/ ECS / Henrietta Hensler
For 60 years 4-H has enriched my life. First, as a member I learned many life skills, made new friends and learned how to work with other people. Later, I was able to attend MSU on 4-H scholarships to achieve my dream of becoming a teacher. I decided to teach in the inner city where I could help children read and I began a 4-H club, giving back to others what had been given to me as a youth.
For 37 years, Henrietta Hensler dedicated her life to formally helping young children build their reading and math literacy skills. She has also spent many of those years and her retirement helping young people grow, develop and succeed as a 4-H volunteer leader in Bay and Saginaw counties. She retired from the Saginaw Public Schools in 1991 after serving as a reading and math teacher, an early childhood and preschool teacher and a reading specialist for children in preschool through sixth grade. She also taught for the U.S. Army Dependent Schools in France in 1958-60 and in Germany in 1960-61. Early in her career, Hensler received the Saginaw Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator Award. More recently, she received the Community Service Award for volunteerism presented by Nestle, USA, Inc., and the Golden Rule Award presented by J.C. Penney and the National 4-H Council. In 1956, she was a Michigan International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) ambassador and today is an active member of the IFYE Alumni Association. She served as cochairman for the national IFYE board and was a board member and chairman of the World Conference board for the 50th anniversary. Hensler has also been a member of the Saginaw Branch of Women’s National Farm and Garden Association since 1995, and is a founding contributor of the Michigan 4-H International Programs Endowment Fund.
Through 4-H, I have become the person I am today. Not only has it made me who I am, but has given me lifelong friendships and leaders to look up to. 4-H and everyone I have met through 4-H has fostered my passion for animals and led me to the path I am considering for my future.
— Bridget Paidl, Menominee 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!