The North Dakota 4-H Foundation and North Dakota State University Extension 4-H Youth Development program recognized six North Dakota 4-H Century Families, four Salute to Excellence Award recipients, and the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame inductee during the 2024 Recognition Luncheon at the North Dakota 4-H Camp near Washburn, North Dakota.

“It was a day of celebration and gratitude as we honored the legacy, dedication and impact of our 4-H Century Families, volunteer award recipients and Hall of Fame inductee,” says Leigh Ann Skurupey, assistant director for NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development. “Their contributions are the heart of 4-H, inspiring generations and shaping the future of our youth.”

Any family whose years as 4-H members, leaders or volunteers add up to 100 or more is eligible to be named a North Dakota 4-H Century Family. The six families honored for their years of 4-H participation are:

• Leier Family, Emmons County, 101 years
• Larsen Family, Cass County, 128 years
• Motter Family, Steele County, 221 years
• Kraemer Family, Grand Forks County, 214 years
• Anderson Family, Sargent County, 109 years
• Gulleson-Harris Family, Sargent County, 138 years

The 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H for less than 10 years. The NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development program presented the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award to Travis Anliker of Dickey County and the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award to Shane Giedd of McLean County.

The 4-H Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years as a 4-H volunteer. The NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development program presented the 2023 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award to Norman Howard of Ramsey County and the 2024 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award to Duane Hauck of Cass County.

The North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame award recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership and commitment to 4-H on a local, county, regional and state level. Michael “Mike” Hanson was posthumously inducted into the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame. His wife, LuAnn Hanson, and sister, Myrna Hanson, accepted the award on his behalf.

Hanson’s love for 4-H began when he became involved in 4-H at the age of 8 in Grand Forks County and continued into his 37-year professional career with NDSU Extension, which started in 1981. He worked as an Extension Agent in Richland, Benson and Emmons counties, where he assisted numerous 4-H’ers with their photography projects and livestock judging. Among his favorite activities were 4-H Camp, 4-H Achievement Days and the North Dakota State Fair. In 2017, Hanson concluded his Extension career as the district director for the northwest region of the state.

“Mike believed in the potential of 4-H youth to become future leaders and develop essential life skills,” says nominator Karla Meikle, state 4-H activities coordinator. “His commitment to youth development reflects the core values of 4-H, which focuses on building strong, capable and resilient individuals through experiential learning.”

In addition, the North Dakota 4-H Foundation recognized outgoing board members Tammy Meyer of Benson County and Duane Hauck of Cass County for their 12 years of service. Deb Clarys of Oliver County was recognized as past board chair for her leadership from 2022 to 2023.

For more information or to support 4-H, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/4hfoundation.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Nov. 18, 2024

Source: Chloe Drummond, 701-231-8539, chloe.drummond@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7006, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu