/ MFB / Katheryn Bell
“My greatest reward while being a 4-H leader is seeing a child go from unsure and nervous to brave and confident.”
Katheryn Bell started volunteering with 4-H in 2017 when her young children became interested in the program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took on the role of administrative volunteer leader for the Bowers Farm 4-H Club. The club is Oakland County’s largest, with more than 100 members. To engage and educate youth while in-person activities were on hold, Bell worked with the Bowers Farm staff to make animal care training videos. This allowed members to care for their animals at the farm without overlapping with one another. Even post-pandemic, the videos continue to be useful training tools.
After being involved with the Bowers Farm as a 4-H volunteer, Bell was hired as their farm manager and passed leadership of the club to others, though she continues to be involved as a 4-H parent. In her new role, Bell continues to advocate for agriculture and youth education. She is one of the creators of the Bowers School Farm’s Helpful Hands program, which sees young people educate the local community about agriculture with proper animal interactions at an open barn event. Bell is an educator and leader who guides with passion and shows genuine interest in and commitment to young people. She steadfastly encourages them to keep exploring their ideas and building on their understanding, passion, and leadership skills.
It takes confidence and courage to try new things and I am thankful to 4-H for providing that opportunity for me.
— Ethan McLaughlin, 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!