MSU Extension 4-H

Outstanding Michigan 4-H alumni, volunteers, youth, staff and partners were recognized Sept. 21 during the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration in East Lansing. Awards presented at the event, which was hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation, are among some of Michigan 4-H’s highest honors for adults.

“There is so much to celebrate in our Michigan 4-H community,” said Jodi Schulz, state 4-H leader for Michigan and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “The Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards are an opportunity to recognize and thank just a few of the amazing individuals who are a part of that community.”

Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs, agreed.

“Our honorees have made so many contributions to their communities, their professions and to Michigan 4-H. They truly reflect the very best that 4-H has to offer and are so deserving of this recognition and celebration.”

The 4-H Citation Awards, the highest recognition presented by Michigan 4-H, recognizes significant contributions to Michigan 4-H programs. This year, the honor was awarded to Apple and Dr. Julie Chapin, of Portland.

The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors Michigan 4-H alumni whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership. Inducted into the 2024 class were Sarah A. Black, Eagle; Thomas L. Bosserd, Plymouth; Mary F. Draves, Midland; Katie M. Eisenberger, Shepherd; Maurice J. Kaercher, Kalamazoo; State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, Vulcan; former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown, West Branch; Nancy L. Victorson, Newberry; Shaun T. Wade, Norton Shores; and Dr. Dave D. Weatherspoon, East Lansing.

The 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards honor remarkable 4-H volunteers who have contributed substantially to both their county and state 4-H programs. This year, the 2024 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award was presented to Robert Richards of Clinton County and the 2024 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jennifer Specht of Saginaw County.

The Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards, which recognize 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas, were presented in 2024 to Donna Budd of Wayne County, Rick Gould and Kevin Yeager of St. Joseph County, Charity Hackett of Berrien County, Angela Oakman of Washtenaw County and Mandy Rogers of Washtenaw County.

Fifty-year 4-H volunteers from 2024 were also recognized at the event, as well as winners of the 2024 MSU 4-H Scholarships and MSU Extension 4-H staff members retiring in 2024.

“We’re grateful for the chance to join together with the 4-H community to salute these amazing youth, alumni, volunteers, partners and staff,” said Abbey Miller, director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. “It’s always such a fun day, saluting our honorees alongside our 4-H friends and family.”

To learn more about previous honorees in these award categories, sponsoring the event or nominating someone for a future 4-H Legacy Awards recognition, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/.