Submitted by Katie Courtade, 4-H Program Coordinator, Muskegon County Extension
4-H Leader of the Year Award:
The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Leader of the Year is Nancy Hartman.
Nancy has been a 4-H Leader for 11 years. Today she is the administrative leader for the THUNDERhoofs 4-H club. She currently serves as the 4-H Leaders Council Secretary. She has spent numerous hours helping with Leaders Council fundraisers and even when things got tough she always had a positive attitude and smile on her face.
Nancy was always first to volunteer to help with the following activities: the petting zoo at Pioneer Park, 4-H Livestock Clinic, TSC Paper Clover Campaign, or taking pictures of the 4-H members during activities.
Nancy has a great personality and remarkable attitude. She has exceptional leadership, expresses genuine love for people and animals. Nancy exemplifies the true meaning that it is all about the kids.
Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council Community Service Award:
The Spur of the Moment 4H Club painted Mr. Lyn Krolczyk fence. They donated the paint, supplies and time to paint the fence The club painted the fence on 4 separate/2 hour sessions. Thirty-three of the members attended at least one session. Some members were able to help at multiple meetings.
Mr. K has allowed the Spur of the Moment 4H Club to use his barn for the last 5 years for meetings. He also supports us with shavings, pop can donations and wisdom. Spur of the Moment was looking for a Community Service effort and we noticed that Mr. K’s fence was badly in need of a paint job. They thought that was a way the 4-H members could give back to a man who gives so freely to others.
The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council Community Service Award belongs to: Spur of the Moment 4-H Club
4-H Horse Developmental Horse Sportsmanship Award
The Horse Sportsmanship Award goes to a 4-H member who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship during the Muskegon County Youth Fair.
The 2013 Horse Sportsmanship Award goes to Jackson Fitzgerald.
Jackson has spent countless hours, both in the saddle and out, learning and practicing her skills to be the best of the best in competition. Jackson is a humble winner and also a gracious contestant when she doesn’t win. She is an inspiration to younger members as her best friend, Addison Walstra, is one of her fiercest competitors.
“Jackson Fitzgerald is a strong positive influence to all the younger members of our 4-H Club. She works hard at practice and at showing. She also helps me with the other members at our practice meetings and always jumps right in without being asked. She never complains and never says anything negative at practice or to the other members. She is willing to loan out her great horse Dusty any time a younger member needs a horse to practice with. ”- Christy Deal
Marian Judd 4-H Award
The Marian Judd 4-H Award was established by the Muskegon County 4-H Leaders Council in memory of Mrs. Marian Judd, who served as a 4-H club leader for over 40 years. Mrs. Judd took special pride in recognizing those 4-H members who showed the greatest personal growth and improvement in their 4-H projects and activities.
The 2013 Marian Judd 4-H Award goes to Ashley Leonard
Ashley was nominated for her improvement in her swine project. Ashley has participated in the swine division for several years. Last year Ashley’s pig was very heavy and she was determined to do better this year managing her pigs weight. By keeping a close eye on her pigs weight using a portable scale the weight of her hog was right on target which brought her great satisfaction. Ashley has shown amazing improvement in her knowledge of the swine project area. She serves as a mentor to cloverbuds and helps whenever needed.
Friend of 4-H Award
The Friend of 4-H Award is awarded to an individual who has provided significant contributions and assistance to 4-H programming and is not presently enrolled as a 4-H leader.
The 2013 Friend of 4-H Award belongs to Ron Ballard
Ron Ballard has served on the Muskegon County Fair Board for a number of years, contributing to the growth and improvement of the fairgrounds and the Youth Fair. Ron has been a huge supporter of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Ron continues to help the 4-H members with numerous projects. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to be sure the fairgrounds is ready for the Youth Fair.
4-H Teen Leader of the Year:
The 2013 Muskegon County 4-H Teen Leader of the Year is Emily Erffmeyer.
Emily has shown tremendous growth in the area of leadership over the past several years. She is willing to help other 4-H members in the areas of livestock and shooting sports.
This past spring, Emily attended the 4-H Shooting Sports Training Program at the Kettunen Center. She is a certified teen leader instructor for shooting sports. Emily also taught a shooting sports session during 4-H Winterfest at the Kettunen Center. She helped 8-12 year olds learn more about trap shooting, gun handling and safety.
Emily serves as a mentor for many 4-H members within and out of her 4-H club. Her positive and uplifting spirit make it easy for any child to ask for her help. She has also served in several officer positions within her 4-H clubs. She has been active member in the Ravenna FFA and Ravenna High School National Honor Society.