Dave Galer

County: Macomb
Class Years: 2021-22

“I have watched youth learn about new things in our club as pre-teens that became [their] favorite interests as teenagers, and ultimately, drove their education and career paths as young adults. There is no greater reward that I can imagine as a youth mentor and educator.”

Dave Galer has been a Macomb County 4-H volunteer with the Detroit Arsenal 4-H Club since 2013. Galer led the development of a new youth gardening project. He led 4-H’ers in building raised garden boxes, bean tepees, a Mrs. Potato Head potato patch, scarecrows, and a vegetable stand. He also partnered with the Macomb County MSU Extension 4-H Master Gardeners to help maintain gardens and educate children. Galer took the gardening project to a higher level when he challenged youth members to develop an irrigation system for tomato plants that promoted water conservation, build a worm farm for soil development, and construct a compost pile to replenish the garden soil.

During club meetings, Galer guides and encourages the members to make decisions, lead projects, and create a positive impact in their community. He also encourages club members to participate in statewide and national 4-H opportunities.

Galer also led a 4-H youth day of service in which 4-H members came together to create flower beds and landscaping at the Macomb County Animal Control Facility. This effort created a nicer looking space at the facility in which community members could consider pet adoptions.

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Alice Long, Washtenaw County

4-H is an engaging and fun program where you can learn about animals, responsibility and so much more. There are a lot of activities and opportunities that I can do and have because of 4-H.

— Alice Long, Washtenaw County

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2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award Winners

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!