Hain named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailBarry County 4-H alumnus Beverly Ferris Hain, of Jenison, was among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Oct. 3.
Barry County 4-H alumnus Beverly Ferris Hain, of Jenison, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Hain was recognized on Oct. 3 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club in 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.
Hain built a distinguished career in education that spanned 30 years, teaching practical life skills, career preparation and providing educational support for both youth and adults. After beginning as a home economics teacher in North Branch and Ashley schools, Hain later served as an adult education instructor for Carson City Public Schools. She then became a teacher consultant for Montcalm Intermediate School District, a role she held for 13 years.
A graduate of Grand Rapids Junior College and MSU, Hain earned both an associate and bachelor’s degree in home economics education. Her education continued in new ways in 1967 when she traveled as a delegate to India with the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE), where she spent six months living with Indian families and promoting peace and global understanding. Today, Hain continues her commitment to IFYE by serving as president of the IFYE alumni association.
“As a child and teen, I was very shy,” said Hain. “Through 4-H, my confidence grew and led to me being a teacher and taking leadership roles in every group I have been part of.”
As a Barry County 4-H’er, Hain completed more than 100 project years across a wide variety of project areas, earned numerous county project awards and participated in a service project that helped build a swimming pool at a local 4-H camp. Hain was inducted into the Michigan 4-H Key Club, where she served on the 1964 banquet committee. She also worked as a summer 4-H agent in 1964 and later gave back as a Gratiot County 4-H leader, council member, fair superintendent and Lapeer County 4-H camp director.
Hain’s service to her community extends in many other ways, as well. She has served as president of the Carson City Women’s Club and the United Methodist Women at Georgetown United Methodist Church, as well as chairing countless committees. Hain also created and taught cooking classes for families supported by the church food pantry. In addition, she supports the beatification of several local community spaces as an MSU Extension Master Gardener.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2026 were: Dalen W. Agnew, Williamston; Benjamin J. LaCross, Lake Leelanau; Elizabeth A. Manwell, Canton; State Rep. Gerald A. Neyer, Shepherd; Judith K. Paulsen, Hartland; Jackie A. Rider, Durand; Roxanne S. Turner, Fowlerville; and Emma J. Young, Detroit. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
Other honorees recognized at the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the 2026 Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers recognized in 2025 and 2026, winners of the 2025 and 2026 MSU 4-H Scholarship, and 4-H staff retiring since 2024. To make a donation in tribute of Hain or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
