Joan M. Lenz Kuhne

County: Huron
Class Years: 2002
Title:
“4-H has helped me improve my speaking skills, organizational skills and self-confidence. I have enjoyed working with and encouraging youth to ‘reach for the stars.’ “

Joan M. Kuhne, a certified clinical and chemical dependency nurse by profession, is a 33-year 4-H community volunteer by commitment. According to local 4-H staff members, she has worked with more than 3,300 young people in her community and recruited more than 200 adults to join her in youth service in Saginaw County. She and a group of young people conducted a barn survey of Frankenmuth in celebration of 150 years. Five of those barns are now listed with the Library of Congress. She is a member of the Frankenmuth Historical Society and a member and vice-president of the Frankenmuth Friends of the Library and has served as president of the Frankenmuth Families in Action. Kuhne raises puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind and is currently junior vice-president for the Marine Corps League Auxiliary (MCLA). In August 2001, the MCLA inducted her into the “Chapel of the Four Chaplains” Honor Society in honor of her volunteer service. She was honored by the 87th Michigan legislature for 25 years as a 4-H volunteer and with the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award for community service and youth involvement.

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Sophia Mason, Monroe County

Through 4-H I have learned so many things that can help me build my confidence. I went from feeling insecure about my disability to being able to tell other kids who have dyslexia that even if it is difficult, you shouldn\'t feel embarrassed about it. Since joining 4-H I can share my experience with dyslexia and help people understand the disability.

— Sophia Mason, 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!