Wade named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailMuskegon County 4-H alumnus Shaun T. Wade, of Norton Shores, was among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Sept. 21.
Muskegon County 4-H alumnus Shaun T. Wade, of Norton Shores, is among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Wade was recognized on Sept. 21 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East 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.
As a 4-H’er in Muskegon County, Wade was involved in the entomology, botany, and soil conservation program areas, igniting a spark that led him to pursue a degree in park management from MSU. Those early sparks still burn today: Wade has become a leader in land and soil management through his business, Lake Harbor Gardens. The commercial landscaping company focuses on lawn care with minimal effects on the environment. He is well known in the Muskegon community for his advocacy for proper irrigation systems, the best use of fertilizers and other chemicals, and ways that large-scale landscaping can make the environment a little safer.
Aside from helping the environment, Wade is also known for helping his community. He often donates lawn care services to area shut-ins and to churches and other organizations. When Wade was the first to spot a beetle infestation in the Muskegon Elks Park and Campground, he began control efforts right away. Soon he was a volunteer park manager, designing a new lakeshore access point that featured a series of decks and stairs to help keep people off the dunes and prevent further erosion.
“Growing up in a 4-H family, I was encouraged to explore my interests in the outdoors and sciences more in depth,” said Wade. “The rewards of this led to my MSU field of study, a career, my own leisure activities, and years of volunteering services for youth and the disabled.”
Wade gives back to his community in many other ways, too. He frequently volunteers in the concession stand at Mona Shores sporting events and is a staunch supporter of the Muskegon Elks Lodge. Over the years, Wade as served as the Elks president and has organized philanthropic and community events including food basket distribution at Thanksgiving, movie nights, Fourth of July cookouts, and scholarship programs. One of Wade’s most appreciated creations is a trick-or-treating event for adults with intellectual disabilities who may not feel comfortable attending children’s Halloween events.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2024 were: Sarah A. Black, Eagle; Thomas L. Bosserd, Plymouth; Mary F. Draves, Midland; Katie M. Eisenberger, Shepherd; Maurice J. Kaercher, Kalamazoo; State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, Vulcan; former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown, West Branch; Nancy L. Victorson, Newberry; and Dr. Dave D. Weatherspoon, East Lansing. 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 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers, winners of the MSU 4-H Scholarship, and retiring 4-H staff.
