4-H Leadership Recognition Award

The Leadership Recognition Award is designed to honor an outstanding leader, group or organization within the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. Nominees for this award should be current 4-H’ers, leaders or families and their involvement and leadership in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program should demonstrate a willingness and drive to consistently excel at performing their regular 4-H leadership responsibilities.

2025 Leadership Recognition Award: Heather Hamm

Heather Hamm, Holy Cross 4-H Club, was celebrated for her dedication to youth development and her leadership of the Dairy and Sheep projects. Her signature effort—the Parade of Champions at the Ozaukee County Fair—continues to be a highlight of the year thanks to her organization, creativity, and commitment to making youth feel recognized.

2025 Leadership Recognition Award: Rick Lee

Rick Lee, Lindenwood 4-H Club, received the award for his longstanding behind-the-scenes contributions. From supporting The Haunt, to repair work, to stepping in at countywide events when needed, Rick’s reliability and calm presence have supported youth and volunteers across multiple project areas for years.

2025 Leadership Recognition Award: Cindy & Heather Reetz

Cindy and Heather Reetz, Town & Country 4-H Club, were honored for their longtime leadership of the Cake Decorating Project and their service on the annual Bowl-a-Thon Committee. Their consistent efforts help create meaningful project experiences for youth and raise funds for scholarships and educational opportunities.

1999- Joan Kruse – Covered Bridge 4-H
1999- Judy Rust-Deetjen – Grafton Falls 4-H
2000- Janice Bublitz – Little Kohler 4-H
2000- Margo Kraus – Lakeview 4-H
2001- Paul Jacobson – County Leader
2001- Evie Rathke – Little Kohler 4-H
2001- Bob & Mari Schmidt – Lindenwood 4-H
2002- MaryAnn Erickson – Covered Bridge 4-H & County Leader
2002- Delores Schwengel – Cloverleaf 4-H
2002- Phil Steinke – Cloverleaf 4-H
2003- Barb Batzko – Town & Country 4-H
2003- Jan Dommer – Knellsville 4-H
2004- Dorothy Parchim – Cloverleaf 4-H
2004- Linda Kolbach – County Leader
2005- Carol Boehlke – Lindenwood 4-H
2005- Jill Rychtik Lindert – County Leader
2005- Patricia Steffen – Fairway 4-H Club
2006- Jim & Sherri Melichar – Knellsville 4-H
2006- Peggy Schoessow – Lindenwood 4-H
2007- Mary Sampont – Knellsville 4-H
2007- Lori & Mike Paulus – Holy Cross 4-H
2008- Bob & Cindy Roden – Knellsville 4-H
2008- Peggy & Dick Brown – Holy Cross 4-H
2009- Tom Hartwig (posthumously) – Covered Bridge 4-H
2010- Sue Meiller – Cloverleaf 4-H
2011- Dave & Nancy Salkowski—Town and Country 4-H
2012- Janet Zausch—Knellsville 4-H
2013- Brenda Mueller—Jay Road 4-H
2014- Jody Brzezinski—Lindenwood 4-H Club
2014- Susan Karolczek—Covered Bridge 4-H Club
2015- Diane Pfaffenroth- Cloverleaf 4-H Club
2015- Kurt and Cary Schoessow- Lindenwood 4-H Club
2016- Roger Knepprath- Town & Country 4-H Club
2016- Lynn Neumann- Town & Country 4-H Club
2017- Michelle Kringel- Town & Country 4-H Club
2018- Aaron Brown- Holy Cross 4-H Club
2018- Diane Hamm- Holy Cross 4-H Club
2019- Steve & Jackie Rathke- Little Kohler 4-H Club
2019- Christie Dieringer- Holy Cross 4-H Club
2020- Deanna Lee – Lindenwood 4-H Club
2020- Dan Paulus – Waubeka 4-H Club
2021- Marcia Nosko- Holy Cross 4-H Club
2021- Deb Poull- Jay Road 4-H Club
2022- Danielle Gettelman- Knellsville 4-H Club
2022- Mary Hamm- Holy Cross 4-H Club
2023- The Dowe Family- Knellsville 4-H Club
2023- Jim Hoerchner- Town & County 4-H Club
2023- Alycia Kringel- Town & Country 4-H Club
2024- Keri Eichner- Waubeka 4-H Club
2024- Ron Parchim- Cloverleaf 4-H Club
2024- Diane Tesker- Waubeka 4-H Club

Extension Ozaukee County

4-H Leadership Recognition Award