4-H volunteer recognition

by Elin Kittelmann, County Agent; Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Assistant

National Volunteer Appreciation Week has come and gone, but success of local 4-H programs is a result of the dedication of leaders throughout the year. Over the last month, employees at the extension office have taken time to reflect on how valuable local 4-H leaders are. They have built successful 4-H programs in both Carter and Fallon Counties. They have had a positive impact on area youth and have helped them growth into successful citizens in local communities. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 15-21, the extension office highlighted a handful of volunteers that go the extra mile. These individuals are listed below.

2018 Fallon/Carter County 4-H Volunteers of the Day

RODDY ROST

Rost has been a 4-H leader in Fallon County for ten years and served as 4-H Council President for 6 years. He has been a huge help with all of the 4-H livestock projects. Rost is always the first person to volunteer to help with weigh-ins and livestock events and is always willing to lend a hand with fair set-up and tear down.

Rost has a very calming and reassuring effect on all who encounter him and he is always willing to take the time to help youth. When asked about Rost, one 4-H member stated: "Roddy is always encouraging kids to be involved, not just our club but all the 4-H kids."

CAMILLE LAUGHERY

Camille Laughery has been a 4-H leader in Carter County for four years. She serves on the Carter County 4-H Council and is the organizational leader for Carter County 4-H Shooting Sports. She always goes the extra miles to help out and pitch in. Laughery brings new ideas to help improve the 4-H program in Carter County. She encourages members to do their best and stay positive. Laughery understands that success and failure happens in 4-H, and helps youth stay humble and positive and grow from their experiences.

A Carter County 4-H member stated that "Camille Laughery always seems to put a smile on a club member's face. She simply provides advice to anyone in our club, no matter where the day takes her. Camille has a way of always being there to provide support to anyone in need. She helps teach 4-H at home, and encourages people to get involved. Not to mention, she puts hours of time into helping the shooting sports kids. Camille is never too busy to lend a helping hand, and persuades others to grow and to get better. For these reasons, Camille is a great leader 4-H leader."

TARA TURBIVILLE

Tara Turbiville has been a 4-H leader in Fallon County for five years. She has a contagious smile and a big heart for 4-H. Tara stepped up to take on the role of organizational Leader for Country Pals 4-H Club and has done an exceptional job! She treats her club members, leaders and parents like family. She celebrates their successes and encourages them through their challenges. She takes the time to make sure programs, trips, and deadline information is passed along to her club members. Turbiville goes the extra miles to make sure members meet the requirements of 4-H and always has fun and educational activities to add to their monthly club meetings. Turbiville also provides her expertise on the Fallon County 4-H Livestock Committee.

CAROL SPARKS

Carol Sparks has been a lifelong 4-Her and bleeds green. She has served the last twenty-one years as a 4-H leader in Fallon County. Sparks always has the youth's interest in mind, and always brings us back into focus when anyone slips from that. She takes the extra time to make new members feel welcome and helps all her club members stay in good standing. She wants every 4-H members to succeed and have a good experience with 4-H. Sparks serves as the organizational leader of Red Butte Ramblers as well as on the Fallon County 4-H Special Awards Committee. She has been a member of the Fallon County 4-H Council and served as secretary for a number of years. She is always willing to lend a helping hand at the fair, county events, and project workshops. Sparks has been a big part of the Fallon County 4-H Program's success and helps continue to move the program forward to meet the needs of today's youth. A 4-H member stated that "Carol is good at helping us with our projects and encourages us to do our best."

ALISSA MILLER

Talk about a Go-Getter! Alissa Miller joined 4-H as a leader three years ago and jumped in with both feet! No task is too big or small for her. She has been a great asset to the Food Booth Committee and the Livestock Committee. She is very approachable and the kids really enjoy being around her. Miller helps keep Fertile Prairie 4-H Club organized and running smoothly. She wants everyone to be involved and get the most out of their 4-H program. Miller has brought fresh ideas and energy to the 4-H program in Fallon County.

A 4-H member recently stated: "Alissa does a good job of making our meetings fun."

HONORABLE MENTION: SARAFINA CLAEYS & CHRIS BECKER

Sarafina Claeys and Chris Becker have been leaders for less than five months and have brought a new energy to the 4-H Dairy Project! Both are passionate about dairy and are excited to share their interest with youth. Sarafina and Chris have attended several 4-H club meetings in Fallon County over the last few months promoting the dairy project and leading a hands-on workshop where 4-H members learned how to make their own butter! They have created their own promotional material, lesson plans, and activities for the 4-H dairy project. Claeys and Becker will be a part of 4-H Discovery Days in May at local schools. Other leaders and the extension office are grateful for their enthusiasm and interest in 4-H. Claeys and Becker are self-starters and those involved in 4-H are thrilled about the excitement that they are bringing to 4-H and the dairy project.

2018 Fallon/Carter County 4-H Volunteers of the Year

FALLON COUNTY: ERIN LUTTS

Erin Lutts has been a Fallon County 4-H leader for five years and has served as the Council Treasurer for 3 years. Lutts' upbeat and optimist attitude helps make the council function very smoothly and she faces every challenge with that same great attitude. Her help during the Fallon County Fair Livestock Sale and the time she spends issuing all the youth livestock checks is greatly appreciated. She devotes her Saturday at the fair to ensure that all of the livestock buyers and youth have great service.

Lutts is also a project leader for the cake decorating project and she is always willing to share her skills with all that are interested. Additionally, she is willing to step in and help her club. She helps them learn the skills that they need to succeed in the future.

CARTER COUNTY: MIKEL FRUIT

Mikel Fruit has been a 4-H leader in Carter County for twenty-three years. In that 23 years of service, she has served as the 4-H Council Vice Chairman, 4-H Council President, and organizational leader for Puptown Wranglers 4-H Club. She has helped many youngsters find success in 4-H. Fruit is a great asset to 4-H because she is always willing to step in and get the work done and always has the members best interests in mind. Fruit donates countless hours to helping members, leaders, and parents find their strengths in the 4-H program and encourages all to be involved. She provides her experience and contributes her time during fair to help with clerk work, the livestock sale, and to organize the fair award ceremony. Additionally, Fruit has a desire to support the community that the 4-H youth participate in. She played a big part in helping local programs to receive a Montana Rural Community Development Grant to complete a 4-H community service project at the fairgrounds and in Alzada. No amount of thank you or recognition could repay Fruit for her dedication to 4-H.