Pictured above, left to right, first row: Linda Partin, Joan Bailey-President Elkhart Co. Extension Homemakers; second row: Charlie Phillips, Bill George, Brian Clayton-North Central Co-Op, Harold Schmucker. (Photo provided)

Elkhart County’s 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders were recognized Tuesday evening, October 27, at the Greencroft Senior Center, Goshen.  This was the 63rd year of continuous sponsorship by the Elkhart County Farm Bureau, Inc., Interra Credit Union and North Central Cooperative, Inc.

Receiving Friend of 4-H Awards were North Central Co-Op, Extension Homemakers of Elkhart County, and Gale Gerber, 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair President.  These awards were presented to those who have contributed to the Elkhart County 4-H program by leadership direction, program support, and/or monetary contributions.

Adult leader awards based on tenure and involvement in the many aspects of the 4-H program were presented.  The recipient of the Bronze Award (1-3 years of leadership) was Linda Partin, leader of Concord Lads & Lassies club.  Harold Schmucker was awarded the Silver Award (4-11 years of leadership).  Harold is one of the leaders for the Elkhart County Shooting Sports club.  The Gold Award (12 years or more of leadership) was presented to Charlie Phillips for 38 years of leadership with the Bristol Boosters club.

This was the eighth time a Platinum Award was presented to adult leaders for dedicated and outstanding service to 4-H.  This year the award went to Bill George who has been with the Elkhart County Beef club for 40 years.

Adult Leader Service Awards were presented recognizing 4-H adult leaders who have retired from their leadership positions.  Those leaders honored for their loyal and dedicated service to the Elkhart County 4-H program were: Nancy Brown, Syracuse; Ola Crain, Elkhart; and Jerry & Vivian Needler, New Paris.

4-H adult leaders volunteer their time to help young people grades 3-12 to, as the 4-H motto says, “Make the Best Better.”  Rendering a tremendous community service, 4-H leaders hold regular meetings for youth in their area, attend county leader training meetings, work with 4-H’ers on an individual basis, help with fair preparations, plus much more.

The 4-H Adult Leader Recognition Banquet is planned to thank more than 390 community volunteers for their time and effort in helping develop “Leaders of Tomorrow.”