Olthof is a heavily involved and deeply committed volunteer with the Michigan 4-H dairy program. As a graduate student at MSU, she routinely gives her time to campus-based events, including Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, the Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference and 4-H Career Quest. Among her many contributions, Olthof helps to facilitate the state 4-H dairy quiz bowl contest, dairy management contest and dairy judging contest. She also frequently teaches sessions to 4-H’ers on animal science careers, dairy judging, dairy nutrition and dairy management, with survey results from youth citing Olthof’s sessions among their favorites, each time.
Known for her unique ability to help each youth feel seen, valued and encouraged, Olthof’s impact on the Michigan 4-H dairy program is evident in both the youth and other 4-H volunteers with whom she works. As a former 4-H’er herself, Olthof is passionate about furthering that impact by bringing 4-H opportunities to more and more youth. She would like to expand 4-H dairy programming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and is eager to work with other underserved populations to help additional youth thrive and succeed.
