Melanie Barnes
Class Year: 2016-17
County: Iosco
Bio:“The greatest reward as a 4-H volunteer is the kids. There is no greater reward than helping and watching them learn and accomplish things they didn’t even think possible.”
Since the beginning of her involvement with the 4-H program in Iosco County in 2006, Melanie Barnes has worked diligently to help local 4-H members gain skills in their project areas as well as for themselves. She worked with the 4-H Horse Program to establish a local 4-H Educational Camp to allow members to expand their horsemanship and showmanship skills, as well as leadership and teamwork skills. In addition to her guidance with the horse project area, Melanie is also a 4-H Livestock Club volunteer.
She has been instrumental in establishing youth leadership positions for members, such as a 4-H Market Steer Club that allows members to thrive in both their project areas and personal development. She connects 4-H with her community as well, arranging for youth to speak on the radio, at community service events at the local fairgrounds and at a youth-led community breakfast to share about the 4-H program.