COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Crystal Burch with the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Crystal is recognized for more than 11 years of service and support to 4-H in Vernon County.

“We are honored to recognize Crystal Burch for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Vernon County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

Recipients of the Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award may select a 4-H club or county program to receive a $250 award in their honor. Burch chose the Walker 4-H Club in Vernon County.

Q: How did you first become involved with 4-H?

A: As a Clover Kid Leader in the fall of 2005.

Q: Why do you think 4-H is important for young people?

A: 4-H leads youth on many paths that allow them to find their calling or passion while preparing them for life’s journey.

Q: What made you want to become a 4-H volunteer?

A: I believe in the power of community and saw that this was a strong organization to allow our family to continue with. My children are the fourth generation in our club.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a 4-H volunteer?

A: Supporting our youth as they learn about the value of community.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to give back to 4-H?

A: You will gain far more than you know.

The Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award is presented annually to volunteers and organizations for devoting their time and talents to MU Extension’s 4-H youth development program. The award is named in honor of Naomi Crouch, a native of Plattsburg, Mo., who was a 4-H volunteer and Missouri 4-H Foundation trustee for more than 20 years.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the affiliated nonprofit partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For more than 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers, and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H. Learn more at 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/BurchCrystal.jpg
Crystal Burch.