4-H Salute To Excellence Awards
Recognizing 4‑H volunteers
Each year, state 4‑H programs nominate two outstanding individual volunteers through the 4‑H Salute to Excellence Awards.* The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years as a 4‑H volunteer while the Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4‑H less than 10 years.
Outstanding lifetime volunteers
National Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Winner, Western Region
Ronald Van Buren
Ronald (Ron) Van Buren recognizes that youth may face potential barriers to success. That’s why he uses the resources, skills, and vast network of connections he’s acquired as a successful cattle rancher to benefit 4-H’ers across the state of Idaho. A 4-H alumnus himself, Ron has dedicated his life to opening doors and providing youth with the same opportunities to grow and thrive that he had. Every year, the Van Buren Feedlot hosts the initial weigh-in as part of “weigh days” – an engagement that teaches youth to calculate daily gain for animals. To find a creative way for youth with limited acreage to raise, show, and sell a steer, Ron has partnered with other producers. Youth who live in town and do not have space for livestock are free to keep them at the feedlot free of charge. Over the past 20 years, over 200 young people and their parents have been impacted by this generous offer.
Each year Ron uses his community connections to help the 4-H program grow in order to meet the increasing needs of the youth in his county. Along with other leaders and 4-H alumni, he worked to establish the Nez Perce County 4-H Boosters. Each year he personally visits approximately 35 community businesses to seek support for the local stock sale. In addition, Ron values higher education and serves on a scholarship committee to provide financial support to 4-H members wishing to continue their education after high school. Ron’s dedication has even prompted him to visit local grocery stores to secure food donations for the five-day overnight camp that serves multiple counties.
National Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer winner, Western Region
Ronald Van Buren
Ronald (Ron) Van Buren recognizes that youth may face potential barriers to success. That’s why he uses the resources, skills, and vast network of connections he’s acquired as a successful cattle rancher to...
Northeastern Region
Ann Janson
Ann Janson is described as a “spark that ignites a green flame wherever she goes.” Passionate and resilient, Ann always takes initiative to improve and adapt as she faces new programming challenges. Through her 20 years of dedication to 4-H, Ann has started and maintained clubs, trained other leaders, and is the reason New York is “the state to beat” at national 4-H horse competitions. When faced with the tragedy of losing her daughter in a car accident, Ann rallied to create a scholarship fund in memory of her daughter’s deep connection with 4-H. Despite the pain of this loss, Ann leaned in and continued to embody the 4-H mission.
Northeastern Region
Ann Janson
Ann Janson is described as a “spark that ignites a green flame wherever she goes.” Passionate and resilient, Ann always takes initiative to improve and adapt as she faces new programming challenges. Through her 20 years of dedication to 4-H, Ann has started and maintained...
North Central Region
Jerry Hicks
Jerry Hicks has been a dedicated supporter of 4-H for nearly 43 years. As an Illinois 4-H alumnus, he is a lifetime believer in the tremendous impact 4-H can have on the lives of youth. He credits 4-H for putting him on a lifelong path to career success, and he wants every child in Illinois to have that same opportunity. Through his work as a 4-H volunteer on the county, multi-county and state level, Jerry has gone above and beyond to make that happen.
Jerry’s commitment to 4-H has allowed Illinois to continue educational efforts, hire youth development staff and expand programming. He helped secure funds during a crucial time – when funding and staff cuts would have drastically reduced opportunities for growing the 4-H program and reaching new audiences. Not only did Jerry find the dollars to maintain 4-H programming in his state, but he secured enough funding to increase staffing that would support reaching underserved audiences.
North Central Region
Jerry Hicks
Jerry Hicks has been a dedicated supporter of 4-H for nearly 43 years. As an Illinois 4-H alumnus, he is a lifetime believer in the tremendous impact 4-H can have on the lives of youth. He credits 4-H for putting him on a lifelong path to career success, and he wants every child in Illinois to have...
Southern Region
Dee Wolter
Dee Wolters is known as “the glue” that has held many Maury County programs together. From leading many clubs, to helping with nearly every county 4-H event that’s offered, Dee is always more than willing to volunteer her time and jump in wherever needed. Her long list of volunteer duties has included roles in the County 4-H Public Speaking Contest, County 4-H Awards Banquet, Maury County Fair, 4-H Congress and 4-H Roundup. Dee also serves as a member of the Tennessee 4-H VOLS State Committee where she helps to orchestrate, conduct and evaluate state-level 4-H activities. She spends countless hours mentoring Maury County 4-H members, taking the extra effort to get to know them individually and discover what motivates them. Dee is always happy to help students develop speeches, demonstrations, and interviews, while motivating them to continue their 4-H journeys.
Southern Region
Dee Wolters
Dee Wolters is known as “the glue” that has held many Maury County programs together. From leading many clubs, to helping with nearly every county 4-H event that’s offered, Dee is always more than willing to volunteer her time and jump in wherever needed. Her long list of volunteer duties has included roles in the County 4-H Public Speaking Contest...
Volunteers of the year
National Volunteer of the Year Winner, Southern Region
Glorivee Aviles Rivera
Full-time teacher and 4-H volunteer Glorivee Avilés Rivera is known for her innovation, enthusiasm and passion. She inspires the youth in her community through the program We Educate, We Plant and We Eat Healthy – a project that promotes healthy lifestyles and community service. While running the school community garden as part of the project, Glorivee educates youth on gardening strategies and the importance of eating healthy. She also motivates youth to give back to the community, teaching them that even in times of adversity, they can lift each other up and improve the quality of life for individuals and families within their community. Through partnering with other agencies and organizations, Glorivee and her 4-H’ers increase these efforts by obtaining food and products for the community.
National Volunteer of the Year winner, Southern Region
Glorivee Aviles Rivera
Full-time teacher and 4-H volunteer Glorivee Avilés Rivera is known for her innovation, enthusiasm and passion. She inspires the youth in her community through the program We Educate, We Plant and We Eat Healthy – a project that promotes healthy lifestyles and community service. While running the school community...
Northeast Region
Krista Gallo
Krista Gallo has been a volunteer with the Peach Blossom 4-H Club for eight years. During that time she has led the Kent County Exchange trip, spent countless volunteer hours with her club, and had a leading role as the county photography project coordinator. This project area is one of the largest in the state, and her leadership and facilitation of both training and judging opportunities has increased the number of youth who participate.
Northeast Region
Krista Gallo
Krista Gallo has been a volunteer with the Peach Blossom 4-H Club for eight years. During that time she has led the Kent County Exchange trip, spent countless volunteer hours with her club, and had a leading role as the county photography project coordinator. This project area is one of the largest in the state, and her leadership and facilitation of both...
North Central Region
Steve Arnold
Steve Arnold’s deep passion for 4-H and desire to serve to his fullest ability is apparent through his 32 years of 4-H volunteerism at a local, state, and national level. He most notably founded and advised the Wood County Shooting Sports Club, Wood County Top Shots, where he has gone above and beyond to ensure the club’s success. Through grant writing, Steve has received over $110,000 in grants. He has also earned certifications in seven disciplines, allowing him to offer diverse opportunities for his club members. Additionally, he has earned national rifle and pistol certifications and coached the Ohio Pistol Team for National 4-H Shooting Sports, earning 5th place. The list doesn’t end there – Steve has given his time to the Wood County 4-H Committee for over twenty years; was an integral part of the biggest annual fundraiser, the 4-H Milkshake Barn; serves on the Wood County Clover Legacy Foundation; and continues to serve as Adult Staff at 4-H Camp.
North Central Region
Steve Arnold
Steve Arnold’s deep passion for 4-H and desire to serve to his fullest ability is apparent through his 32 years of 4-H volunteerism at a local, state, and national level. He most notably founded and advised the Wood County Shooting Sports Club, Wood County Top Shots, where he has gone above and beyond to ensure the club’s success. Through grant writing, Steve has received over...
