/ Salute to Exc / Keri Bancroft
“My greatest reward as a 4-H volunteer has been helping to guide our youth to strive for their goals and helping them reach their full potential. Watching their faces light up as they reach their goals is my greatest reward.”
Bancroft has been involved as a 4-H volunteer with the Northwest Michigan 4-H Livestock Council for almost 12 years. Having previously held the office of both treasurer and vice president, Bancroft currently serves as president of the council, a role she has held for three years. In this position, Bancroft supports 4-H youth in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties who exhibit livestock at the Northwestern Michigan Fair. As leader of the group, Bancroft ensures youth voice is central to the work of the council and fair and that 4-He’rs are seen as leaders and partners in the council’s work.
Outside her work with the Northwest Michigan 4-H Livestock Council, Bancroft is the leader of the Happy Highlanders 4-H Club and helps to organize the annual Education Expo, an educational conference for 400-500 4-H youth and their families. Bancroft is also a strong advocate of youth participating in state level events, such as 4-H Exploration Days and 4-H Capitol Experience, and works with the Northwest Michigan 4-H Livestock Council to provide event scholarships for youth attending these opportunities.
Because of 4-H I have learned so much about hard work and perseverance. Now I can show my goats with confidence, knowing I’ve got what it takes.
— Ainsley Karvinen, Alger County
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he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!