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Jane L. Thocher

Jane L. Thocher

County: Oakland

Class Years: 2006

Title: Retired Public School Administrator

4-H was truly a wonderful experience for me4-H gave me a chance to meet people who had the same interests as me and to build friendships. I also had the opportunity to see parts of the United States that I would not have had the opportunity to see.

Jane L. Thocher’s life has been dedicated to education and to providing youth the opportunity to be the best that they can be. She retired from Michigans public schools in 1993 after 39 years in education, serving the last 17 years as an administrator in two elementary schools. Thocher received both her bachelors degree in elementary education and her masters in teacher education curriculum supervision from Michigan State University. Since retirement, she has been trained in mediation and has become a balance and restorative justice trainer and mediator through the Michigan Supreme Court. She serves as the West Shore dispute educator contact and works with schools and community groups in conflict resolution, peer mediation, and with bullying issues. Thocher has been a member of the West Shore Dispute Resolution Center Board for nine years, serving four years as president. She is also a trained Hospice volunteer and is currently serving her seventh year on the Hospice of Muskegon Oceana Board.

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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