/ ECS / Brandon C. Schroeder
I take away from 4-H great mentors and friendships, memories, life skills and exposure to and opportunity in a natural resources career which I absolutely love. 4-H has been an invaluable influence throughout my life journey; and the experiences and opportunities 4-H has provided continue to serve me in both my personal and professional life.
Brandon Schroeder credits 4-H with guiding his career in natural resources. For four years he was a fisheries resource specialist for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs until he returned to MSU as an MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife graduate research assistant where he organized and led the Great Lakes Fisheries Leadership Institute and developed Lake Huron basin workshops. Since 2004, he has been a district Sea Grant MSU Extension educator. He is a member of the Michigan Association of Extension Agents, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the Michigan Chapter of the International Association of Great Lakes Research and the National Sea Grant Educators Association. He also serves on the MSU Extension Tourism Area of Expertise Team, is the site supervisor for the Huron Pines AmeriCorps Stewardship Program and annually judges at the NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary ROV Competition. Schroeder has been involved with 4-H since his youth. As a teen leader he served on the State 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Education program committee and later was a Clinton County 4-H volunteer. Schroeder has volunteered and instructed numerous times at 4-H Project Fish workshops, 4-H Exploration Days and 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp. His efforts also helped the camp receive the 2008 National 4-H Program of Distinction Award and the 2009 National 4-H and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Resources Conservation Education Award. Schroeder is a member and past president of the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education and served on the Friends of Sprinkler Lake Education Center Board. He has been honored with the Michigan Charter Boat Associations Pistis Award and the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Program Leaders Early Career Award.
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!