Volunteers Ensure 4-H Youths Are 'Beyond Ready' For Leadership, Careers, Life
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Missouri 4-H recognizes the dedication of more than 5,700 volunteers who invest their time and energy to mentor and guide young people.
“Missouri 4-H volunteers are the heart of our program, shaping young leaders who are ‘Beyond Ready’ for the future,” said Lupita Fabregas, senior program director for University of Missouri Extension 4-H Youth Development. “Their dedication ensures that youth gain the skills, confidence and resilience needed to succeed in leadership, careers and life.”
National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions of 4-H volunteers, Fabregas said.
From leading clubs and teaching hands-on skills to supporting county fairs, judging contests and mentoring young people, 4-H volunteers play an invaluable role in youth development, she said. Every hour a volunteer gives directly contributes to equipping young people with lifelong skills that prepare them for success.
In the past year alone, Missouri 4-H volunteers donated more than 630,600 hours of service, a contribution to Missouri communities valued at $21.1 million. Their dedication ensures that young people across the state have access to opportunities that shape their futures, Fabregas said.
To honor the exceptional service of 4-H volunteers, the Missouri 4-H Foundation presents the Frank Graham Volunteer Leadership Award and the Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award.
The Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes outstanding volunteers and organizations for notable contributions to 4-H youths. Named for Naomi Mohler Crouch, a dedicated advocate for Missouri 4-H, this award celebrates those who continue her legacy of service. This year’s recipients:
The Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Missouri 4-H. This award recognizes volunteers, educators and supporters whose leadership and dedication have had a lasting impact on 4-H youth development. This year’s honorees:
- Wendy Guss, Warren County, East Central Region.
- Amy Rothemeyer, Gasconade County, East Central Region.
- Jaime Aslin, Pike County, Northeast Region.
- Kelly Jo Valentine, Putnam County, Northeast Region.
- Willie Bagley, Livingston County, Northwest Region.
- Rhonda Luther, Ray County, Northwest Region.
- Sam Huenefeldt, Cape Girardeau County, Southeast Region.
- Christy Cole, Newton County, Southwest Region.
- Vicky Taylor, Dade County, Southwest Region.
- Melissa Love, St. Charles County, Urban East Region.
- Cassidae Pfeiffer, St. Louis County, Urban East Region.
- Peggy Ann Eichen, Cooper County, West Central Region.
- Cherly Mohr, Bates County, West Central Region.
Missouri 4-H encourages more adults to step up and support 4-H, helping ensure that youths across the state continue to benefit from transformative experiences. Learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer at 4h.missouri.edu. ∆
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI