Seventeen adult volunteers, nine 4‑H members, and five families of volunteers are being recognized with 2026 Nebraska 4‑H Volunteer Awards.
Five families from across the state are being recognized as Outstanding Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. Families include:
- Dennis and Joyce Schmidt Family, Thayer County
- Mike and Deb Wilcox Family, Pawnee County
- Zarybnicky & Kostal Family, Gage County
- Vonderschmidt Family, Dawson & Richardson Counties
- Sekutera Family, Sherman County
This award recognizes families with at least three generations of active 4‑H volunteers.
Nine 4‑H members from across the state are being recognized as Outstanding Youth Volunteers for going above and beyond in their local 4‑H programs:
- Greta Knuth, Hall County
- Jorja Boller, Gage County
- Kristin Coufal, Butler County
- Peyton Allan, Hall County
- Riley Farnstrom, Thayer County
- Ayla Foster, Box Butte County
- Logan Schmidt, Thayer County
- Franklin Polacek, Madison County
- Wesley Schmid, Johnson County
Eight individuals 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:
- Neleigh Gehl, Wheeler County
- Susie Schuckert, Lincoln County
- Jayson Bronson, Phelps County
- Ariana Umscheid, Antelope County
- Ron Kaspar, Platte County
- Aleyna Cuttlers, Lancaster County
- Merriah Bockmann, Hall County
- Lukas Fritz, Nemaha County
Nine 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:
- Bobbi Archibald, Sheridan County
- Rose Buhlmann, Greeley County
- Codina Moore, Gosper County
- Mike and Julie Filipi, Madison County
- Jeanne Scheuneman, Colfax County
- Sharon Rief, Cuming County
- Roger Bell, Lancaster County
- Barb Hovie, Hall County
- Lisa Schawang, Richardson County
The Nebraska 4‑H Volunteer Awards honor individuals who are making meaningful and lasting contributions to their local 4‑H communities.
“4‑H Volunteers are truly integral for creating intentional and positive experiences for youth statewide. Their volunteer efforts enable youth to improve decision making skills, build leadership skills and help prepare youth to be ready for future careers. These volunteers generously give their time, energy, and creativity to help develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions," said Jill A. Goedeken, Nebraska 4‑H Volunteer Extension Educator.
Recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair.
Learn more about the Nebraska 4‑H Volunteer Awards.
