In honor of the North Central Region Volunteer Forum, Michigan 4-H Youth Development is proud to recognize Jan Pollard of Montrose for her positive impact on youth. Pollard was named the 2010 North Central Region 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional contributions as a volunteer and leader in her 4-H district. The North Central Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

In her four years with Michigan State University Extension 4-H, Pollard has been an inspiration to numerous 4-H members. A teacher with more than 32 years of experience, Jan is always looking for opportunities for young people to succeed by helping them to see their potential career and utilize their skills. She also encourages youth to seek partners in the community and encourages their involvement.

"She is supportive of her students as they set and successfully reach their goals," said Jan Wendland, program instructor for 4-H Youth Development, Saginaw County. "She constantly looks for opportunities for the youth to expand their skills."

Pollard formed a 4-H Youth Conservation Council for youth to seek out and address issues in the community. With Jan's guidance, youth designed a recycling system to cut down on the trash and save the school money. In addition, she works with students in her classroom and an after-school 4-H program on a biodiesel production project funded by several local businesses. Her 4-H club members collect cooking oil throughout the school year and over the summer they process the oil into biodiesel that fuels five buses during the school year.

"She has opened so many doors for me through 4-H and many other MSUE programs," said Bailey Palmer. "Biodiesel, recycling, YCC, Capitol Experience, Exploration Days… it's been great."

Pollard will be recognized at the North Central Regional 4-H Volunteer Forum, which is being held October 7-10, 2010, at the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus. She will receive a plaque at this time. A cash contribution will also be made in her name to the 4-H program of her choice.

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 10 or more years of service to 4-H) and Volunteer of the Year (for less than 10 years of service).