MSU Extension 4-H

Luce County 4-H alumna Nancy L. Victorson, of Newberry, is among ten 4-H alumni inducted into the 2024 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Victorson was recognized on Sept. 21 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing.

The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

For nearly four decades, Victorson was a staple in the Luce County MSU Extension office. Hired in 1979 as a 4‑H agent serving Luce and Schoolcraft counties, Victorson reached countless 4-H’ers as she conducted culture fests, 4-H family nights, day camps, mentor training, and so much more. Victorson later became a 4-H educator with statewide responsibilities, serving on the leadership and civic engagement team with a specific focus on global education. Through her work, 4-H’ers were able to travel to and from Michigan on 4-H international exchange trips with Japan, Mexico, and other countries. In 2013, Victorson earned senior educator status and co-authored 4-H Backpack to Adventure: Youth Leadership in a Global World, a curriculum piece that is still popular today.

Although her position was in 4-H, Victorson played a pivotal role for all of MSU Extension, providing Master Gardener sessions and Real Colors training, and serving on many staff committees. In addition, when funding for Luce County MSU Extension was in jeopardy, Victorson and her colleagues helped create a council to support a millage vote to fund the program. The original millage passed and subsequent renewal votes have been successful. This effort has served as a model for other Michigan counties that have faced funding issues since then.

“My first leadership and service experiences were in 4-H,” said Victorson. “I was able to develop my leadership skills as a club officer, teen leader, camp counselor, through service clubs and so much more. My club experiences helped me to learn other skills and tapped into my creativity, many of which I continue to enjoy today. My involvement in 4-H also directly led to my rewarding career with MSU Extension.”

After 38 years of service, Victorson retired in 2017. She was honored for her efforts with state and national 4-H Distinguished Service Awards in 1986 and 1998, respectively. She has also received several 4-H Team Awards, the Michigan 4-H International Award, the Selected Agent for Excellence Award, and more.

In retirement, Victorson continues to give back to the community, volunteering with the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and her church. She has also been president of the local Kiwanis Club and president and treasurer of the Luce County Child Protection Council. Originally a Luce County 4-H’er, Victorson has also given her time as a 4-H volunteer.

Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2024 were: Sarah A. Black, Eagle; Thomas L. Bosserd, Plymouth; Mary F. Draves, Midland; Katie M. Eisenberger, Shepherd; Maurice J. Kaercher, Kalamazoo; State Sen. Edward W. McBroom, Vulcan; former State Rep. Joel Sheltrown, West Branch; Shaun T. Wade, Norton Shores; and Dr. Dave D. Weatherspoon, East Lansing. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.

Other honorees recognized at the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers, winners of the MSU 4-H Scholarship, and retiring 4-H staff.