Turner named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailSanilac County 4-H alumnus Roxanne S. Turner, of Fowlerville, 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.
Sanilac County 4-H alumnus Roxanne Turner, of Fowlerville, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Turner 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.
Turner has dedicated her life to 4-H and empowering young people through leadership development, civic engagement and positive youth development. Her 25-year service to MSU Extension began in 2001 when she became a county agent. Today, Turner serves as a 4-H educator supporting leadership, civic and cultural engagement programs statewide. She also supports 4-H program coordinators in six central Michigan counties as a 4-H supervisor.
Throughout her career, Turner has become a recognized leader in youth voice, leadership development, citizenship, community service, facilitation and youth-adult partnerships. She provides leadership for statewide programs including Michigan 4-H Capitol Experience, Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute and National 4-H Congress. Her work in these programs, and more, has helped countless young people to become engaged leaders in their communities and beyond.
“I have always credited my ability to speak up at a very young age in tough situations to the learning opportunities I obtained through 4-H,” said Turner. “My experience as a 4-H member inspired me to pursue a career in 4-H. It gave me the opportunity to give back by helping youth across the state access the same meaningful experiences and opportunities that shaped my own development.”
A proud Sanilac County 4-H alumna, Turner spent 11 years as a member, participating in a wide range of projects and earning county medals in multiple project areas. She was a Michigan 4-H Key Club Award winner, earned the 4-H Capitol Experience Award, and received multiple county honors. Turner also served on the countywide teen club and 4-H council, was a teen leader for six years and was selected to her county's 4-H Royal Court.
Turner’s commitment to 4-H extends far beyond her professional role. For the past 26 years, she has also been a Livingston County 4-H volunteer, sharing her knowledge of horses, dogs and other project areas with generations of young people. From 2018-2025, Turner served as a trustee on the Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. She holds a master's degree in criminology and a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in social work.
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; Judith K. Paulsen, Hartland; Jackie A. Rider, Durand; 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 Turner or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
