Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County 4-H members recognized by county commissioners Tuesday from left, 2023 Minnesota 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award winner Allysa Kelton of Morgan and the Northwest Wildflowers 4-H Club, Chloe Johnson of the Northwest Wildflowers, University of Minnesota Brown County Extension Educator Janessa Palmer, Jade and Lindsay Dalluge of the Milford 4-H Club.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously proclaimed the first week of October as National 4-H Week Tuesday.

Commissioners encouraged all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with skills needed to lead for a lifetime, read the resolution.

As a bonus, commissioners learned that Allysa Kelton of Morgan and the Northwest Wildflowers 4-H club received the 2023 Minnesota 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award.

University of Minnesota Brown County Extension Educator Janessa Palmer made the award known at the county board meeting.

“Allysa has been a powerhouse since beginning her volunteer role with Minnesota 4-H three years ago,” said Palmer. “Her contant enthusiasm and focus on youth leadership has transformed the rabbit project and club leadership with Brown County 4-H.”

This year’s Brown County Fair rabbit show doubled in size with 90 rabbits shown.

“Additionally, she is an advocate for youth voice and puts in extra effort to ensure that youth are represented in all county 4-H decisions,” Palmer said.

“Allysa cultivates an engaging space within animal science committee meetings for youth to express their opinions and lead in the creation of solutions,” added Palmer. “Her dedication to long-term, inclusive and sustainable programming is an immeasurable asset to the communities in which she serves.”

In a letter of recommendation, Palmer wrote that Kelton manages a leasing program where youth not only lease to show, but are offered lessons, practice, advice, and encouragement throughout the year.

“I am fortunate to be in a position to support programs that Allysa champions as she continues to craft unique experiences, uplift youth leaders, and make the best better,” Palmer wrote.

Kelton advances to the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Awards competition.

Palmer said Lindsay Dalluge volunteered her time to lead Milford 4-H Club Cloverbud Club meetings and programs geared for 4-H members in kindergarten through second grade.

Northwest Wildflower 4-H club member Chloe Johnson was praised for her duties as Brown County 4-H Federation treasurer and as Brown County 4-H Ambassador, doing public speaking and making public appearances.

“Congratulations,” said Brown County Commissioner Brian Braun.

“4-H is very important. It instills community involvement, civic engagement and leadership,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

“4-H exposes kids to so many opportunties. I think it’s wonderful,” said Commissioner Tony Berg.