/ ECS / Cheryl N. Booth
“I think the critical elements for me having gone through the 4-H program were the volunteers who gave to me and other youth their time, energy and care, which helped shape how I wanted to go about doing my life’s work.”
Cheryl N. Booth’s 27-year MSU Extension career has resulted in families and communities throughout the state having opportunities to live better, grow stronger and access positive learning experiences for young people to grow and develop. As state leader for 4-H Youth Development, she provides leadership for MSU Extension’s Children, Youth and Family programming in the area of youth development. For six years she served as co-director of MSU Families and Communities Together research and outreach team helping to support the integration of research and knowledge-based practice into the way families work and live. Prior to these leadership roles, Booth served MSU Extension as regional director for the East Central region and Extension home economist. She has been Michigan’s state 4-H leader since 2001. Booth has also been an active community leader in Ithaca and Gratiot Counties serving on the Ithaca City Planning Commission; as a trustee of the Gratiot County Community Foundation; as a board member for more than 10 years of the United Way of Gratiot County, including service as both president and vice president; and as a member of the Child Advocacy Board. She continues as a member of the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Educational Service District, which she has served for 13 years, and is an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca.
Being in 4-H has helped me reflect on who I am, but also helped me feel confident enough to step out of my comfort zone. From my experience in 4-H, I have realized that I have grown as a person but also developed many crucial life and career skills.
— Justin Yarger, Monroe County
Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.
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!