Ottawa County leaders honored at Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards

LANSING — Ottawa County’s deep agricultural roots and commitment to youth mentorship were highlighted on the state stage Oct. 3, as local leaders were recognized alongside top volunteers, alumni and staff at the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration in Lansing.

Hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club, the annual event honors individuals whose dedication, leadership, and public service embody the highest traditions of Michigan 4-H.

Ottawa County figured prominently among this year’s distinguished honorees, with local residents receiving two of the organization's top state honors.

Lynn Olthof

Lynn Olthof was formally recognized as the 2025 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year, an award reserved for outstanding leaders with 10 years of service or less.

A passionate advocate for the state 4-H dairy program and an MSU graduate student, Olthof helps facilitate state quiz bowls, dairy management, and judging contests while teaching youth about animal science careers.

Known for her unique ability to make every participant feel seen and encouraged, Olthof hopes to expand dairy programming to underserved areas, including Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

“Lynn always goes above and beyond to help with whatever she can,” said Kendra Van Order, an MSU Extension 4-H dairy educator. “She loves and supports the 4-H program because she grew up in it and she knows what it can do for others. She believes that showing up for others is an integral part of any program's success.”

In her honor, a $400 grant will be donated to a 4-H initiative of her choice, and her name will be engraved on the Salute to Excellence brick path at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens in East Lansing.

Beverly Ferris Hain

Beverly Ferris Hain, of Jenison, was inducted into the 2026 Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society, an elite honor recognizing alumni whose professional achievements and community service reflect the ultimate outcomes of 4-H membership.

Originally a Barry County 4-H’er who completed over 100 project years, Hain overcame childhood shyness through 4-H to build a 30-year career in education, serving as a home economics teacher, adult education instructor, and teacher consultant for Montcalm Intermediate School District.

In 1967, she traveled to India with the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) to promote global peace, and currently serves as president of the IFYE Alumni Association. An MSU Extension Master Gardener and active volunteer with Georgetown United Methodist Church, Hain has dedicated decades to community leadership, local beautification, and teaching cooking classes for families supported by church food pantries.

Speaking on her recognition, Olthof expressed gratitude for the opportunity to mentor the next generation.

“4-H is a program that has given me so many opportunities personally and professionally, and I am fortunate to be able to give back to the organization and youth while also serving the dairy industry,” Olthof said.

Reflecting on her lifelong journey, Hain highlighted the transformational power of the organization.

“As a child and teen, I was very shy,” Hain shared. “Through 4-H, my confidence grew and led to me being a teacher and taking leadership roles in every group I have been part of.”

“The Michigan 4-H program has the power to change lives and the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards provide a way for us to celebrate those lives changed,” added Jodi Schulz, state 4-H leader for Michigan and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs.

In addition to individual honors, the Michigan 4-H Foundation used the statewide gathering to publicly launch the Michigan 4-H Beyond Ready Campaign, a fundraising initiative aiming to raise $12 million by 2032.

The endowment will ensure long-term funding for innovative youth programming, agriculture leadership training, and educational access for future generations across Ottawa County and statewide.

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