Dale D. Grabill
Class Year: 2011-12
County: Newaygo
Bio:Watching the members mature is a great reward. I watch them come
with little knowledge about the project, sometimes timid and shy, and
eventually mature to become accomplished in the project and a teen
leader confident with themselves and teaching the younger members.
It is exciting for me to watch them succeed.
Since 1983, Dale Grabill has guided hundreds of Newaygo County 4-H youth in the Grant Livestock Club. He empowers youth to lead both club meetings and community service projects. He encourages youth to attend local, state and national 4-H educational opportunities including Kettunen Center 4-H workshops. He was instrumental in establishing a Youth Farm Safety Day in Newaygo County and encourages his club members to participate and serve as teen leaders in the event. Under Grabills leadership, the club maintains the memorial garden at the Grant Public School and also rake yards and donates funds to the Grant Water Tower Park. Members also volunteer for the Newaygo County 4-H Proud Equestrians Program. Grabill also served as president and treasurer of the Newaygo County 4-H Council and has been active on a variety of committees for the Newaygo County Agricultural Fair. He is active in his church, the Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club and is a member of the Turkey Producers Co-op. Grabills focus however, is on 4-H developing the youth themselves, providing them with a group setting where they can learn skills, develop leadership and confidence to help them succeed in life.