Colby Excavating of Sandusky has been named the 2011 Friend of 4-H. Displaying the plaque listing previous winners are Eugene Colby, left, and son Lane. Photos by Terry Bell PECK — Sanilac County 4-H held its annual Achievement Awards Banquet for 4-H members and leaders on Feb. 12.

Special awards for 4-H members included:

*Kevin Kerbyson Award presented to Elizabeth Michalek of Deckerville. The award goes to an individual who exhibits outstanding skills to work with cattle in different areas of the cattle industry.

*I Dare You Award presented to Courtney Mahaffy of Deckerville and Stephanie Sleda of Applegate. The award goes to 4-Hers 15 years or older for their involvement in 4-H, school and community.

*4-H Council $500 Scholarships presented to Amanda Aldrich of Sandusky, Kelsey Kneebone of Yale, Courtney Mahaffy of Deckerville and Elizabeth Michalek of Deckerville.

I Dare You Award recipients Stephanie Sleda, left, and Courtney Mahaffy. The 2011 Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Colby Excavating of Sandusky, owned by father and son Eugene and Lane Colby, for volunteer work and help during the annual 4-H Fair, including preparing the grandstand grounds for the demolition derby and bump-n-run, and hauling manure from the livestock barns.

4-H leaders were recognized for their years of service. They included: 25 years - Terry Bell, Brown City, Keith Kalso, Croswell, Cam Keesler, Brown City, Larry Murdock, Minden City, Mary Nichol, Deckerville; 30 years - Shirley Keesler, Brown City, Audrey Kerbyson, Palms; 35 years - Barb Messing, Carsonville; 40 years - Les Gerstenberger, Sandusky; 45 years - Jim Doerr Ubly.

Winners of 4-H Council Scholarships are, left to right, Amanda Aldrich, Kelsey Kneebone and Courtney Mahaffy. Missing - Elizabeth Michalek.