4-H Volunteers receive state-level recognition for their local contributions
Twenty-two adult volunteers from across the state, as well as one youth member and one family, are being recognized with Nebraska 4-H Volunteers Awards.
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who are making significant and lasting impacts in their local 4-H community. Recipients serve in a variety of roles, such as club and project leaders, fair superintendents, workshop instructors, and council members. Award recipients were selected based on the information provided by nominators.
Recipients are recognized as part of Nebraska 4-H's Week of the Volunteer celebration, and awards will be presented during the 2023 Nebraska State Fair.
The Vrbka, Ott, and King families from Polk County are receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. Family members include:
- Ray & Betty Vrbka
- Susan Ott
- Angie King
- Stacy Stewart
- Chase King
- Ashley Robbins
- Helen Bender
- Haley Teten
- Cecelia King
- McKenna & Alexa Stewart
This award recognizes a family with at least three generations of active 4-H volunteers.
Lindsey Mendenhall from Chase County is receiving the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. This award recognizes 4-H member, ages 14-18, who has made a meaningful impact on their local community.
Eleven adults are receiving Emerging Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served less than three years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
- Jackie Simonson, Sheridan County
- Chelsea Sallach, Wheeler County
- Chase Prentice, Lincoln County
- Steve Dirgo, Gosper County
- John Broderson, Cedar County
- Keith Umstead, Nance County
- Joelle Wacker, Polk County
- Michael Bracht, Burt County
- Allison Walbrecht, Lancaster County
- Kristina Woods, Fillmore County
- Micah Scholl, Pawnee County
Eleven Individuals are receiving Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served more than four years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
- Sally B. Bryner, Box Butte County
- Judy Rath, Thomas County
- Nancy Lashley, Logan County
- Arlys Cupp, Chase County
- Chris Redding, Antelope County
- Sue Hornickel, Valley County
- Janet Stutzman, Seward County
- Robert Stoddard, Washington County
- Harry Mulhbach, Lancaster County
- Alan & Kaye Mussman, Thayer County
- Sherlyn Damme, Otoe County
For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards, please visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.