Nebraska 4-H recognizes outstanding volunteers

December 1, 2017

Lincoln, Neb. — With a network of more than 12,000 volunteers statewide, 4-H helps shape youth to move Nebraska forward. Nebraska 4-H recently recognized outstanding volunteers for their commitment to the program. Dixie Zeigler of Hamilton County was named Volunteer of the Year, while Christina Lyons of Gage County was named the Lifetime Volunteer of the Year. 

Zeigler is a dedicated 4-H mom, club leader and volunteer. She has served as a Hamilton County club leader for six years and has served as the home environment 4-H co-superintendent at the county fair for two years. Nominators say Zeigler is commited to keeping the traditional 4-H program strong, while helping youth be engaged in today’s society through new and unique activities. 

Lyons has volunteered for Gage County 4-H Youth Development for 13 years. In addition to serving as a 4-H club leader, she helps train 4-H volunteers, works as a superintendent at the county fair and is a member of the Gage County 4-H Council. Lyons has expanded the use of 4-H curriculum to local public school educational efforts to help the school meet state educational standards. Nominators say that her compassion shows through her conviction that 4-H can benefit all youth regardless of income level, family structure, race, religion or political belief. 

Both volunteers are now eligible for regional awards in the North Central Region. Clint Anderson, a Nebraska 4-H volunteer in Sheridan County was awarded the North Central Region Lifetime Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016. 

“Dixie Zeigler and Christina Lyons are wonderful ambassadors for Nebraska 4-H and we salute their dedication to Nebraska’s youth,” said Kathleen Lodl, associate dean of Nebraska Extension and 4-H program administrator. 

Each year, state 4-H programs nominate two outstanding individual volunteers through the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H less than 10 years while the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to the individual who has spent 10 or more years as a 4-H volunteer.

For more information about volunteering for Nebraska 4-H, visit https://4h.unl.edu/resources/volunteers.