not only did she meet this challenge head on, but she has continued to support her barn family and care for her horse in the midst of this incredible hurdle she’s facing. Avery’s dedication, passion, and her warrior spirit are an amazing example to us all.

Senior Sportsmanship Award Winner- Emery Atkinson,Cabarrus County Kickin’ Tails 4-H Club
Emery is always there to support her teammates! Even when her horse had an injury that was keeping her from potentially showing, she was determined to still be there to support her teammates regardless of her own ability to show. When, just days before the show, when she needed to make a substitution with a horse that has not done hunter/jumper in nearly a year, she never hesitated. Throughout this whole ordeal, she has been positive, nurturing to her horse, and has treated her substitute horse impeccably. She never once complained about the unfairness or poor timing of the situation, but gratefully took the opportunity to expand her skill set by showing a different horse unexpectedly. She is very supporting and encouraging her teammates. She is a role model for other 4-Hers with her positive can-do attitude and her willingness to try new things. She is always smiling and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. She brings such light to our barn family and is an older sister to every other 4-Her in our club. She is always making the best better, and is very deserving of recognition for her positivity in a challenging and disappointing situation.