Carmen G. Burgos, Extension Specialist

Take advantage of every opportunity available to recognize your volunteers! Where would 4-H be without volunteers? Volunteer leaders are impacting youth and making a difference in communities across the state. They teach, guide, nurture, lead, support and motivate youth. Some of our best recruiters are our volunteers. The Tennessee 4-H Awards and Recognition program offers two opportunities for counties to recognize 4-H volunteers. You probably have several deserving nominees in your county. Please take some time to review the requirements for each award and take advantage of a great opportunity to publicly recognize a family or outstanding volunteer in your county!

State Adult Leader Recognition

This program gives recognition to an outstanding volunteer leader who has served five or more years. Each county may submit one nominee to the region. Each region will select two nominees for state competition. The state winner receives an engraved plaque. Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kant of Blount County sponsor this recognition. The state winner will receive a trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. The application form may be found on the 4-H website.

W.M. and Ruth Hale Master 4-H Family Recognition

The Hale Master 4-H Families receive engraved plaques at the regional level and a framed Tennessee Master 4-H Family medallion at the state level. The state awards are presented at State 4-H Roundup. The Hale Master Family nomination form is available on line. Click on “Forms & Materials” and look under “Volunteers.” Here is the link. Nomination forms are due to the state 4-H office every year on June 1. The nominations should be sent to the state office by the region program leaders. Check with your regional office for the regional deadline. If you have a volunteer that has been nominated in the past but did not receive the award, consider re-submitting an updated application. Make sure they still meet all requirements.