Sharon K. Fritz

During Sharon Fritz’s 12 years of 4-H membership she was the recipient of numerous accolades including state 4-H award winner and National 4-H Club Congress delegate. She also made 4-H history as the first female delegate to travel to South Korea through the International Four-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) Program. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Ferris State College, Fritz embarked on a 25-year career with MSU Extension starting as a home economist with 4-H responsibilities in Alcona and Oscoda counties. This was followed by her work as a 4-H youth agent in Lapeer and Midland counties, and eventually as the North Region extension director for 10 years. Throughout the 1990s, Fritz was instrumental in coordinating the 4-H LABO Japanese exchange program. Other international coordination assignments have included the launch of 4-H exchange program with youth in Jamaica. She also served as a committee task force member on Kettunen Center’s Vision 2021 campaign where she proved a valuable liaison between Michigan 4-H staff and Kettunen Center developments. In addition to commitments at her church’s St. Vincent DePaul store and the Hospice of Helping Hands in West Branch where she is the resource development coordinator for volunteers, patients and funding, Fritz finds time to lead a 4-H food and nutrition club. She also serves the greater Ogemaw County 4-H program as its LABO coordinator. An active volunteer at Kettunen Center’s “Breakfast with Santa” program, she spreads 4-H holiday cheer to youth from Osceola, Lake, Mecosta and Wexford Counties every December. A current Michigan 4-H Foundation donor, Fritz has been decorated with the National Distinguished 4-H Service Award and the Michigan 4-H International Program Award.