2025 University of Minnesota Honors 4-H Volunteers with Website Awards
Annually, the University of Minnesota shines a spotlight on the impact of volunteers through their website 4-H statewide volunteer recognition program, which includes the Northern Lights honors and Salute to Excellence awards.
Salute to Excellence Stars
Volunteers bestowed with the Salute to Excellence award serve 4-H with distinction, promoting volunteerism as both a means and privilege. Only two outstanding individuals from across Minnesota's expansive 4-H scene receive this prestigious recognition.
Take, for instance, Michele Vogel, the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award honoree in Nicollet County. Vogel's passion and expert leadership resulted in a thriving Cloverbud Club, fostering eager 4-H enthusiasts. She empowers new volunteers, equipping them with essential tools and enthusiasm that spread throughout the program. Vogel's wisdom and guidance continue to inspire and embody the core values of 4-H.
Then there's Julianne Hawkins, the Volunteer of the Year award honoree in Pope County, who centers her efforts on the young people she serves. By cultivating welcoming and supportive environments, Hawkins aids youth in setting themselves up for future success, both as individuals and contributing members of their communities. Hawkins' service cultivates healthy youth-adult partnerships, ensuring the youth's voice remains central in decision-making processes.
Northern Lights Shiners
Northern Lights volunteers consist of individual volunteers or volunteer teams who work tirelessly to bridge the Cloverbud and 4-H experience, fostering empowering learning environments and championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This year, a total of ten volunteers were nominated for this statewide honor. Let's laud four of these shining stars:
- Crystal and Jason Frederickson (Brown County) rekindled the spirit of 4-H shooting sports and wildlife projects in their community. Their dedication culminated in the creation of a new project-based club called Bows and Triggers, igniting excitement and attracting families to 4-H through a fresh avenue of participation. Their hard work has encompassed writing grant proposals, organizing club activities, and encouraging involvement in state events.
- Gwen Frazier (Goodhue County) has been instrumental in the fabric of 4-H for decades as a club leader, parent, and adult volunteer. Her methods encourage youth leadership, empowering members to seize club officer positions, give demonstrations, and participate in community service projects. Frazier's unwavering commitment is epitomized in her leadership of the annual hog roast fundraiser, which she has helmed alongside committee members for 20 years, even during challenging times like the pandemic.
- Bethany and Kris Folland (Kittson County) form a husband-and-wife team whose combined contributions have left a profound impact on their community as volunteers since 2009. Kris contributes his time on the County Committee Board, while Bethany supports agriculture projects and the food stand committee. The Follands lead the Halma Ideal 4-H Club, cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages each youth's growth.
- Chris Nash (North St. Louis County) is lauded for his commitment to the 4-H cause, which leaves a lasting, positive impact. Serving as the leader of the Wilpin 4-H Club, the 4-H Poultry Project Club, and the 4-H County Ambassadors, he consistently prioritizes the needs of youth, families, and the community. Nash's work extends even behind the scenes, where he selflessly lends his communication, organization, and mentorship skills to create engaging, positive experiences for all 4-H participants.
The Rest of the Pack
Additionally, four other volunteers were nominated for their remarkable contributions to the 4-H community. The University of Minnesota recognizes the ways they enrich the 4-H experience for countless youth across the state.
- Catherine Moenning, Dodge County
- Jan McNallan, Olmsted County
- Dorothy Scharf, Pine County
- Karen Roker, Renville County
For those inspired to join the dedicated ranks of 4-H volunteers, consult the volunteer interest form or contact your local University of Minnesota office to find opportunities to make a meaningful difference in your community.
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Statewide 4-H news
Stay updated on Minnesota’s 4-H activities and initiatives by keeping tabs on our 4-H news.
In a notable example, Minnesota 4-H teamed up with the Department of Health and the University to encourage safe beekeeping practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The series of Zoom workshops highlighted essential topics such as protective gear, apiary inspection, and swarm management. With mentors available for support and guidance, hobbyists were able to maintain their passion for beekeeping without the risk of exposure to the virus.
The 4-H Growing Minds Gardening program is another initiative designed to help youth cultivate important life skills through gardening. Currently, the program is being expanded to include more resources for growing food in various urban environments across the state. Community gardens, potted plants, raised beds, and vertical gardens are just some of the garden types that participants can explore to learn about sustainability, nutrition, and environmental responsibility.
Minnesota 4-H’s State 4-H Portfolio program has also seen innovative growth. This year, with support from the University’s Center for Advanced Studies in Student Learning and Success, the program expanded to include an online catalog and virtual meeting spaces. The enhanced features enable young people to access resources, connect with mentors, and share their experiences with peers from across the state. This digital transition allows the program to reach more youth while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Personal growth and education-and-self-development efforts are key for the recognized volunteers in Minnesota's 4-H program. These award-winning volunteers, such as Michele Vogel from Nicollet County and Julianne Hawkins from Pope County, focus on learning new skills and empowering others, contributing to their community's personal development and the success of the 4-H program.
Among the volunteers making a significant impact through their learning and personal growth aim is the Northern Lights team consisting of Crystal and Jason Frederickson, Gwen Frazier, Bethany and Kris Folland, and Chris Nash. These shining stars dedicate their time to building strong 4-H communities, fostering diversity, equity, and accessibility, and providing valuable opportunities for growth, making a remarkable difference in the lives of countless youth across Minnesota.
