MSU Extension 4-H

Presque Isle County 4-H alumna L. Janel Horrocks-Boehmer, of Williamston, is among 12 4-H alumni inducted into the 2022 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Horrocks-Boehmer was recognized on Sept. 30 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation 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. 

Horrocks-Boehmer was an educator at Hartland Consolidated Schools for almost three decades. For 26 years, she taught middle and high school math, language arts, science, physics, physical education, and health. In 2010, Horrocks-Boehmer stepped into an administrative role, serving in interim and assistant principal positions. She received many awards, including a Disney Teacher Award in 2005 and the Michigan Department of Education Michigan Educator Award in 2005. 

Horrocks-Boehmer is a member of the University United Methodist Church, serving on a variety of committees and receiving the Jacob Candle recognition in 2015. In 2020, Horrocks-Boehmer received Special Mission Recognition from the national United Methodist Women organization for her ministries with women, children, and teens. 

In addition, Horrocks-Boehmer is also a member of the Michigan Angus Association and the Michigan Angus Auxiliary. She previously served as the youth advisor for the Michigan Junior Angus Association and in 2015, received their Adult Recognition Award. She also received the Auxiliary’s Adult Appreciation Award in 2018. 

“4-H empowered me to develop my voice, to value learning, to have an open, creative mind, and to continually grow,” said Horrocks-Boehmer. “Through 4-H, I learned to step forward, set and accomplish goals, and initiate change for the benefit of the group. 4-H has taught me to embrace challenges and have fun while working hard.” 

Horrocks-Boehmer has been committed to 4-H for more than four decades. As a Presque Isle County 4-H’er, Horrocks-Boehmer was active in 4-H Exploration Days and the Michigan 4-H State Service Club. As an adult, she has more than 30 years of service as an Ingham County 4-H volunteer. Horrocks-Boehmer has served as a club leader, guided a team of 4-H youth to design and present 4-H officer training, and coached quiz bowl teams. Most recently, she has chaired several Ingham County 4-H still life committees. Horrocks-Boehmer also serves as superintendent of the 4-H still life division of the Ingham County Fair and received the Ingham County Friend of the Fair Award in 2011. 

The Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration was hosted and emceed by MSU Extension Associate Director Matt Shane, a Kent County 4-H alumnus and 2014 4-H Emerald Clover Society inductee. Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2022 were: Gail R. Frahm, Saginaw; Larry J. Gould, Morenci; Jon D. Hausserman, Fenwick; Alice A. Kempf, Holton; Karen Kolberg Kietzer, Stevensville; Dian M. Liepe, Pullman; Sarah J. Pion, Cassopolis; Rachael N. Ramirez, Birch Run; Melissa A. Souva, Bronson; Schawna M. Thoma, Anchorage, Alaska; and Mary J. Yeomans, Midland.

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 MSU Extension. Nearly 100,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 9,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.