Nebraska 4-H News

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Judy Rath is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. Judy volunteers with the Thomas County 4-H program and was nominated by Tayler Rath.

Judy has served as the Thomas County 4-H Achievers Club leader for over ten years. In a rural community, Judy grew a small gathering into a successful club by organizing weekly meetings focused on various projects, such as STEM, animal science, woodworking, and welding. Judy also established a local FIRST LEGO League robotics team, the Central Sandhills MechTechs, that has won two regional tournaments and advanced to the state championships several times.

"What began as a small gathering in rural cattle country flourished into a successful program enabling youth to grow their knowledge, learn new skills they might have otherwise never known (as the nearest equivalent opportunity would have been hours away), and inspire them to reach for the stars," wrote Tayler. "Because of the dedication of Judith and her empowering belief in the youth of the community, dozens of kids aspiring to become our future ranchers, farmers, scientists, engineers, or anything they set their minds to, were able to pursue their dreams."

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Omaha, NE, and moved to Thedford, NE, when my sons were ages 2 and 3. I was a Stay at Home Mom/Rancher's Wife. I homeschooled my two sons throughout their school careers. My oldest needed challenging subjects in the school atmosphere, and my youngest had several medical needs. Homeschooling was a blessing to our family. As my sons came of age, they joined the local 4-H club, where they were able to find new friends and socialize with youth their age. After the first few years, we found ourselves without a 4-H Club Leader, so I volunteered.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

When I volunteer, I rely on my knowledge and experiences and how I can share those with others. With 4-H, volunteering gave me the chance to share all that I know and provide the youth in our small community with opportunities outside of the basics of public school. In teaching and sharing various subjects such as robotics, STEM, art, and animal husbandry, just to name a few, I gave our 4-Hers the chance to find their own path. In learning various different subjects and getting a hands-on experience, we provide 4-Hers with the chance to see what they like to do, to see what things touch their heart and soul, what they can do to have that positive effect on others, not only their peers but others that they may come in contact with.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

My favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer was seeing all of the kids come together as a group, encouraging one another, whether it be at static exhibits for fair, robotics competition, or livestock showmanship, having a positive impact on one another that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

To find your spark, youth must have opportunities in various subjects so that they can find their true path, their purpose, that place where their heart goes to and a smile lights up their face. We have the ability to provide those opportunities with our experience and knowledge.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Sally B Bryner is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 1. Sally volunteers with the Box Butte County 4-H program and was nominated by Melissa Mracek, Nebraska Extension Educator in Box Butte County.

Even though she has a busy work schedule, Sally supports the Box Butte 4-H program whenever possible. She often lends a hand at the Fort Robinson Horse Camp. Sally has taught at the local babysitting workshops, and she always makes sure to provide items for the local fundraiser. 

Sally is most well-known, however, for leading the county horse program. She serves as the county fair horse superintendent. In this role, Sally is responsible for purchasing show awards, managing the program, preparing the exhibitor packets, and overseeing the condition of the arena. As the 4-H Horse Club leader, she holds weekly practices throughout the summer to help members learn riding basics and gain horsemanship knowledge. Sally is a certified examiner for the Nebraska 4-H Horsemanship Advancement Level program and leads county-wide horsemanship and riding workshop. 

"Sally is an awesome horse instructor," said Melissa. "She understands the youth and works with them to help them achieve their goals and not only become excellent riders but also knowledgeable horse owners."

Sally encourages local members to grow their project experiences. She is a cheerleader for the Futurity program, through which youth spend four years training a young horse. She ensures these youth are celebrated at the county fair every year. Thanks to her support and guidance, several of Sally’s club members have gone on to compete in statewide rodeo competitions and horse shows.

"My husband attended her practices as a youth. When he went to college, he had the confidence and abilities to participate in the equine riding classes at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as well as was recruited to be a member of the Equestrian team," shared Mracek. "Currently, we own horses, and I do believe that had it not been for Sally’s classes, it would have taken a lot of encouragement and training for that to happen otherwise."

Tell us about yourself.

I am a 20+ year 4-H volunteer, as I started volunteering the following year after I was no longer of 4-H age. I especially enjoy volunteering for the horse project, as that has been my passion since I was a young girl. I participated in the 4-H horse project for my full ten years in 4-H.

I also enjoy showing horses myself when I am able to find the time to do so. I have always enjoyed my time as a volunteer in Box Butte County, where I have resided most of my life, growing up in Alliance and returning after obtaining my education. I currently reside outside of Hemingford on a small "hobby" farm. I also work full-time as Nurse Practitioner at a local Rural Health Clinic in Alliance.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Helping youth learn about their project and seeing that growth as the summer months progress.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

One of my favorite memories as a 4-H volunteer would be watching youth not only grow in their projects but into young adults and enjoying it so much they also return as 4-H volunteers!

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

I have tried to keep youth engaged in their projects. I also try to help them learn new things about their project. I love teaching and pushing youth to set goals and try my best to help them achieve those goals.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Micah Scholl is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 11. Micah volunteers with the Pawnee County 4-H program and was nominated by Mary Moser, Nebraska Extension Educator in Pawnee County.

"Micah is very passionate and is very willing to share his experiences with the youth in our county, so his enthusiasm is contagious," said Moser.

Micah is passionate about showing swine and wants to help every Pawnee County 4-H member learn to show swine with competency and confidence. He started by hosting a clinic to teach youth how to select, train, feed, and show their project animals. He then volunteered at the county swine show. Micah is stepping up to serve as the county fair swine superintendent this year. He plans to offer more clinics to help exhibitors in this new role. 

"The youth that he has helped definitely feel pride when they can exhibit their animal at a higher level and not only does the judge comment but members of the community notice the time and effort put into the project," said Moser. "Changes would not have been made without Micah’s help."

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Micah Scholl. I am 26 years old. I Grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska but currently reside in Pawnee City, Nebraska, where I am currently working on becoming a licensed electrician through an apprenticeship program and own and Operate Ignite Genetics. In my "free time," I enjoy going to every stock show I can and meeting new people.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Helping others achieve stuff that they never have before or never imagined

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

Well, first, I hope the memories are not over, but right now, the one that's at the top is successfully getting somebody on the dirt at the NSF and for them to have their name recognized for their hard work in front of people.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

By hopefully whoever I deal with, giving them confidence in whatever they do.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Chelsea Sallach is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. She volunteers with the Wheeler County 4-H program and was nominated by Jen Epp, Nebraska Extension Educator in Garfield, Loup, and Wheeler Counties.

As a member, Chelsea discovered her spark in the 4-H horse project. As an adult, she is paying it forward as a volunteer leader.

"Chelsea Sallach has been a breath of fresh air in the Wheeler County 4-H horse project," wrote Epp.

Wheeler County has strong ties with the equine industry, and community members of all ages love their horses. Despite all of this, local youth seemed reluctant to participate in the county 4-H horse shows. With equine expertise, Chelsea stepped up to lead practice sessions. She prioritized a growth mindset and skill-building to help youth develop self-confidence. The practices were not only impactful, but they also became increasingly popular. As a result, participation in last year's local 4-H horse show doubled. 

"As an emerging volunteer, she has added richness for the youth and the project at the county level," wrote Epp. "We are excited to watch her take these youth to new heights in the future."

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Chelsea Sallach, and I am from Ewing, NE. I live on a ranch with my husband, Craig, and our 4 kids - Owen (10), Warren (9), Quincy (6), and Hazel (4). Growing up, I was a lifelong member of 4-H and participated in the horse project. I enjoyed showing horses and rodeoing, as well as any opportunity to learn about training horses. In college at UNL, I showed horses on the IHSA Equestrian Team and judged for the UNL Horse Judging team while earning a Bachelor of Science - Animal Science with Equine Emphasis. I recently earned my Master of Education - Special Education and enjoy teaching high school science and elementary special education.

Since college, I have become a certified 4-H horse judge in Nebraska and have continued to judge 4-H and open horse shows. When my kids started 4-H, I saw another opportunity to share my love and knowledge of horses with kids who were eager to learn. I began volunteering with the Ericson Wranglers 4-H club as a horse project leader, which has grown into the opportunity to help all youth in our county with their 4-H horse projects.

When I am not teaching, judging, or volunteering with 4-H, you will likely find me outside on the ranch! I enjoy riding and training young horses, helping my husband on the ranch, and spending time with my kids.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

I love the opportunity to see kids working hard, developing friendships, and building lifelong skills. Their dedication and persistence to learning and growing, along with the joy they share through the process, is a testament to the bright future of these young people.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

I don't have one favorite memory - I have many, many favorites! Seeing kids find success, especially when they have worked so hard, is incredibly rewarding. Those moments when they connect with their horse, conquer a fear, or master a new skill, always bring a smile to my face.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

I help youth find their spark through 4-H by providing them opportunities to learn and grow in an environment where mistakes are just steps to improving. I challenge them to try things out of their comfort zone and to have ownership of their own success. I share my love and knowledge of horses with the hopes that they will also find a lifelong passion while developing their skills.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Keith Umstead is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 6. Keith volunteers with the Nance County 4-H program and was nominated by Steve Pritchard, Nebraska Extension Educator in Boone and Nance Counties.

"As the local 4-H Educator in Boone County, I have known Keith for four years, and he portrays the true spirit of 4-H volunteerism," wrote Pritchard. "He has been very dedicated to the 4-H program in Nance County."

Keith currently serves as the Nance County 4-H Council president, serving on various committees. He has given a tremendous amount of time to see that county fair, workshops, and other 4-H events are well-organized, and he does it all with a smile. Keith is also the club leader for the local Hot Shots 4-H Club. Keith is a Level 1, Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor with multiple discipline certifications. Typically, he runs a 6-8 week program during the winter and another 6-8 week program during the summer. As a certified instructor, Keith has taught hundreds of young people the safe and responsible use of firearms, sound decision-making, self-discipline, and concentration. Keith has a passion for helping youth put forward their best effort. As a highly respected community member, he is an excellent role model for young people. He demonstrates high character and strong morals instilling these values in the young people he works with. 

"He challenges the youth to be their best," said Pritchard.

Tell us about yourself.

I enjoy helping with 4-H between being on 4-H council and club leader with Nance County Hot Shots 4-H Shooting Sport Club. In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors hunting and shooting firearms/archery. But my favorite past time is just spending quality time with close family.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

I look forward to teaching youth how to be responsible and safe all while having FUN with archery and firearms.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

I don’t have a specific favorite memory because I have multiple, and they happen at almost every practice every time a child lights up and smiles ear to ear when they realize they have accomplished a goal!!

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

By keeping every interaction fun and exciting while learning discipline and respect for themself and others.