During National Volunteer Appreciation Week- April 17-23- Saline 4-H recognized the more than 120 volunteers directly contributing to the county program.

A press release says this includes volunteer club and project leaders, fair board members and event supporters. Volunteers for 4-H dedicate on average 100 hours each year, valuing Saline 4-H volunteer time at more than $345,000.

“Their efforts embody the spirit of 4-H and what it really means to be a true leader,” Missouri 4-H Director Lupita Fabregas said. “We have deep gratitude for their commitment to serve as mentors, teachers, and guides for our youth as they find their spark.”

Earlier this year, Saline County 4-H held its annual Recognition Event to honor the achievements of both youth members and adult volunteers. At this event, multiple volunteers were specifically recognized for their leadership amongst fellow volunteers. These included Michelle Boland, Frank Graham Award nominee; Brent (Barney) Gorrell, Naomi Crouch Award nominee; Missy Gann, Zimmerman Award; and Bobby and Kyle Fuehring, Friend of 4-H. Kim Vogel and Laura Pummill also received their Ruby Award for 30 years of leadership as 4-H volunteers.

During this ceremony, more than 250 youth- ages 5-18 from across Saline County- were recognized as a part of Missouri 4-H during 2020-21 year through eight community clubs, in-school programming and community outreach. Members were acknowledged for their leadership, state and regional activity attendance and community involvement.

Highlights of the night included the recognition of Clover Kids ages 5-7 for their participation, youth completion of Missouri 4-H Project Reports and Recognition Forms, Shooting Sports state placings, Missouri State Fair and 4-H Camp contributions, outstanding officers for the year and 10-year 4-H members.

For the third straight year, Saline County earned the Missouri State Fair First Place Livestock Award for 4-H, along with the Outstanding County Beef and Meat Goat awards. Additionally, Kaidyn Foster’s Missouri Recognition Form advanced to regionals, where he placed first among all forms in the 20-county Northwest Missouri region.

Saline 4-H Clubs were also recognized with six clubs completing at least one community service activity. These opportunities help youth build a sense of community with other youth, as well as strengthen their youth-adult leadership relationships. Youth who remain active in Saline 4-H for 10 years through leadership, service and learning also were recognized. Youth completing 10 years in 2021 were Connor Grossenburg of Bizy Beavers 4-H and Cole Murphy of Kennedy 4-H.

Specific award winners included: MRF Level 1 – Charlot Thornton of Clay Center 4-H and Kaidyn Foster of Clay Center 4-H; MRF Level 2 – Ashtyn Johnson of Liberty 4-H and Bailee Vogel of Town and Country 4-H; MRF Level 3 – Sophia Bolser of Lucky Leaf 4-H; Missouri State Fair Demonstrations – Brodey Bartlett of Town and Country 4-H and Audrey Tinoco of Lucky Leaf 4-H; State Fashion Revue – Ashtyn Johnson and Alivia Walbourn of Liberty 4-H; Show-Me 4-H Wares – Audrey Tinoco; State Livestock Judging – Ty Murphy of Kennedy 4-H; State Sportsfishing Day – Ty Murphy; Outstanding 4-H Secretary – Chloe Fisher of Kennedy 4-H; Outstanding 4-H Treasurer – Ty Murphy of Kennedy 4-H.

For more information about joining or volunteering with Saline County 4-H, contact Chelsea Corkins at (660) 886-6908 or via e-mail at CorkinsC@missouri.edu.

Photo: Saline Youth with Regional winning Missouri Recognition Forms. (Photo courtesy Chelsea Corkins)