4-H Salute To Excellence Awards

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Recognizing 4‑H volunteers

Each year, state 4‑H programs nominate two outstanding individual volunteers through the 4‑H Salute to Excellence Awards.* The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years as a 4‑H volunteer while the Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4‑H less than 10 years.

Outstanding lifetime volunteers

National Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer winner, Southern Region

Timothy D. Williams

Timothy D. Williams has tirelessly served as a volunteer and agent of change within 4‑H for 22 years, actively working to create a more diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible program for Louisiana youth. Since he started as a club leader in the 1990s, Timothy has...

Northeast Region

Carol LeBlanc

During Carol LeBlanc’s 52-year 4‑H volunteer career, she has served in numerous roles at the county, state and regional levels, as well as established three 4‑H clubs – including the Snoopy’s Pals 4‑H Club. Carol has led its members to earn showmanship championships, American Kennel...

North Central Region

Chuck Kruschke

In 1970, at the age of 18, Chuck Kruschke started the St. Croix County dairy judging team after being told that there was no talent or skill in northwestern Wisconsin. At the time, he had little experience coaching children and scant knowledge of the art...

Western Region

Linda Zimmerman

Linda Zimmerman’s 34 years of experience as a volunteer 4‑H horse leader has earned her a reputation of being kind, empathetic and supportive. Her long relationship with 4‑H began when she was a member herself, and continued as she raised her children and grandchildren in...

Volunteers of the year

National Volunteer of the Year winner, Southern Region

Vibriyogn Epuri

Vibriyogn Epuri is a leader who dedicates much of his life to serving 4‑H and Louisiana youth through the 4‑H Tech Club. Through collaboration, teamwork and a love of STEM and technology, Virbriyong ’s leadership has allowed the club to develop community engagement and service-learning...

Northeast Region

Susan Swope

Managing 40 youth is a daunting task to many, but nine-year volunteer Susan Swope does it with ease, as she recognizes the high attendance in her club as an opportunity for young people to learn and work together. She incorporates youth and their families in...

North Central Region

Angela Tveit

When Angela Tveit’s family joined 4‑H in 2015, they had no prior experience with the program. Now, seven years later, Angela has helped to develop new afterschool partnerships, model short-term creative learning experiences for first-generation 4‑H’ers and created new project areas. By offering her...

Western Region

Lori Harrison

Lori Harrison has an extremely successful professional career as the Federal Veterinarian for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite the rigorous duties and requirements of her job, Lori’s commitment to 4‑H positive youth development has continued to grow. She uses her work-related expertise to train...