COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Brian McKimmey with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. McKimmey is recognized for more than 16 years of service and support to 4-H in Polk and Laclede counties.

“We are honored to recognize Brian McKimmey for his outstanding efforts on behalf of Polk 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. McKimmey chose the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch 4-H club in Polk County.

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

A: Our children were interested in joining 4-H. We felt that 4-H would be a great fit with our family.

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

A: It provides many opportunities in leadership, community service and learning.

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

A: I enjoy working with kids, helping them learn life skills and helping them become successful.

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

A: Seeing the kids learn with smiles on their faces and helping them build their self-esteem.

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

A: I would encourage them to get involved however they can!

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 is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing, and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country, and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. For more information, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For more than 70 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/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2023/Bill-McKimmey.jpg
Brian McKimmey.