/ ECS / Laura M. Hamlin
4-H helped me grow from a shy little girl to the person that I am today. It has given me self-confidence and the necessary skills to succeed in life.
Laura Hamlin is currently the Michigan Farm Bureau Regional Representative. She exhibited extraordinary leadership and community service as a young adult and undergraduate student at Michigan State University. For eight years, she owned and operated a lawn care and landscaping business with up to 15 clients at a time. She has also worked as a legislative assistant for Rep. Chris Ward and as campaign manager for the Don Vickers state representative campaign. She also served as the press assistant for U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers district office, where she also worked to resolve constituent casework related to agriculture and natural resources issues. Prior to working for Michigan Farm Bureau, Laura worked as the marketing coordinator, then operations manager at Kettunen Center. Hamlin was the first president of the Michigan State University Collegiate Farm Bureau, which she helped form in 2003. She was also the first youth to join the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees. In 2002, the year of the national 4-H centennial celebration, Hamlin served on a research team for the Michigan Conversation on Youth Development hosted by Michigan 4-H and was a Michigan delegate for the National Conversation on Youth Development hosted by the National 4-H Council. She served as co-chair of the Big Ten Agriculture and Natural Resources Conference, an ambassador for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a youth adviser for the Rowley Wesleyan Church and a member of the Ingham County 4-H Council. She is also a recipient of the American FFA Degree, the National 4-H Fashion Revue Scholarship and numerous county 4-H awards. Hamlin has also helped with Meals on Wheels, Cancer Caps for Children and Cozy Coats, an Atlanta, Ga., orphanage. She is currently a leader with the Webberville 4-H Club and active with the Webberville FFA Alumni. Laura also volunteers at hospitals and nursing homes with her certified therapy dog.
4-H has taught me to not be afraid of taking risks.
— Heidi Barrington, St. Joseph 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!