/ ECS / Mary J. Yeomans
“Participating in 4-H projects, I found that I especially enjoyed the family life and consumer science areas. This realization helped me to decide to attend MSU where I earned a teaching degree in that specialization. As a result, I have witnessed firsthand how the life skills and knowledge that I taught my 4-H and classroom students positively influenced their lives for the better.”
Mary Yeomans is an educator at heart, with more than two decades of work in the education sector and nearly five decades of service as a volunteer with Michigan 4-H. For 17 years, Yeomans taught interior design and child development at Delta College. During that time, Yeomans also added family and consumer science roles at the Midland County Intermediate School District, the Midland/Bullock Creek/Coleman Consortium, the Saginaw Career Complex, and the Education and Training Connection.
Yeomans taught food service at an alternative high school and led child development, customer service, interior design, life skills, and vocational courses. She also developed a transition program for high school students at risk of dropping out. Most recently, Yeomans worked for the Bay City Public Schools. Yeomans has received the Lynn Heatley Award for Distinguished Service from Delta College in 1998 and the Windover High School Hall of Honor Award in 2000.
Yeomans’ commitment to education also extends to her service to Michigan 4-H. For 47 years, she has led a 4-H club in Midland County, where she was once a 4-H member. In 2013, Yeomans co-authored the National 4-H publication called STEPS to a Healthy Teen. She has served on the state 4-H food, nutrition, and fitness committee, led countless 4-H workshops for young people and volunteers, and taught sessions at 4-H Exploration Days for more than 20 years. Yeomans has been recognized for her 4-H service in many ways, including receiving nine different awards for years of service, the Midland County Outstanding Leader Award in 1991, and the Midland County Agents Choice Award in 1993. Yeomans has also served her community by volunteering with the League of Women Voters, managing the local United Women of Faith rummage and estate sales, preparing meals for low-income people, and building homes for families through the Rio Bravo Missions in Mexico.
Because of 4-H I can be who I want to be. I am grateful for having the opportunities to do what I love.
— Natalie Milford, Chippewa 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!