4-H PEI Western Region
2026 Leaders Appreciation Banquet
4-H PEI Western Region Honors Decades of Service at Annual Leaders Appreciation Banquet
CRAPAUD, PEI – April 23, 2026 – The spirit of community and volunteerism was on full display last night as 32 volunteers and senior members gathered at the Red Rooster Restaurant for the 2026 4-H PEI Western Region Leaders Appreciation Banquet. Hosted by the Albany Centennial 4-H Club, the evening served as a formal "thank you" to the dedicated individuals who anchor the youth program across Prince County.
The event, emceed by 4-H member Aiden Starratt, featured a lively trivia competition led by members Kinley Jeffery and Molly Simmons. Local businesses showed strong support for the region’s volunteers, providing an array of prizes from sponsors including Cavendish Agri Services (Travellers Rest), Callbecks Home Hardware, Island Structural Systems Inc., Chez Shea Inn, Lone Oak Brewing Co., Prestige Kitchens & Floral, Shur-Gain Feeds, Kool Breeze Farms, and Samuel's Coffee House.
Honoring Leadership Milestones
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of leadership awards, recognizing the long-term commitment required to sustain 4-H programming. Joan Barlow of the Lot 16 4-H Club was honored for an incredible 35 years of volunteering, receiving much applause for her enduring enthusiasm and mentorship.
The prestigious Western Region Leader Centennial Award, given annually for outstanding service, was awarded to Gail Wallace of the Kensington 4-H Club. With over 40 years of service, Wallace has become a cornerstone of the PEI 4-H program. Currently serving as Vice President of the PEI Western Region Council and on the Board of Directors for the PEI 4-H Council, Wallace was praised for her "quiet leadership" and her ability to mentor both youth and fellow leaders.
"Gail exemplifies the very best of 4-H," noted the Western Regional Council. "Her dedication, creativity, and genuine care for others have touched every corner of this organization for four decades."
Community Partnership
The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to the Royal Canadian Legion Wellington—Branch #17. The award recognizes a business or organization that has gone above and beyond to support local youth. Past President Mario Couture accepted the award on behalf of the Legion, which was thanked for providing vital meeting spaces and financial support to various 4-H initiatives.
A Growing Legacy
The 4-H PEI Western Regional Council extended its gratitude to the staff at the Red Rooster Restaurant and the Albany Centennial 4-H Club for their hospitality.
"Our 4-H program thrives because of people who choose to serve," the 4-H PEI Western Regional Council stated in a closing message. "These volunteers are teaching more than just skills; they are nurturing a caring community and showing our members what it means to lead with integrity."
The event, emceed by 4-H member Aiden Starratt, featured a lively trivia competition led by members Kinley Jeffery and Molly Simmons. Local businesses showed strong support for the region’s volunteers, providing an array of prizes from sponsors including Cavendish Agri Services (Travellers Rest), Callbecks Home Hardware, Island Structural Systems Inc., Chez Shea Inn, Lone Oak Brewing Co., Prestige Kitchens & Floral, Shur-Gain Feeds, Kool Breeze Farms, and Samuel's Coffee House.
Honoring Leadership Milestones
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of leadership awards, recognizing the long-term commitment required to sustain 4-H programming. Joan Barlow of the Lot 16 4-H Club was honored for an incredible 35 years of volunteering, receiving much applause for her enduring enthusiasm and mentorship.
The prestigious Western Region Leader Centennial Award, given annually for outstanding service, was awarded to Gail Wallace of the Kensington 4-H Club. With over 40 years of service, Wallace has become a cornerstone of the PEI 4-H program. Currently serving as Vice President of the PEI Western Region Council and on the Board of Directors for the PEI 4-H Council, Wallace was praised for her "quiet leadership" and her ability to mentor both youth and fellow leaders.
"Gail exemplifies the very best of 4-H," noted the Western Regional Council. "Her dedication, creativity, and genuine care for others have touched every corner of this organization for four decades."
Community Partnership
The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to the Royal Canadian Legion Wellington—Branch #17. The award recognizes a business or organization that has gone above and beyond to support local youth. Past President Mario Couture accepted the award on behalf of the Legion, which was thanked for providing vital meeting spaces and financial support to various 4-H initiatives.
A Growing Legacy
The 4-H PEI Western Regional Council extended its gratitude to the staff at the Red Rooster Restaurant and the Albany Centennial 4-H Club for their hospitality.
"Our 4-H program thrives because of people who choose to serve," the 4-H PEI Western Regional Council stated in a closing message. "These volunteers are teaching more than just skills; they are nurturing a caring community and showing our members what it means to lead with integrity."
(l-r) Albany Centennial 4-H Club members, Aiden Starratt (emcee), and Kinley Jeffery and Molly Simmons (trivia hosts).
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Gail Wallace (Regional 4-H Vice President) brought greetings on behalf of the Western Region.
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Sophie MacDonald (Provincial 4-H President) brought greetings on behalf of the PEI 4-H Council.
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Joan Barlow (right) receiving her 35-year leadership milestone certificate from 4-H PEI Western Region Vice President, Gail Wallace.
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(l-r) Gail Wallace of the Kensington 4-H Club receiving the 4-H PEI Western Region Leader Centennial Award from award sponsor, Susan Simmons.
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Mario Couture, Past President, Royal Canadian Legion Wellington—Branch #17 receiving the Friend of 4-H Award from Evangeline 4-H Club leader, Jeannette Gallant.
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For more information contact the 4-H Specialist for the region:
Jackie Harlow, [email protected], 902-626-8282
Jackie Harlow, [email protected], 902-626-8282
