Cheryl Barton has been involved with the Shiawassee County 4-H program for over 40 years and has had a tremendous impact on the county’s dog program and local youth. In her time as a volunteer, Barton has shared her knowledge and skills by teaching 4-H Exploration Days sessions, Kettunen Center workshops and Companion Animal Camp classes, allowing her to influence thousands of youth. Barton has served as chair of the State 4-H Companion Animal Programming Committee and has been an integral part of the State 4-H Dog Show, fulfilling volunteer and judges coordinator positions for many years. Barton is positive, encouraging and a true role model to the youth in the community. She assisted Saginaw County in launching a new 4-H dog program and visiting the first dog workout with members of her club. She truly teaches her kids learning by doing. Her 4-H club Doggie Digges regularly provides service to the community, helping at the Humane Society, visiting nursing homes with their dogs and volunteering at the food stand. Barton is always positive and strives to truly make the best better. She treats youth like they are her own, cheering them on and encouraging them to do the best always.