COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation presents Michelle Taylor with the 2025 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Taylor is recognized for more than 19 years of service and support to 4-H in Henry County.

“We are honored to recognize Michelle Taylor for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Henry 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. Taylor chose the Henry County 4-H Council.

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

A: I joined 4-H when I was 8 years old as a member of the Daniel Boone 4-H Club in St. Charles County. In college, I was fortunate to complete an internship with Johnson County 4-H. That led me to become a 4-H youth specialist in Henry County for 10 years. Then I became a 4-H mom and volunteer for Henry County.

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

A: 4-H provides opportunities for young people beyond what a classroom can provide. That may mean learning a new hobby that becomes a career, going to camp by themselves for the first time, traveling across the country for national conferences and, most importantly, making memories and friendships that last a lifetime. 4-H opens doors for youth to develop life skills and become caring and competent adults.

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

A: There was never any doubt that I would have my girls in 4-H, and, therefore, volunteering for the organization that helped shape me was just a given.

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

A: The most rewarding part of volunteering is being able to see the excitement on a 4-H’ers face. It may be because they are getting their first green ribbon at the fair as a Clover Kid or hearing that there is peach dump cake for dessert at camp. It’s usually the little things that are most rewarding as a volunteer.

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

A: Jump in! There is always a need that can be filled. You could volunteer to fold letters, contact sponsors, be a judge at any event, be a runner at the fair, work a shift at the concession stand or send encouraging notes to youth and staff.

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.