OKEECHOBEE — Matt Dorriety, manager of the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, was recently presented with the Friend of 4-H Award. The award is considered the highest honor that the Okeechobee County 4-H program bestows.

The award was first established in 1989 and continues to honor persons or organizations that have performed exemplary service to the Okeechobee County 4-H program. In the past, honorees have been individuals, families, businesses and governmental organizations that have gone above and beyond to provide resources, time and expertise to the 4-Hers of Okeechobee County. Nominations for the award come from 4-H leaders, volunteers and club members.

Due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, Okeechobee County 4-H could not host its traditional 4-H Awards Banquet this year. A virtual ceremony was held in November and posted online at sites.google.com/ufl.edu/okeechobee-county-4-h/home.

In a separate ceremony, Okeechobee County 4-H Extension Agent Paula Daniel presented Dorriety with a plaque proclaiming him a Friend of 4-H.

She also presented him with a framed copy of the presentation speech: “It is with great pleasure that we continue the highest honor that the Okeechobee County 4-H program gives each year. The Okeechobee County Friend of 4-H Award was first established over 30 years ago in 1989. It continues to honor persons or organizations that have shown praiseworthy service to the Okeechobee County 4-H program. In years past, the honorees have been individuals, families, businesses and governmental organizations that have gone above and beyond to provide resources, time and expertise to the 4-Hers of Okeechobee County. Continuing in this established tradition, this year’s honoree has proven time and time again to be a very valuable member in the success of the 4-H program in Okeechobee County. This year, the Okeechobee County 4-H program, along with its members and volunteers, has chosen Mr. Matt Dorriety and staff of the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center as the recipient of their greatest honor.

“When members and volunteers were asked why they chose Mr. Dorriety and his staff as their Okeechobee County Friend of 4-H, the responses were profound! Mr. Dorriety and his staff are ‘always kind and willing to help our kids with hosting clinics and shows.’ He is ‘always willing to do anything needed for any type of livestock event!’ Mr. Dorriety is ‘a hard-working, behind-the-scenes person and needs to be noticed.’ He does a ‘great job accommodating our needs for OYLS and other events.’

“Mr. Dorriety and his whole team work extremely hard. They maintain the venue by keeping it looking great and working well for so many different types of events. They prepare quickly and efficiently for the widely varying events and serve the community as a whole but still understand each and everyone’s needs and are able to cater to each individual event.’

“It is evident that Mr. Matt Dorriety and his staff are a true friend of 4-H. Thank you for always catering to 4-H, for always thinking of the needs of 4-H and 4-H members and for always making the best better.”