MSU Extension honors 11 Michigan 4-H volunteers for 50 years of service in 2026
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EmailAs individuals and organizations across the country celebrate National Volunteer Week this April 19-25, Michigan State University Extension is celebrating 11 volunteers who have given 50 or more years of service to Michigan 4-H.
As individuals and organizations across the country celebrate National Volunteer Week this April 19-25, Michigan State University Extension is celebrating 11 volunteers who have given 50 or more years of service to Michigan 4-H.
“During National Volunteer Week, and throughout the entire year, we give thanks for every volunteer in our program,” said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “Michigan 4‑H would not exist as it does today without the dedication of volunteers who generously share their gifts, and these 11 remarkable individuals in particular have been sharing their gifts for a half-century. We offer them our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all they’ve done for our organization and Michigan 4-H’ers.”
Michigan 4-H is the flagship youth development program of MSU Extension and reached 139,000 young people ages 5 to 19 last year, alone. Through various activities, clubs, groups, programs and events, 4-H provides hands-on educational opportunities that ready youth for life and work by helping them find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners. These experiences are offered through numerous delivery models and countless program areas, thanks in large part to the generous support of more than 11,000 volunteers who gave their time to Michigan 4-H last year.
Across Michigan communities, 4-H volunteers help to guide young people to beyond ready by building skills and growing confidence in after-school programs, summer camps, short-term special interest groups, year-long clubs, special events, fairs and more. As they provide hands-on guidance and real-world experience, these volunteers do more than teach skills – they serve as trusted adult role models who help prepare youth for whatever comes next.
“Michigan 4-H’s goal is to ready future generations for success in school, work and life, and volunteers are central to helping us reach more youth in more communities,” explained Jodi Schulz, state leader for Michigan 4-H Youth Development and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “The 11 individuals we recognize today have spent 50 years helping countless youth grow into beyond ready adults. On behalf of Michigan 4-H, we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for their service and dedication to youth in our state.”
The Michigan 4-H 50-year volunteers being recognized in 2026 are:
- Kay Booth, Barry County
- Joyce Goerge, Clinton County
- Betty Groth, Cass County
- Beverly Koppelman, Monroe County
- Gary Koppelman, Monroe County
- Michael Lee, Osceola County
- Deb Pincumbe, Ingham County
- Linda Preston, Cass County
- Peter Preston, Cass County
- Kathy Williams, St. Clair County
- Mary Yeomans, Midland County
In recognition of their service, 50-year volunteers receive a gift of appreciation from MSU Extension leadership, as well as a personal note of thanks.
“While it’s difficult to measure the full number of young people reached by these volunteers, one thing is certain—their influence has been profound,” said Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “We extend our sincere appreciation for their dedication, and we know the many youth whose lives they’ve impacted join us in recognizing and celebrating their 50 years of service.”
Tribute gifts in honor of any or all of these 4-H volunteers may be made to support 4-H at: https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/. To learn more about volunteering with Michigan 4-H, visit extension.msu.edu/4H.
