Lachelle Dahlstrom, Barron (Peppy Pals 4-H Club)
Lillian Harmon, Dallas (Country Siders 4-H Club)
have been selected as the Barron County 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. Both stand out as leaders and role models in 4-H and their communities.
Lachelle Dahlstrom has been involved in Barron County 4-H for for 10 years and a 2025 graduate of Osceola High School. She is the Granddaughter of Carol Dahlstrom of Barron. Lachelle is a member of the Peppy Pals 4-H Club and has served as the president for the past 3 years. She has been an active participant in the 4-H horse project where she has held the position of executive secretary, vice president, and president. Lachelle has taken on the role of superintendent for the cat project after seeing there was room for improvement, she has held this position for three years now. Being a camp counselor has been one of her favorite leadership roles, serving as a Junior Director for the last two years. Lachelle’s leadership skills make her a role model to others. She has also managed the youth shake stand at the fair for the last three years. Lachelle states, “I have learned how much other youth look up to me and it really makes me want to be a better leader and to give back to my community.” Lachelle’s High School Social Studies teacher, Kurt Lietz states “Lachelle possesses the drive, determination, and work ethic to achieve her dreams” She joined Allied Emergency Services as Junior Firefighter to explore emergency medicine. She is BLS CPR certified and will enroll in courses to become a firefighter this fall, and she has already completed her emergency medical responder course. Lachelle Dahlstrom has a great impact in Barron County 4-H and beyond and continues to make the Best Better in Wisconsin 4-H.
Lillian Harmon has been involved in Barron County 4-H for 9 years. She is the daughter of Jared and Angie Harmon of Dallas. Lilian has demonstrated great leadership and organization skills in the Country Siders 4-H Club. She has been involved in the swine, foods, cultural arts, and archery projects. She is also actively involved in the Barron County Fair and has participated at the Wisconsin State Fair. She credits assisting in the Cultural Arts department at the fair as teaching her leadership and organization skills; and enhancing her communication skills by allowing me to work with people of all ages. In addition to her 4-H involvement, Lillian is also involved in her school and community. At school she is involved in volleyball and numerous clubs including FFA, FCCLA, Key Club, and Student Senate. Community member, Sheila Erb states that Lillian has shown many examples of her core values and leadership qualities, and that she is impressed by her dedication, teamwork and strong work ethic.” Lillian is a great example of what it means to make the Best Better in Wisconsin 4-H.
Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and one year as a youth leader. Selection is based on recommendation, application and evaluation of membership, projects, activities, leadership, personal development, and county 4-H and community involvement. The Key Award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.
