/ MFB / Patti Christmas
My greatest reward has been watching the transformation in my kids.
Patti Christmas has been a 4-H volunteer leader of the Firestone Farms 4-H Club for the past four years. She teaches the youth in her club different ways to grow many vegetables. She encourages youth to plant gardens and organizes a canning day for club members to learn canning techniques. Christmas has also organized many fundraisers for local charities through her 4-H club. Each year the club grows pumpkins to give to the Inspirations Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Center. The club has also raised money for the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society at a variety of community events including the Dam Festival, the Apple Festival, Oldsmobile Night on the Farm and Christmas on the farm. Christmas encourages 4-Hers to do their best and never give up. Under her leadership, the club has received the Top Club award and members have received various county and state awards and scholarships.
4-H started with dogs but has transformed into something much more. I can be an active member in group projects and I have become a better person altogether. I am so grateful to have had a 4-H experience that impacted me so much. I don’t know what my life would be without the wonderful opportunity of 4-H.
— Jordan Davis, Berrien 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!