4-H is made possible through the outstanding support of adults who provide their time, resources and support to improve the lives of Montana 4-H youth and strive to constantly make the best better. Through the following award categories, Montana 4-H recognizes outstanding contributions of volunteer leaders, staff and alumni at the county and state levels.  All awards are presented Montana 4-H Leadership Forum in the fall or another statewide event.

Award Categories 

The Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development recognizes individuals from each 4-H District in two award categories:  

  1. The Outstanding LifetimeVolunteer recognizes individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers for more than 10 years.
  2. The Volunteer of the Year recognizes individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers for less than 10 years. 

Each county may nominate one volunteer per category. These individuals have made an innovative change or impact on the 4-H program, positively affecting the lives of youth, and creating a standard of excellence that helps motivate others.  Recipients will receive a cash award for a 4-H program, activity or event of their choice. 

Two letters of recommendation are required.  Recipients serve as the pool to select the Montana 4-H Salute to Excellence nominees. 

The Montana 4-H Foundation honors individuals such as community leaders, alumni, former or current directors or former or current staff for their outstanding lifetime efforts to generate opportunities for 4-H youth by giving, volunteering or community support of 4-H.  Recipients will receive an individual plaque as well as included on historical plaque with the Montana 4-H Foundation.  A letter of support from the county 4-H council or Extension Agent is required.

The Montana 4-H Foundation recognizes 4-H alumni who have made a significant impact on 4-H by promoting, supporting and enhancing the benefits of youth and adult involvement in the program or a specific 4-H project area.  Recipients will receive a plaque.  A letter of support from the county 4-H council or Extension Agent is required.


Nomination Guidelines

Each county may nominate one individual for each category to be considered for awards.  Nominees may qualify for more than one category.  Priority consideration will be given to volunteers who have not received a statewide award within the last five years.

Adult Awards Nomination forms are due June 1st

Please use the Link below to complete your nomination:

 
 
Applicants will be reviewed by a committee which may consist of members or staff of the Montana 4-H Foundation, Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development, MSU Extension Agents, 4-H volunteers or 4-H youth.
 
Contact Kelton Jensen  with any questions regarding State Adult Awards
 

Past Award Recipients 

Year Name County District Category  
2022 Joey Hennes Missoula 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Nikole Markle Stillwater 7 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Jason Noyes Broadwater 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Lee Nuss Gallatin 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Janet Smith Cascade 3 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Amy Yoder Sheridan 5 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2022 Joel & Kody Farkell Pondera 2 Volunteer of the Year  
2022 Brook Gerard Cascade 3 Volunteer of the Year  
2022 Jeremy England Fergus/Petroleum 3 Volunteer of the Year  
2021 Karen Noyes Broadwater 6 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
2021 Michelle Farley Fergus/Petroleum 3 Volunteer of the Year  
2021 Rhonda Littrell Glacier 2 Volunteer of the Year  
2021 Dean & Carrie Lerum Toole 2 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2021 Penny Uecker Fergus/Petroleum 3 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2021  William (Willie) Harms Phillips 2 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2021 Diana Matkovich Lake 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
2020 Nancy Byxbe Yellowstone 7 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
2020 Lauris Byxbe Yellowstone 7 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  MT Winner
2020 Vicki Olson Phillips 2 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer   
2020 Amber Nentwig Dawson 5 Volunteer of the Year  
2020 Larry Hendrickson Liberty 2 Volunteer of the Year  
2020 Shelly McPhee Gallatin 6 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
           
2019 Michal Ann Stedje Lake 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2019 Kodi Peterson Hill 2 Volunteer of the Year  
2019 Tova Gerer Fergus Petroleum 3 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
2019 Chris England Fergus Petroleum 3 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
2019 Jill Stephens Meagher 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2019 Hugh Braaten Broadwater 6 Volunteer of the Year  
           
2018 Kristine Zimmerman Missoula 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2018 Don & Carolyn Popelka Glacier 2 Volunteer of the Year  
2018 Keri Leggett Cascade 3 Volunteer of the Year  
2018 Liz Jones Beaverhead 5 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
2018 Millie Veltkamp Gallatin 6 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
           
2017 John & Missy Rauser Broadwater 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
2017 Connie Undem Dawson 4 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2017 Kelly Pavlik Gallatin 6 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
2017 Matthew Fenger Liberty 2 Volunteer of the Year  
           
2016 Merle Farrier Gallatin 6 Volunteer of the Year MT Winner
2016 Karen McLeod Lake 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2016 Lola Brogger Gallatin 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2016 Kristy Shannon Prairie 8 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer MT Winner
           
2015 Codi Sorenson Flathead 1 Volunteer of the Year  
2015 Gregg Switzer Gallatin 6 Volunteer of the Year  
2015 Fred Grant & Les Mutchler Lake 1 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2015 Mary Ann Zorn Liberty 2 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2015 Lacey Lanaghan Yellowstone 7 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
2015 Scott & Ginny Francis Gallatin 6 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer  
           
2014 Linda Stewart Flathead 1    
2014 Jodi Duncan Glacier 2    
2014 Katherine Dunn Cascade 3   WR Winner - Lifetime Volunteer
2014 Chuck Bowey Madison/Jefferson 6    
2014 Dennis Kolb Rosebud/Treasure 8    
           
2013 Lois Gardner Ravalli 1    
2013 Susan Woyth Cascade 3    
2013 Carla Tihista Valley 4    
2013 Scott Wiley Musselshell/Golden Valley 7    
2013 Eileen Nielsen Prairie 8    
           
2012 Wendy Morris Flathead 1    
2012 Vicki Kolstad Liberty 2    
2012 Deanna Burgmaier Teton 3    
2012 Sandy Merchen Lewis & Clark 6    
2012 Norma Seder Yellowstone 7    
           
2011 Dana Higgins Flathead 1    
2011 Ramona Kinyon Toole 2    
2011 Carl and Kaylene Patten Fergus/Petroleum 3    
2011 Catherine McNeil Lewis and Clark 6    
           
2010 Coral Maxwell      Ravalli 1    
2010 Keri Hanson Blaine 2    
2010 Ann Bitz Chouteau 3    
2010 Lillian Tischmak Roosevelt 4    
2010 Avalon and Ole Billquist  Deer Lodge 5    
2010 Deb Bart-Grice  Yellowstone 7    
2010 Janet Loomis Prairie 8    
           
2009 Sarah Naegeli Sanders 1    
2009 Carol Christoffersen                          Roosevelt 4    
2009 Jan Torpey Deer Lodge 5    
           
2008 Blanche Flanagan Lincoln 1    
2008 Tony Hershey Toole 2    
2008 Carolyn Pasha Deer Lodge 5    
2008 Mary Sybrant Stillwater 7    
2008 Karol Zachmann Fallon 8    
           
2007 Susan Schmidt Flathead 1    
2007 Carrie McCleary                                                Big Horn 7    
2007 Marcia Hollandsworth Montana 4-H      
           
2006 Debra Regan Mineral 1    
2006 Becky Jackson Fergus/Petroleum 3    
2006 Connie Bracken Roosevelt  4    
2006 Sandi Campbell Carbon 7   National STE - Lifetime Volunteer Nominee, WR Winner
           
2005 Chris Scott                                                           Flathead 1    
2005 Ray Besel                                              Fergus/Petroleum 3   National STE - Volunteer of the Year Nominee
2005 Pat Stackhouse                                                      Gallatin 6   National STE - Lifetime Volunteer Winner
           
2004 Avice Hoff Sheridan 4   National STE - Lifetime Volunteer Nominee
           
2003 Margaret Yuhas                                                      Ravalli 1    
2003 Marjorie Chinadle                                            Hill   2    
2003 Kathy Berg                                                           Meagher   6    
           
2002 Carter Fritz   Flathead 1    
2002 Ernest & Loretta Stordahl                                 Pondera 2    
2002 Jean Besel Fergus/Petroleum 3    
2002 Diana Widhalm Silver Bow 5    
           
2001 Frank & Kathleen Sutton Flathead 1    
2001 Judy Tempel  Liberty 2    
2001 Dolly Dwyer  Cascade 3    
2001 Bertha Nelson       Valley 4    
2001 BJ Hawkins    Meagher 6    
           
2000 Michal Ann Stedje Lake                 1    
2000 Kris Descheemaeker                                               Fergus 3    
2000 Diana Widhalm Silver Bow 5    
2000 Otto Ohlson Meagher 6    
2000 Amelia Eckstein Stillwater 7    
2000 Belva Arvik Rosebud/Treasure 8    
           
1999 Kathy Hochstrat                                                   Meagher 6    
1999 Neala Rausch Yellowstone 7    
1999 Linda Stewart Flathead 1    
1999 Sandy Swenson Valley 4    
1999 Penni Weinheimer Fergus/Petroleum 3    
           
1998 Bertie Brown Fergus/Petroleum 3    
1998 Robert Sutton Flathead  1                          
           
1997 Claudia Stanton Flathead 1    
           
1996 Diana Adamson Toole 2    
1996 Avice Hoff Sheridan 4    
1996 Marlene Becker Flathead 1    
           
1995 H.P. “Pat” McVay Flathead  1    
1995 Judith Brenner Gallatin  6    
1995 Dr. Stuart and Virginia Reynolds Hill  2    
1995 Rose Lossing Sheridan  4    
           
1994 Sue Jacobs Meagher 6    
1994 Wes and Dixie Osborne Yellowstone 7    
1994 Bill and Myrna Lauckner Valley 4    
1994 Mike and Dottie Twillmann Flathead 1    
           
1993 Dolly Dwyer Cascade 3    

Year Name County
2022 Roni Baker Yellowstone
2021 Catherine McNeil Lewis & Clark
2021 Mary Koenen Ravalli
2020 Walt Egged Big Horn
2019 Betty Ann Wolery Liberty
2019 Marsha Goetting Gallatin
2019 Janice and Earl Peace Gallatin
2019 Barb Larsen Toole
2018 Wayne Gibson Gallatin
2018 Jean Harrison Beaverhead
2018 Jennifer Saunders Fergus
2016 James "Dave" Phillips Fergus
2016 Darold Brown Fallon-Carter
2015 Judith  Ward Hill
2015 Lea Ann Larson (posthumous) Lake
2015 Pat Bristol Lake
2014 John Halpop Sanders
2013 Ann & Larry Bitz Chouteau 
2012 Doug Steele Out of State
2012 Doyle Stocks Yellowstone
2010 Eileen Wilson Sanders
2009 Avice Hoff Sheridan
2009 Wayne Gipp Gallatin
2008 Beverly Wallace Gallatin
2008 Don Greytak Hill
2007 Marilyn May    Fallon-Carter
2007 Milton Munson   Lewis & Clark
2006 Virginia Black Madison
2006 Karolee Cronk Blaine
2006 Ole & Avalon Billquist Deer Lodge
2006 Joe Seidel Hill
2006 Karen Dwyer Sanders
2005 Pat Stackhouse Gallatin
2005 Stan & Martha Klaumann Madison
2005 Jim McDonald Rosebud
2004 Terry & Linda Wolfe Gallatin
2004 Betty McCoy Gallatin
2004 Peggy Cornwell Valley
2004 John Leuthold Stillwater
2003 Alma Seidel Hill
2003 Marcia Hollandsworth Pondera
2003 Donovan & Reta Rae Weisgram Pondera
2002 Shirley Marxer Roehm Cascade
2002 Irvin Brown Liberty
2002 Jeanette Brown Liberty
2001 Burton & Myrtle Bosch Out of State
2001 Herb, Marian, Chris Chrudimsky Wibaux
2001 Arthur Kleinjan Blaine
2001 Walter Johnson Cascade
2000 William "Bill" Lewis Fergus
2000 Wade VanEvery Richland
2000 Minott Pruyn Missoula
1999 Brad Wenz Missoula
1999 Margaret Dusenberry Gallatin
1999 Lew Zimmer Gallatin
1999 Dolores Kombol Musselshell
1998 Gayle Muggli Custer
1997 Perry Anderson Sweet Grass
1997 Liz Jones Beaverhead
1996 Geraldine Fenn Gallatin
1996 Lawrence Capra Powder River
1995 Karin Ludeman Gallatin
1995 Brick Vaughn Gallatin
1995 Bill & Grace Berberet Broadwater
1994 Torlief Aasheim Gallatin
1994 James Sargent Gallatin
1994 Terry & Dolly Dwyer Cascade

Year Name County 
2020 Corry Arntzen Fergus
2020 Sharla Sackman Prairie
2020 Jake Eckman  
2019 Danelle Crary Teton 
2018 John and Missy Rauser Broadwater 
2016 Susan Knedler Fergus 
2015 Tommy Flanagan Stillwater 
2013 Sharon Higgins  Carter
2013 Elieen Nielsen  Prairie
2012 Rita Watson Rosebud Treasure 
2011 Tammy Duncan Hill 
2010 Roni Baker Yellowstone 
2009 Matt Roen Rosebud Treasure 
2004 Carol Linafelter Cascade 
2002 Kayla Breen Teton 
2002 Ed Diemert Liberty 
2002 Wendy Morris Flathead 
2002 Ernest & Loretta Stordahl Pondera 
2002 June Krausz Fergus 
2002 Kim Pletan Meagher 
2002 Larry Krein Lake 
2002 Connie Lang Fallon 
2002 Arvid Eggen Sheridan 
2001 Rex Gaustad Daniels 
2001 Rick Young Stillwater 
2001 Bonnie Johnson Liberty 
2001 Larry Trexler Ravalli 
2001 Marcia Goetting  Extension Specialist
2001 Dr. George W. Haynes MSU
2001 Dennis Bauman Fergus 
2001 Barbie Stripe Lake 
2000 Doug Hall  Richland 
2000 Pam Harris Lake 
2000 Patricia Hereim  Meagher 
2000 Howard Kolstad Fergus 
2000 Linda Rice Teton 
2000 Kristi Townsend  Flathead 
1999  Lawrence & Miriam Capra Powder River
1999 Travis Malone Teton 
1999 Mindi Newman Sanders 
1999 Dave Phillips Fergus 
1999 Sylvia Talsma-Callantie Lake 
1998 Betty & Earl Aye Powder River 
1998 Pat Goggins Yellowstone 
1998 Lorrie Laser Sheridan 
1998 Sharon Malcom Park 
1998 Trudy Nevins Richland 
1998 Charlie Rust  State Extension
1998 Jennifer Sander Fergus 
1998 Sue Schmidt  Flathead 
1997 Dave & Karen Kelsey Stillwater 
1996 Sheree Albin Richland 
1996 Richard & Ramona Brastrup Gallatin 
1996 Diane Grant Lake 
1996 Sue Shockley Gallatin 
1995 Ester Bjornsen  Sheridan 
1994 Pauline Deem Sheridan 
1994 Mary E. Fritz  Liberty 
1994 Raymond A. Karls Stillwater 
1994 Sue Sparrow Smitth Lake 
1993 Dennis G. Nathe Sheridan 
1993 Sherry Lane Corneliusen Dawson 
1993 Vera Zerbe Roosevelt 
1993 Joyce Reeser Sanders 
1993 Diana Widhalm Silver Bow