Local honored as Montana Outstanding 4-H Volunteer

Local Mikel Fruit was recently honored as the Montana Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer for 2024 for Montana 4-H at 4-H Congress in Bozeman on July 11th. Fruit was nominated for her 29 years of service to Carter County 4-H and the community.

Fruit has been a club leader of the Puptown Pioneer 4-H Club for 29 years. In her nomination letter it was noted that she helps with various community groups when needed including her church, Carter County Sheep and Cattle Growers, homemakers, cemetery, and various others. She has led 4-H projects including poultry, quilting, horsemanship, dairy goat, meat goat, photography, Cloverbuds and many others. She has also been a part of several committees and has held the offices of 4-H Council President (23 years) and council vice president (1 year).

Fruit continually encourages Carter County 4-H members to participate and members to attend district events. She helps chaperon and organize district events when needed and always helps donate time, money, and items to Camp Needmore for district 4-H camp. She encourages local 4-H members to attend state events, reviews congress applications and helps prepare members for congress.

A letter in support of her nomination reads, in part:

"She [Mikel] is the epitome of a leader in that she goes above and beyond for the 4-H club and its members. Mikel founded the Puptown Wranglers three decades ago and has now influenced two generations of 4-H members. In addition to her role as club leader, Mikel has also served as Fair Secretary and has organized the market sale. She continually pushes the kids to learn and grow as leaders in their own right, and her high expectations set a standard of excellence for the members in her club. From All-Events Day to sheep and goat weigh-ins, Mikel shows up and works hard to make 4-H events successful."

This weekend, Fruit will be hard at work at the Ekalaka Fairgrounds, volunteering her time to ensure another Carter County Fair runs smoothly.