A “Verification” book to receive a County Star Rank award
NOTE; for the 2022-2023 year, members ages 9 and 10 years old have a choice between applying for a star rank OR a Sparks award.
Star Rank: Members are to follow the guidelines within the State Record Book Manual to assemble and need to complete only the following: Personal Development Report, Annual Project Report for each project, Jr/Teen Leader Form (for all areas applicable), My Story and Summary of Years form (not for first-year members).
To request a Star Rank Verification from the 4-H offices, members are to turn over their books to their club leader. once it has been reviewed by the club, the Club leader will submit on their behalf to the 4-H offices.
For Clubs with a Judging Contest or Verification Review Committee, the book must have been reviewed by the committee and have been verified at Club level. (it does not have to be judged) If there are significant corrections, the book is to be returned to the member. When corrections are complete and the book is signed by the Community Club Leader attesting to it being correct, it will be turned over to the 4-H Program Representative by a specific due date.
For Clubs without a Record Book Judging Committee, the Community Leader is to review and verify all work on the PDR. If there are corrections, the book is to be returned to the member. When corrections are complete and the book is signed by the Community Club Leader attesting to it being correct, it will be turned over to the 4-H Program Representative by a specific due date. It will be July 18th, 2023.
After review at the 4-H offices, the books will be returned in a timely manner to the Community Club Leader. Star Ranks awards will be announced and issued at the Annual Achievement Night.
For members who are turning in their first Record Book they have completed (who have been a member more than one year) all work begins the year they have completed a record book. Without prior documentation through a record book, no activities or events may be counted and submitted.
Summary of Years - A member must submit past year's record in some form so the 4-H office can verify the amount of 4-H work needed is complete. This can be done by typing each of the 8 star rank categories on paper and submit. (Also know as the "old way" ) Or, a member can use the Summary of Years form provided below.
The member only needs to provide information from the years in which they qualified for star rank . For example, a Bronze may only need 2 years summary.
Summary of Previous Years form Here is a sample form to use in Word
Summary of Previous Years form PDF version
Clubs may want to use this checklist to add up points towards Star Rank:
Sparks Award process for 2022-2023:
Members have 2 options:
1. Simply submit the Sparks awards form that has been reviewed and verified by the Club Leader. The Club leader will submit all forms to the 4-H offices on July 18th. Form can be found here:
2. Complete all elements of a 4-H record Book BUT, instead of adding a PDR, add the Sparks awards form instead. This will allow the member to receive their Sparks award and be entered into the county record book contest! Must be submitted by club leader with all record books on July 18th, 2023!