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Kathy Grau & Mary Hammer

Kathy Grau & Mary Hammer

County: Washtenaw

Class Years: 2018-19

Kathy Grau: “My greatest reward as a volunteer is to watch these kids mature into young responsible adults. 4-H offers such an opportunity to learn life skills that you use the rest of your life. With my guidance and mentoring, I feel that we have had an impact in building our future leaders in agriculture as well as other future leaders. I enjoy working with youth, which makes me feel rewarded from the work we have done.” Mary Hammer: “My greatest reward as a 4-H volunteer leader has been the long-lasting friendships I have made with so many 4-H youth during the years – to see so many of them share their love for agriculture with other youth and encourage them to do their best. I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces when they have done their best and are rewarded with smiles and hugs from me. Being a 4-H leader is one of my greatest joys.”

Kathy Grau and Mary Hammer have provided numerous experiential learning opportunities for youth in their area as leaders of the Washtenaw County 4-H Junior Livestock Committee. From providing suggestions and input for the 4-H youth show to selecting judges and organizing a Cloverbud mentorship program, they have fulfilled their leadership roles to make the best better. Along with being directly involved with the Junior Livestock Committee, Grau and Hammer nominate club members for county awards and recognition, and encourage them to pursue 4-H State Awards. Grau and Hammer take honoring and celebrating successes seriously and never pass up an opportunity to recognize youth for their accomplishments. Whether it is in the form of a corn maze outing or sports event, the two leaders ensure that members’ participation and hard work are acknowledged.

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Brooklyn Hetrick, Oakland County

4-H has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities, allowed me to form lasting relationships, and given me the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

— Brooklyn Hetrick, Oakland County