MSU Extension 4-H

Outstanding Michigan 4-H alumni, volunteers, youth, staff and partners were recognized October 3 during the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration in Lansing. Awards presented at the event, which was hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club, are among some of Michigan 4-H’s highest honors for adults.

“The Michigan 4-H program has the power to change lives and the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards provides a way for us to celebrate those lives changed,” said Jodi Schulz, state 4-H leader for Michigan and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “This event celebrates, honors and thanks those for whom 4-H has helped shape their lives and those who  – through their gifts of time, talent and treasure – are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”

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

“Our award recipients have enriched countless lives through their commitment to their communities, careers and Michigan 4-H. They represent the spirit of 4-H at its very best and are richly deserving of this recognition.”

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 Dr. Julie Chapin, of Portland, Dr. Tom Coon, of Portage, and Sandra Clarkson Stuckman, of DeWitt.

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 2026 class were Dalen W. Agnew, Williamston; Beverly K. Ferris Hain, Jenison; 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.

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 2026 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award was presented to Jean Martin of Washtenaw County and the 2026 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Bryan Shirk of Branch County. The 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration also recognized the 2025 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award winner, which was presented to Lynn Olthof of Ottawa 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 2026 to Erica Drake of Washtenaw County, Cathy Fry of Isabella County, Melissa Gordon of Monroe County, Bryan Shirk of Branch County and Michelle Short of Macomb County. The 2025 Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture honorees were also recognized. Winners of the 2025 awards were Brigitte Grobbel of Clinton County, Genevieve Hecht of Tuscola County, Michelle Holladay of Oceana County, Tyler Labadie and Garrett Thompson of Barry County, and Jennifer Laux of Saginaw County.

Fifty-year 4-H volunteers from 2025 and 2026 were also recognized at the event, as well as winners of the 2025 and 2026 MSU 4-H Scholarships and MSU Extension 4-H staff members who retired since 2024.

Also at the event, the Michigan 4-H Foundation launched the Michigan 4-H Beyond Ready Campaign https://mi4hfdtn.org/beyondready/, a fundraising initiative that seeks to raise $12 million for Michigan 4-H by 2032. Funds generated will provide support to Michigan 4-H for generations to come, helping to provide life-changing experiences, deliver innovative programs, support diverse learning needs, and ensure that all youth – from all communities – are Beyond Ready for future success. 

“The Michigan 4-H Beyond Ready campaign will invest in programs, people and possibilities that strengthen Michigan communities while building sustainable support for future generations,” said Abbey Miller, Michigan 4-H Foundation director. “We’ve already made much progress towards our goal and are excited to be able to share this campaign publicly with our 4-H community so together, we can invest in the future of Michigan 4-H and a Beyond Ready generation.”

To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Beyond Ready campaign, visit the campaign website at https://mi4hfdtn.org/beyondready/. To make a donation in tribute of an awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.  To learn more about previous honorees in the Michigan 4-H Legacy Award categories, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/.