4-H Volunteers Receive State-Level Awards

Lincoln, Neb., April 23 — Eighteen adult volunteers, eight 4-H members, and four families of volunteers are being recognized with 2025 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards.

Four families from across the state are being recognized as Outstanding Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. Families included in the include:
Dave and Deb Haumont Family of Custer County
Raynell Able Family of Nemaha County
Hirschman Family of Howard County
Jane Dahlgren-Tonjes Family of Lancaster, Phelps and Webster Counties

This award recognizes families with at least three generations of active 4-H volunteers.

Eight 4-H members from across the state are being recognized as Outstanding Youth Volunteers for going above and beyond in their local 4-H programs:
Willa Fritz, Nemaha County
Jalee Haggerty, Howard County
Jessie Bronson, Phelps County
Hunter Creech, Scotts Bluff County
LilyAnn Willing, Burt County
Kole Crawford, Polk County
Lauren Dick, Thayer County
Lauren Kohmetscher, Nuckolls

Eight individuals are receiving Emerging Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served less than three years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
Paige Stumpff, Sheridan County
Kristi Peterson, Holt County
Chris Spence, Lincoln County
Ashley Maloley, Phelps County
Sarah Moeller, Boone County
Anna Barr, Lancaster County
Halee Kinnaman, Nuckolls County
Brenda Fritz, Nemaha County

Eleven individuals are receiving Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served more than four years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:
Natalie Creech, Scotts Bluff County
Sarah Sortum, Loup County
Peggy Peterson, Logan County
Carrie Soucie, Franklin County
Keith and Margaret Drott, Stanton County
Stacy Stewart, Polk County
Mary Paeper, Thurston County
Jennifer Smith, Lancaster County
Dave Berens, Adams County
Todd Zimmerman, Nemaha County

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards honor individuals who are making meaningful and lasting contributions to their local 4-H communities.

"4-H Volunteers are truly integral for creating intentional and positive experiences for youth statewide. Their volunteer efforts enable youth to improve decision making skills, build leadership skills and help prepare youth to be ready for future careers. These volunteers generously give their time, energy, and creativity to help develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions," said Jill A. Goedeken, Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Extension Educator.

Recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony at the 2025 Nebraska State Fair.