/ ECS / Ray L. Bollaert
“4-H taught me that you can make the best better, and that evolved into the commitments I made in my personal and professional life.”
St. Clair County 4-H member Raymond L. Bollaert has been both a successful educator and businessman. He taught agriculture and natural resources education in the Imlay City Community Schools for 14 years. Today he serves as a multicounty regional manager for DTE Energy (formerly the Detroit Edison Company), where he has also worked as corporate marketing specialist for close to 20 years. Bollaert has provided both public service to his community and volunteer service to young people in Michigan. He has chaired the Michigan Rural Development Council and been a trustee on the Lynn Township Planning Board. Today, he serves as director of Capac State Bank and recently served a four-year term on the Capac Community School Board, two as its president. He is a past president of the Michigan Association of Agriscience Teachers and the Michigan 4-H Foundation and past chairman of the Michigan FFA Foundation. His service to youth and to agriculture earned him the 2000 MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Distinguished Service Award.
It takes confidence and courage to try new things and I am thankful to 4-H for providing that opportunity for me.
— Ethan McLaughlin, Monroe 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!