Heyboer named oustanding 4-H alumna
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EmailVan Buren County 4-H alumna Barbara Haynes Heyboer, of Hudsonville, is among eight 4-H alumni inducted into the prestigious Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society in 2018.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Van Buren County 4-H alumna Barbara Haynes Heyboer, of Hudsonville, is among eight 4-H alumni inducted into the prestigious Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society in 2018. Heyboer was recognized on Oct. 5 during the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s 4-H Emerald Award Ceremony in East Lansing.
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Heyboer has been involved in the health care industry for nearly 50 years as a certified surgical technologist. She was instrumental in forming the West Michigan Surgical Technologist Association and served as treasurer and exam credential committee member for the organization. In 1970, Heyboer was one of the first professionals in the United States to become certified in surgical technology. Since then, she has mentored and educated others in preparing for the surgical technology certification exam and entering the field.
Outside of the health care industry, Heyboer has been active with Michigan Farm Bureau, served as president of the West Michigan Arabian Horse Association in the late 1980s, served as president of the Michigan Horse Council in 1995, sat on the Hudsonville Fair Board in Ottawa County as the 4-H Fair coordinator, and was an elected member of the First United Church of Christ Youth Forum Board of Michigan. Her passion for making the best better and being a leader sparked her involvement with each organization.
“4-H has been the signature of my journey,” said Heyboer. “The experiences I had in 4-H taught me leadership, life skills and high ideals. 4-H instilled in me, very effectively, the need to make the best better. What I learned secured a strong foundation to help others throughout my professional career and life as a community volunteer.”
As a Van Buren County 4-H member, Heyboer was involved in home economics projects, teen leadership and demonstration programs that led to her being presented a Michigan 4-H Key Club Award. In 1984, Heyboer became a 4-H volunteer leader in Ottawa County. She is a leader wherever she goes and never hesitates to offer a helping hand. For example, Heyboer volunteers to count ribbons for the Ottawa County Fair every year.
The 4-H Emerald Awards Ceremony was hosted and emceed by State Sen. Judy Emmons, a Montcalm County 4-H alumna and 2014 4-H Emerald Clover Society inductee. Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2018 were: Darwin Booher, Evart; Domonique Clemons, Flint; Ronald Hendrick, East Lansing; W. G. (Mac) McPherson, Lowell; Thomas Nugent, Clarksville; Maggie Sans, Clarkston; and Gretna Van Fleet, Frankenmuth.
Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002 to coincide with the national 4-H centennial. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of Michigan State University Extension. More than 209,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 16,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.
