SEDALIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H recently honored outstanding volunteers and supporters who have who have made lasting contributions to the 4-H program and the youth of Missouri.
The Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose service and commitment to 4-H have had a lasting impact on local communities and across the state, said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for MU Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. This year, special recognition went to Lupita Fabregas, who retired at the end of August after several years of dedicated leadership to the Missouri 4-H program.
This year’s honorees join a distinguished group of more than 690 individuals and organizations who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception.
The event also highlights the continuing partnership between Missouri 4-H and its sponsors. “Our Hall of Fame ceremony is a testament to the power of partnership,” Augustine said. “With the generous support of FCS Financial and the Missouri State Fair, we are able to celebrate these outstanding leaders and strengthen 4-H’s mission of empowering young people with hands-on learning, leadership development and community engagement.”
2025 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees
- Audrain County: Nick and Cindy Parrish
- Barton County: Barb and David Thrasher
- Boone County: Greg and Beth Van Hove
- Buchanan County: Joan Turner Hickman
- Clark County: Roberta McAfee
- Cole County: Diane Temmen
- Cooper County: Wiley and Maryellen McVicker
- Crawford County: Ava Viehman*
- Dade County: Mary VanAcker
- DeKalb County: Raymond and Judy Sweiger
- Franklin County: Roger Koch
- Henry County: Don and Lisa Wallace
- Jasper County: Connie Cooper
- Johnson County: Trina Anstine
- Lafayette County: Sharon Stephens
- Lewis County: Renfro Veterinary Clinic
- Lincoln County: Margaret Momphard
- Linn County: Alicyn Ehrich
- Livingston County: Barrie and Julie Bothwell
- Macon County: Lolli Brothers Livestock Market
- Marion County: Jerry and Debbie Durbin
- Miller County: Brenda Thompson
- Monroe County: Jim Burns
- Pettis County: Susan and *Dr. John Fredrick “Fred” Bluhm III
- Phelps County: Doris Backes-Delp
- Pike County: Joyce Lovelace
- Ray County: Renfro Veterinary Clinic
- Saline County: Ed Meyer*
- Scotland County: Keith Payne
- Sullivan County: Penny Bronk
- Vernon County: Tommy and Kathy Wait
- Warren County: Donna Sherman
*Posthumous award
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.
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 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.
Photo
2025 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Amanda Stapp.