Michelle (Anders) McNamara

County: St. Joseph
Class Years: 2023

“4-H is not just where I spend my time, it is literally a part of WHO I am. I believe so strongly in giving back to your community and 4-H is the vehicle that I get to use to accomplish this. I was very lucky in my own 4-H career to be mentored by caring and passionate leaders and I can only hope that my time, efforts and love for 4-H will have that same impact on the members with which I work!”  

Michelle (Anders) McNamara has been involved with 4-H for most of her life: first as a 4-H member, then as a teen leader and 4-H camp counselor, and for the past 19 years as a 4-H volunteer. For nearly two decades, McNamara has been the volunteer leader of the Rolling Clovers 4-H Club and raised her own family in 4-H. But her commitment to St. Joseph County 4-H goes much farther than her club.

For many years, McNamara has been a 4-H Exploration Days volunteer, chaperoning for her county delegation and leading a session that helps participants learn to connect with one another and make sure others feel included. In fact, helping others to feel included is one of McNamara’s many talents; young people and adults in her county feel comfortable with her and she goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels welcome. In addition, McNamara is known for helping to create positive learning environments that help young people improve their self-concept, personal agency, resilience, and community connections. McNamara has a deep interest in the young people she works with and is truly passionate about 4-H.

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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!