Programs: Salute to Excellence: History
The History of the Salute to Excellence Recognition Program
The National 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards were created by Gene and Sharon Swackhamer to highlight the important work of 4-H volunteers across the nation. When Gene looked back on a gratifying career, uniquely shaped by 4-H and a dedicated leader, he wanted to ensure the positive impact of 4-H volunteers on future generations of America's youth.
From this commitment, Salute to Excellence was born. The 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards honor outstanding volunteers for their dedication to youth. The Lifetime Volunteer Award is presented to a 4-H volunteer with more than ten years of service; the Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a 4-H volunteer with less than ten years of service.
Previous Recipients of Salute To Excellence Awards:
- Betsy Chandler Vatavuk
Durham, NC
2007 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- Dee Raftery
Shirley, MA
2007 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Patricia Stackhouse
Bozeman, MT
2006 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- Linda Sullivan
Harrington, DE
2006 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Joe Walters
Winnsboro, LA
2005 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- Ellen Doerner
Loomis, CA
2005 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Eleanore Getz
Fayetteville, NC
2004 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- Hiedi Brown
Sarasota, FL
2004 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Patricia Bosley
Pioneer Plantation, FL
2003 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- E. Cherrie Ruesch
Chugiak, AK
2003 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Marie "Dolly" Dwyer
Great Falls, MT
2002 Lifetime Volunteer Award
- Brenda "B.J." Hawkins
White Sulphur Springs, MT
2002 Volunteer of the Year Award