Turland named 2024 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Adult Sportsperson of the Year
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EmailGenesee County 4-H leader Diane Turland wins prestigious sportsmanship award for her leadership in 4-H animal science projects.
Good sportsmanship is a critical skill for young people and adults. Competitive events and activities provide a great opportunity for young people to learn how to be fair, respectful and gracious - whether they win or lose. Demonstrating good sportsmanship is not just for youth 4-H members – it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others. Youth can learn great lessons about sportsmanship from those whom they admire.
The Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship. The winners have gone above and beyond to lead by example and lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs.
The 2024 adult winner of this award is Diane Turland, a 4-H leader in Genesee County. Diane was nominated by her co-leader Abby Shock, with support from Genesee County 4-H Program Coordinator Loren Dockins. Diane has lent her time and talents to Michigan 4-H for a long time, encouraging youth to be their best selves.
Abby shared this about Diane: “Diane is invested in each kid’s project and is always willing to listen to them when they want to tell her about their animals. She has a long-standing meeting over the summer for youth from across the county to practice rabbit showmanship. She has even added chicken showmanship to this meeting, despite her fear of chickens.”
Abby continued, “As an adult volunteer, Diane does not have opponents. I would instead like to write about how she fosters sportsmanship in others. I have many times heard Diane remind people of the rules… She is always there to congratulate her club members when they do well or give them a hopeful ‘there’s always next year’ when they don’t.”
Loren Dockins, 4-H program coordinator, shared this about Diane: “She is a champion for positive youth development here in Genesee County and actively displays the attributes of sportsmanship. Diane fosters the importance of good sportsmanship in others; she is often observed teaching others the value of fair play and respecting good competition.”
Diane inspires her 4-H youth to be good sports, in and out of the show ring. Her nomination letters speak volumes of the positive impact she has on the youth she works with. Congratulations, Diane!
Lindsey Barbeau of Bay County and Julie Sheppard of Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties were also nominated for this award. Their efforts are also greatly appreciated. Thank you both!
The 2024 youth winner of this award is Keegan New, a 4-H member in St. Joseph County. Read more about why he was selected in this accompanying Michigan State University Extension article.
Interested in becoming a volunteer for 4-H animal science projects? Contact your local MSU Extension Office to learn more about the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process.
