Deal named Southern Region 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year

Deal will be recognized for his award at the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum, slated Oct. 4-7, at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga. He will receive a plaque and a check for $200, to be donated to the Okfuskee County 4-H Shooting Sports Program

Deal was selected for his dedication as a three-year volunteer with Okfuskee County 4-H. He worked tirelessly to build the Okfuskee County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, taking time out of his often busy schedule to work with the 4-H youth in the program.

“I enjoy seeing kids gain skills as part of a team,” he said.

His passion has helped many 4-H youth develop leadership and citizenship skills and has left a lasting impact on 4-H in Okfuskee County.

“Mr. Deal is the backbone of our county’s shooting sports program. Without his commitment I do not think this program would have developed or grown into the successful program it is now,” said Ron Vick, Okfuskee County Extension director and agriculture/4-H Youth Development educator.

Gene and Sharon Swackhamer established the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Fund to emphasize the important work of 4-H volunteers across America.

The awards, made possible through the fund and Monsanto Company, the premier corporate sponsor, recognize 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H while promoting service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege. Volunteers are awarded in two categories:  Lifetime Volunteer, for more than 10 years of service to 4-H, and Volunteer of the Year, for less than 10 years of service.

For information on how to nominate a 4-H volunteer for an award in 2007, contact Arletta Gustafson at agustafson@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-347-3801.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For additional information, please visit www.monsanto.com.

4-H is a community of more than 6.5 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H youth engage in hands-on learning experiences with support from 540,000 volunteers across the country. National 4-H Council is the national, private sector, non-profit partner of the 4-H Youth Development Program and its parent, the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture. Learn more 4-H at www.4husa.org.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.