Last year, 8,600 volunteers — screened adults — helped shape Minnesota 4-H and supported youth as they learn, lead and serve in their communities. With wide-ranging volunteer opportunities, there is a role for a variety of interests and time commitments. 95% of volunteers surveyed in 2024 said they taught youth new skills, making it a rewarding opportunity.
Each year the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H statewide volunteer recognition program spotlights the impact volunteers have on youth and their communities through the Salute to Excellence award and the Northern Lights honor.
Salute to Excellence Awards
Salute to Excellence awardees demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H while promoting volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege. Two volunteers are selected across Minnesota 4-H annually, making this award a distinguished accomplishment.
Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award honoree Karen Sakry
Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award honoree Karen Sakry in Benton County 4-H has more than 40 years of service and has impacted multiple generations of 4-H youth and families.
Many of today’s parents, volunteers and community supporters were once youth encouraged by Karen herself. Karen is a trusted mentor who strengthens volunteer confidence and program quality through encouragement, knowledge and example.
Volunteer of the Year Award honoree Amy Kleine
Volunteer of the Year Award honoree Amy Kleine in Benton County 4-H has used her creativity, compassion and leadership to create welcoming, meaningful experiences that help youth of all ages feel seen, valued and capable.
Because of her commitment, youth leave 4-H not only with skills, but with confidence, purpose and a belief in their ability to make a difference — today and in the future.
Northern Lights honorees
Northern Lights volunteers are individual volunteers and/or volunteer teams who bring light to their local program, whether it’s through welcoming our youngest 4-H members and families with Cloverbud (K-2) programming, creating learning environments for teens that supports their personal agency and resilience, contributing to youth thriving and becoming ready for work and life or reaching new audiences to grow 4-H membership.
This year, five volunteers have been recognized for their unique light in their local programming.
Christy Odden, Crow Wing County
Christy Odden showed rabbits and horses as a 4-H’er and began a 4-H rabbit club in Crow Wing County to give others the same experience she had as a youth. She is the coach for the rabbit project bowl team and is the go-to person in this project area, someone youth turn to for help, advice and guidance. Odden also helped revitalize the county’s shooting sports & wildlife program, including recruiting other volunteers as coaches.
Sara Jorgens, Yellow Medicine County
Sara Jorgens helps teach new club members the ins and outs of 4-H, and is a first-generation 4-H parent herself. She listens to all ideas from members and parents, practicing a youth-led, adult-guided approach to support both younger and older members in developing confidence, decision-making and leadership skills.
Tracy Hamm, Red Lake County
Tracy Hamm models what a strong youth-adult partnership looks like, not only for her club members but also other volunteers and leaders in the county. Hamm supported youth in their goal of taking a Share-the-Fun performance to the state fair as a club, empowering youth to collaborate in creating the entire act themselves, strengthening their self-concept and resilience as they tested ideas and revised.
Jess Riepe, Norman County
Jess Riepe, a long-term volunteer of 16 years, has recently volunteered with the Youth Educational Transformers Initiative (YETI) team and prior to that volunteered in raising awareness and acceptance around gender within 4-H. Riepe lets young people know they are embraced exactly as they are, bringing her open heart and whimsical flair to everything she does.
RaeAnn Bartz, Kandiyohi County
RaeAnn Bartz has been the County 4-H Horse Leader for 47 years and has been involved in a wide range of horse project events from project bowl to clinics and more. Bartz’ mindset encourages youth to “think beyond,” helping them consider what’s next after 4-H, including helping youth work with college professors and judges to expand their learning.
Each of these volunteers make a tremendous impact on the 4-H’ers in their counties, our state and their communities. Their service to the program is incredibly appreciated.
Runner-up honorees
We had a record number of volunteers nominated this year for Northern Lights Awards. Extension celebrates the following shining volunteers who give exemplary service in their communities and across the state:
Carol Johnson (Aitkin County), Nikki Nicko (Aitkin County), Steven Dragt (Big Stone County), Jessica Ketchum (Carlton County), Wendi Bach (Faribault County), Angela Olson (Isanti County), Katherine Gleason (Isanti County), Krisanne Wessel (Isanti County), Maureen Spike (Isanti County), Corles Stanchfield (Kanabec County), Kimberly Nelson (Marshall County), Ann Lemke (Meeker County), Todd Lemke (Meeker County), Mary Ann Bell (Norman County), Nancy Crompton (Norman County), Sheila Capistran (Norman County), Claire Minter (Olmsted County), Evelyn Krueger (Olmsted County), Karen Aakre (Otter Tail County), Elizabeth Hoffman (Rock County), Amber Olson (Scott County), Megan Egan (Scott County), Julie Engelmeyer (Sherburne County), Melanie Aucapina (Sherburne County), Amber Horstmann (Wadena County), Andrea Kent (Washington County), Kristina Jarosch (Washington County), Carolyn Dingfelder (Winona County) and Holly Kurth (Winona County).
Congratulations to these deserving volunteers. If you have been impacted by their service, please reach out to them and express your gratitude.
Become a 4-H volunteer
Those interested in joining the team of 4-H volunteers are invited to fill out a volunteer interest form or contact their local University of Minnesota Extension office.
Learn more about volunteering with 4-H.
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