Paulsen named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailCass County 4-H alumnus Judith Paulsen, of Hartland, 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.
Cass County 4-H alumnus Judith K. Paulsen, of Hartland, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Paulsen 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.
For nearly 50 years, Paulsen has been a key member of the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) staff. Beginning in 1978 as a special education typist, she has advanced over the years to roles of assistant coordinator of special education and assistant director of special education. Since 2000, she has served as executive assistant to the superintendent and community relations supervisor, where she works directly with superintendents, local officials and members of the public. Through this role, Paulsen has worked to build and maintain a thriving partnership between LESA and Livingston County 4-H.
Paulsen’s 4-H journey began as a Cass County 4-H member, where she participated in sewing and cooking projects and exhibited her work through Spring Achievement and county fairs. Inspired by the confidence and sense of belonging she found in 4-H, she continued her involvement as an adult and has now dedicated 45 years as a Livingston County 4-H volunteer, serving as a project and administrative club leader. Paulsen has also served on the Livingston County 4-H Council, becoming the county's first female president.
“4-H has provided me with experiences, opportunities and lessons that have contributed greatly to who I am today,” said Paulsen. “My 4-H experiences have shaped my work ethic, my career, and my approach to life in general. Because of 4-H, I gained valuable leadership, communication and problem-solving skills that have helped me in many areas of life.”
Paulsen’s heart for service extends beyond her commitment to 4-H. She has given her time as a member of the United Way Day of Caring Committee, Hartland Community Council and as a teacher for Sunday school and vacation Bible school. Paulsen helped to establish the Hartland Farmers’ Market and has been instrumental in LESA’s Backpacks for Kids campaign, which has collected and distributed more than 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for Livingston County families over the past 10 years.
A graduate of Bethel College, Paulsen has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Governor’s Service Award for Volunteer of the Year and the 2012 Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award from the Livingston County United Way.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2026 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; 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 Paulsen or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
