Huron's Brook Hendriks honoured provincially with 4-H Ontario Award

Late last week, 4-H Ontario announced the recipients of the 2025 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award, sponsored by Gay Lea Foods. The 2025 recipients are: Lisa Willet of the Algoma 4-H Association, Shayna Dickson of the Leeds 4-H Association, Taucha Inrig of the York 4-H Association, Nicole Marcy of the Brant 4-H Association, Brook Hendriks of the Huron 4-H Association and Kirsten Dill of the Oxford 4-H Association.

 

“This year’s award recipients truly exemplify what it means to be a dedicated volunteer. They embody the values of head, heart, health and hands that define 4-H. Though new to our program, their impact is already being felt at every level and we are fortunate to count them among our 4-H community,” says Faith Kirk, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Advisor, 4-H Ontario.

 

The 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award celebrates volunteers who have been with 4-H for fewer than five years and embody the 4-H pledge in their work with local youth. Nominations are accepted across the province, with one award given in each region. The award recipients will receive a custom print commissioned by 4-H Ontario and sponsored by Gay Lea Foods.
“Gay Lea is proud to collaborate with 4-H Ontario in honouring the dedicated 4-H volunteers chosen for this award. These individuals embody the core values of 4-H, providing essential leadership and life skills to young people. We extend our congratulations to them for this achievement and encourage them to keep making a positive impact in their communities,” says Ove Hansen, Corporate Secretary and Executive Director of Member Relations with Gay Lea Foods.

 

4-H Ontario gathers a committee of former Outstanding New Volunteer Award recipients to review the nominations and select a winner for each region. Prior to review by the committee, identifying details such as the nominees' name and their location are removed from the nomination documents to ensure the selection process is fair. The committee uses a point system to select the winner, evaluating each nominee regarding their length of service, ability to exemplify all elements of 4-H values, and the breadth of their service.

 

Lisa Willet - Algoma 4-H Association
Lisa began her 4-H journey in 2023 and her leadership has been described as nothing short of extraordinary. She leads numerous projects including a highly successful Cloverbud program in Echo Bay and stepped up to guide the association through a critical transition as they faced the possibility of closure. 
“Lisa took charge of revitalizing the board and re-establishing the association’s framework, providing much-needed direction and stability with the youth at the forefront of all her decisions,” says Halle, nominator. “Thanks to Lisa’s leadership, the Algoma 4-H Association is now thriving and continues to offer enriching programs to youth in the region.” 
Lisa is also known for her fairness, empathy, loyalty, patience and critical thinking skills, as well as her ability to create a positive and supportive environment where youth feel safe and empowered to “Learn To Do By Doing”. 
“This year has been our first experience with the Cloverbuds program. I couldn't ask for more in a leader for this group. [Lisa’s] ability to engage the kids in each week’s activities is wonderful, and I can only hope we continue to have such an excellent leader teaching our next generations,” shares Andrea, parent of a Cloverbud participant.

 

Shayna Dickson - Leeds 4-H Association
As an alumnus who spent over 10 years in the 4-H program, Shayna took the next step in her 4-H journey as a volunteer in 2022. She is known for her unwavering dedication and multifaceted contributions to the 4-H community as she leads multiple clubs and serves as the association’s membership coordinator, awards coordinator, and life skills contact. She has also played a pivotal role in organizing the association’s judging competition. 
“Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a youth graduate the 4-H program and want to give back immediately. Her dedication is evident in everything that she does, and I have no doubt that she will be around for years to come,” says John, fellow 4-H volunteer. 
Shayna is a proactive, dependable, and enthusiastic volunteer who never waits to be asked; simply seeing where help is needed and stepping in without hesitation. 
“From sharing advice and tips in the barn to helping me build confidence in the show ring, Shayna has always been willing to offer her time, knowledge, and encouragement. Her patience and willingness to help have made a lasting impact on me, both as a show person and a member of the 4-H community,” says Maryn, 4-H participant.

 

Taucha Inrig - York 4-H Association
Taucha became a volunteer in the York 4-H Association in 2022. Since then, Taucha has led 17 4-H projects including animal friends, goat, sew easy, rabbit, cheesemaking, best of bakery, a greener house and embroidery. 
Taucha is also part of the association’s executive and fundraising committees, where she notably contributes strategic ideas and hands-on effort to drive successful initiatives. She is consistently one of the first to step up and volunteer, whether it’s organizing an event or mentoring a new volunteer. 
“She shares wonderful resources from project ideas to creative learning tools that enrich every club she’s involved with. Her generosity, kindness and dedication make her an unforgettable mentor,” says Zoe, 4-H participant. 
Through lived experience in nurturing and inclusion, Taucha ensures every 4-H youth feels seen and valued, demonstrating what it means to live the 4-H pledge with purpose and heart. 
“She lets us try new things and helps us ‘Learn To Do By Doing’. She always says nice things to everyone and makes us feel like we can do it. I think she is really good at 4-H and I hope she gets this award,” shares Luke, 4-H participant.

 

Nicole Marcy - Brant 4-H Association
Nicole’s 4-H journey began as a participant in the program and continued as she became a parent with children in 4-H. As an active supporter of 4-H, it was a natural progression for her to become a 4-H volunteer and member of the Brant 4-H Association board. She is known for asking great questions, along with sharing positive and helpful ideas with a touch of humour. 
Fellow volunteer, Emily says, “Nicole is an outstanding role model and a great example of someone who lives out the 4-H pledge.” 
Her dedication and drive to help everyone have a great 4-H experience is evident in the number of hours she puts in to make her projects enjoyable and ensure they are full of learning opportunities for youth. For example, she created a book of puzzles and activities for youth to do when it was quiet time on their overnight camping trip. 
“Nicole shared her love of cooking, adventure, and 4-H with me in the outdoors club. Other members and I learned so many skills in her club. These cooking skills will help me as I prepare meals for my family. I’ve tried a lot of new recipes because of Nicole,” says Hayden, 4-H participant.

 

Brook Hendriks - Huron 4-H Association
With over a decade of 4-H experience as a participant, it’s no surprise that now, as a volunteer, Brook is known for exemplifying the 4-H pledge in all she does. 
Brook became a 4-H volunteer in 2024 and has led beef, swine and curling clubs, while also being part of the Huron 4-H Association board of directors. 
“She has quickly become an important part of the club leadership and is an excellent role model for our youth,” says Reg, 4-H volunteer. 
Brook not only mentors but is a role model, encouraging all those around her to live the 4-H pledge. She helps create a tight-knit, supportive environment where youth learn and grow as individuals and leaders. Her leadership has contributed to a more cohesive and supportive club atmosphere where youth feel confident in exploring new skills and interests. 
Noted by her nominator, Brook’s commitment to clearer thinking, loyalty, service, and healthy living embodies the essence of what 4-H stands for.  “Brook stands for everything a 4-H’er stands for and I hope I can be just as good of a leader as her someday,” says Clara, 4-H youth.

 

Kirsten Dill - Oxford 4-H Association
As a 4-H alumnus, Kirsten’s 4-H journey continued in 2017 when her children joined the program and in 2022, she became a volunteer. Kirsten has led several 4-H projects from square dancing to trash to treasure and quilting, been a Go For The Gold coach and served as a board director, secretary and association representative for the Oxford 4-H Association. 
Her nominator notes that Kirsten “bleeds green” and commends her for being a true advocate for the 4-H program. “She is a kind and considerate person who is always willing to lend a helping hand or come up with a great new idea to generate interest in 4-H and then help in making that new idea happen, “says Lauren, 4-H youth. 
Kirsten is known as a keen, passionate, organized and engaged volunteer who gives back to her community and is always willing to help. 
“She frequently comments that ‘I’m willing to help, but I don’t know what I’m doing’. However, nothing could be further from the truth.  Her organizational skills, attention to detail, willingness to learn and her ability to try new things embody the 4-H motto ‘Learn To Do By Doing’,” shares Jack, 4-H volunteer.