Gordon Ridenour has been one of the driving forces for Cass County 4-H for the past nine years. With his unwavering commitment to the Sleepy Hollow 4-H Club and the 4-H Leaders’ Association, he is truly deserving of the Michigan 4-H Volunteer of the Year award. Ridenour’s patience as well as problem-solving and listening skills are just the tip of the many life skills he offers to the 4-H program. As the current president of the 4-H Leaders’ Association, he is able to keep a meeting moving while encouraging members present to share their ideas. He consistently thinks outside the box when problems are brought to his attention and brainstorms solutions. Recently retired, Gordon opened a new repair business where he promotes the 4-H program to new parents and community organizations. Through this word of mouth, our 4-H program has recruited some amazing new leaders and advocates of the 4-H program. As a 4-H volunteer, he encourages members to present and share their ideas and is never afraid to take leadership of projects. Ridenour shares his passion for welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and cooking with local youth by organizing project meetings, recruiting new members to participate and mentoring youth to help them complete their projects.