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