/ ECS / Sarah J. Pion
“My involvement in 4-H has shaped me as a person and a member of my community. My time as a 4-H member taught me responsibility, how to stay committed and follow through on any task I started, [and] to honor my commitments in a positive and high-quality manner. 4-H showed me the importance of volunteering my time and how to make a difference in my community.”
Sarah Pion has been the southwest regional manager for Michigan Farm Bureau for 20 years. In this role, Pion acts as the liaison between Michigan Farm Bureau and the Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren County Farm Bureau chapters. She helps the county chapters increase their membership numbers and volunteer engagement, expand their leadership teams, and implement Farm Bureau policies and programs. Before joining Michigan Farm Bureau, Pion spent a year as an MSU Extension swine agent.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from MSU and was a member of the collegiate livestock judging team in 1998. While working on a master’s degree in animal science and swine nutrition from North Carolina State University, Pion was recognized with the Graduate Student Outstanding Teaching Award.
Pion spent 10 years as an active Ingham County 4-H member and later became a Cass County adult 4-H volunteer. She served for nine years as the Cass County Fair livestock judging contest coordinator, and for one year as the coach of the Cass County 4-H livestock judging team.
Pion has also volunteered for the Edwardsburg Public School’s Parent Teacher Organization, the Edwardsburg High School Athletic Boosters and varsity softball program, the Granger Community Church, the Edwardsburg Relay for Life, the Centreville FFA Advisory Council, and the Albion College softball program. She is a 21-year member of the Cass County Farm Bureau chapter, has been a certified association executive for 13 years, and is a member of and show volunteer for the Cass County Draft Horse Club.
When I put my mind to things, nothing is impossible. That is one of the most important things I’ve learned from 4-H.
— Emma Rasch, Kent 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!