Chelsea Sallach inspires youth through horse program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Chelsea Sallach is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. She volunteers with the Wheeler County 4-H program and was nominated by Jen Epp, Nebraska Extension Educator in Garfield, Loup, and Wheeler Counties.
As a member, Chelsea discovered her spark in the 4-H horse project. As an adult, she is paying it forward as a volunteer leader.
"Chelsea Sallach has been a breath of fresh air in the Wheeler County 4-H horse project," wrote Epp.
Wheeler County has strong ties with the equine industry, and community members of all ages love their horses. Despite all of this, local youth seemed reluctant to participate in the county 4-H horse shows. With equine expertise, Chelsea stepped up to lead practice sessions. She prioritized a growth mindset and skill-building to help youth develop self-confidence. The practices were not only impactful, but they also became increasingly popular. As a result, participation in last year's local 4-H horse show doubled.
"As an emerging volunteer, she has added richness for the youth and the project at the county level," wrote Epp. "We are excited to watch her take these youth to new heights in the future."
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Chelsea Sallach, and I am from Ewing, NE. I live on a ranch with my husband, Craig, and our 4 kids - Owen (10), Warren (9), Quincy (6), and Hazel (4). Growing up, I was a lifelong member of 4-H and participated in the horse project. I enjoyed showing horses and rodeoing, as well as any opportunity to learn about training horses. In college at UNL, I showed horses on the IHSA Equestrian Team and judged for the UNL Horse Judging team while earning a Bachelor of Science - Animal Science with Equine Emphasis. I recently earned my Master of Education - Special Education and enjoy teaching high school science and elementary special education.
Since college, I have become a certified 4-H horse judge in Nebraska and have continued to judge 4-H and open horse shows. When my kids started 4-H, I saw another opportunity to share my love and knowledge of horses with kids who were eager to learn. I began volunteering with the Ericson Wranglers 4-H club as a horse project leader, which has grown into the opportunity to help all youth in our county with their 4-H horse projects.
When I am not teaching, judging, or volunteering with 4-H, you will likely find me outside on the ranch! I enjoy riding and training young horses, helping my husband on the ranch, and spending time with my kids.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I love the opportunity to see kids working hard, developing friendships, and building lifelong skills. Their dedication and persistence to learning and growing, along with the joy they share through the process, is a testament to the bright future of these young people.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
I don't have one favorite memory - I have many, many favorites! Seeing kids find success, especially when they have worked so hard, is incredibly rewarding. Those moments when they connect with their horse, conquer a fear, or master a new skill, always bring a smile to my face.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I help youth find their spark through 4-H by providing them opportunities to learn and grow in an environment where mistakes are just steps to improving. I challenge them to try things out of their comfort zone and to have ownership of their own success. I share my love and knowledge of horses with the hopes that they will also find a lifelong passion while developing their skills.
Arlys Cupp helps youth find their passion through 4-H
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Arlys Cupp is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 4. Arlys volunteers with the Chase County 4-H program and was nominated by Debbie Kuenning, Nebraska Extension Educator in Chase and Perkins Counties.
Arlys Cupp has served as a 4-H leader for over 30 years! She leads both the Challengers 4-H Club and an afterschool Aerospace Club, helping youth build and launch rockets. Arlys is a youth-focused leader. She values the learning opportunities 4-H provides and is constantly looking for ways to increase engagement. Regardless of the project, Arlys is always ready to help. She can be found helping youth work with their market steer, overseeing the county Rocket Shoot, or advising youth on their Public Service Announcements. Arlys also works to instill pride in the community through annual community service and fair beautification projects.
"With so much experience, Arlys has plenty to teach about 4-H, but she is constantly seeking to learn and try new things in the program," wrote Kuenning. "Always looking for new experiences or opportunities to inspire the youth she works with."
Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Chase County. I attended a country school and have loved everything agriculture all my life. I was a member of the Silver Spurs 4-H Club when I was a child. I have been an elementary teacher in Chase County for 38 years. It is my pleasure to help with our school's jr. high FFA program. I also enjoy being a part of the Champion Jr. Women's Club and doing community service.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I have always looked forward to helping our youth find their passion, setting achievable goals, and then do their best to meet their goal.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
I have more memories than I can count. One of those is watching first-time rocket builders launch their rockets for the first time. When they count down, hit the ignitor button, and the rocket launches, the look on their face is priceless. Many memories were also made while traveling with 45 youth on the CWF trip. 16 days on a bus with them were very special, and lots of memories were made. I was fortunate enough to get to do this twice when my own children went on the trip.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
Spending the year looking for ideas to help kids explore projects and careers is rewarding and fun. 4-H offers so many opportunities, from baking to livestock, fishing to robotics, gardening to safety, and so much more. Who couldn't find something to be interested in?
Keith Umstead challenges youth to be their best
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Keith Umstead is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 6. Keith volunteers with the Nance County 4-H program and was nominated by Steve Pritchard, Nebraska Extension Educator in Boone and Nance Counties.
"As the local 4-H Educator in Boone County, I have known Keith for four years, and he portrays the true spirit of 4-H volunteerism," wrote Pritchard. "He has been very dedicated to the 4-H program in Nance County."
Keith currently serves as the Nance County 4-H Council president, serving on various committees. He has given a tremendous amount of time to see that county fair, workshops, and other 4-H events are well-organized, and he does it all with a smile. Keith is also the club leader for the local Hot Shots 4-H Club. Keith is a Level 1, Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor with multiple discipline certifications. Typically, he runs a 6-8 week program during the winter and another 6-8 week program during the summer. As a certified instructor, Keith has taught hundreds of young people the safe and responsible use of firearms, sound decision-making, self-discipline, and concentration. Keith has a passion for helping youth put forward their best effort. As a highly respected community member, he is an excellent role model for young people. He demonstrates high character and strong morals instilling these values in the young people he works with.
"He challenges the youth to be their best," said Pritchard.
Tell us about yourself.
I enjoy helping with 4-H between being on 4-H council and club leader with Nance County Hot Shots 4-H Shooting Sport Club. In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors hunting and shooting firearms/archery. But my favorite past time is just spending quality time with close family.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I look forward to teaching youth how to be responsible and safe all while having FUN with archery and firearms.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
I don’t have a specific favorite memory because I have multiple, and they happen at almost every practice every time a child lights up and smiles ear to ear when they realize they have accomplished a goal!!
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
By keeping every interaction fun and exciting while learning discipline and respect for themself and others.
Allison Walbrecht creates opportunities for all youth to belong
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Allison Walbrecht is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 9. Allison volunteers with the Lancaster County 4-H program and was nominated by Tracy Anderson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lancaster County.
Allison Walbrecht is a Lancaster County 4-H member, a three-year 4-H leader for the Unified Showing 4-H Club, and a freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Allison has a passion for giving opportunities to all and, as a result, had the idea to start the Unified Showing 4-H Club. This club allows youth with disabilities to participate in 4-H activities and learn about livestock, specifically lambs, through weekly meetings at her family’s farm. Allison pairs youth with disabilities with a teenage “buddy” who helps ensure the youths’ and animals’ safety. Together with their designated lamb, they learn how to care for their lamb, lead it in the ring, and show it
"Through the Unified Showing 4-H Club, Allison has helped youth with disabilities find their spark by providing a safe space to learn, practice, and participate," wrote Anderson.
Tell us about yourself.
I am currently a Freshman Animal Science major at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, minoring in Engler Entrepreneurship and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Growing up as a fifth generation farmer on my family's cow calf operation I fell in love with agriculture, going to school in Lincoln I saw how this industry was not accessible to everyone. I love volunteering with 4-H because I get to feed my own passion of agriculture while watching youth fall in love with it as well.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
In 2022 Unified Showing was in 3 counties, all of whom had their county fairs on the same day. My team helped over 40 participants show at 3 different county fairs in a matter of 8 hours. To watch all the hard work over the year pay off as youth who typically lack opportunities to be involved had bleachers packed with family, friends and community members all eager to cheer them on, was by far the most meaningful part.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
Youth with disabilities unfortunately have limited opportunities within agriculture to be involved. Since starting this program I have seen kids come alive as they are able to connect with their animals, other youth with disabilities, and youth from the community who are eager to befriend them. When asking them what they are interested in doing when they grow up many say to continue working with animals. I have been fortunate enough to watch as they fall in love with agriculture and have myself been able to refall in love with it through their eyes.
Chris Redding carries on a family tradition rooted in 4-H
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Chris Redding is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 5. Chris volunteers with the Antelope County 4-H program and was nominated by Jane Schuchardt.
Following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, Chris Redding serves as a club leader for the Way Out West 4-H Club. In the early years, the club had about 25 members, and now, with the popularity of chicken and rabbit projects on the rapid rise, membership in 2022 was 54 youth. The club draws in members from across Antelope and nearby counties.
"Chris is so humble," wrote Schuchardt. "I have never met a volunteer so passionate, committed, caring, and generous of her precious time. Chris is completely deserving of this recognition."
Consistent with the 4-H approach to learning, Chris Redding is all hands-on for members of the Way Out West 4-H Club. Backed by this supportive and encouraging adult leader, members always are front and center leading meetings, even if it takes a little nudging, guidance, and confidence building. As a leader, Chris prioritizes community service and encourages all members to participate in the club's project. In cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the club picks up trash along a four-mile stretch of Highway 70 west of Elgin several times a year. Chris also has membership heavily involved at the Antelope County Fair, often going on to the Nebraska State Fair and other competitive events. As a reward for all their hard work throughout the year, Chris also organizes fun activities for club members, such as tanking down a river.
Tell us about yourself.
I now live on the same farm I grew up on in rural Antelope County, west of Elgin. I was that shy, awkward kid, and my mom wisely got me involved in 4-H as she was already a 4-H leader. My summers were all about 4-H - cooking/baking/sewing/decorating my room. I also did home ec judging and got to go to the State Fair in that event! That was a big deal to this shy, naive farm girl. I went to the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture in the Veterinary Technician program. After graduation, I moved to Montana and worked in a veterinary clinic there, met and married my husband Jim. In Montana, I was a 4-H leader for a small group of girls interested in veterinary science. In 1985 we moved back to my hometown to farm and ranch with my parents and started our family. As our daughters became 4-H age, my husband and I wanted them to have the 4-H experience, as my husband had also grown up in the 4-H program, so along with a friend/neighbor Merry Sprout we started the Way Out West 4-H club in 1996. When Merry's kids aged out of 4-H, she decided to retire as a leader, and another friend's grandkids were becoming 4-H age, so Karin Kinney became my co-leader. This is most certainly not a one-person show; I have had great co-leaders, a supportive family (my husband and daughter are leathercraft leaders), and great 4-H'ers, parents, and families!
Outside of 4-H, I am in my 17th year working part-time for Town and Country Veterinary Clinic in Elgin, groom dogs part-time, help with the farm/ranch, am an active member of Park Congregational United Church of Christ, and enjoy gardening and my favorite past time - quilting.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
I enjoy the kids, watching them grow from a (sometimes!) shy, maybe awkward young person into a smart, confident, capable young adult.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
I have some second-generation members in our club; I love that!
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
By encouraging and supporting them, helping them discover new interests and skills, and engage in their community through community service activities
Nancy Lashley is a pillar in the Logan County 4-H Program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Nancy Lashley is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 3. Nancy volunteers with the Logan County 4-H program and was nominated by Caitlyn Jacobson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson Counties.
Nancy, as well as her husband Bart, has been a pillar in the Logan County 4-H community for over 30 years. Their involvement began when their children were members, and now, they maintain their involvement through various volunteer roles. Nancy has been integral in establishing and maintaining the county shooting sports program. Currently, she is serving as the 4-H Council president. She has even assisted in recruiting volunteers to support the program. As a mentor for new 4-H families, Nancy takes time to build relationships, establish open lines of communication, and ensure everyone is informed about 4-H events.
"Her creativity allows her to support families in finding more economic ways of doing a project," wrote Caitlyn. "This has allowed more families to get involved and complete projects they otherwise would not have."
Nancy goes above and beyond to support youth. As a retired teacher, she understands how to engage youth and create excitement. She uses this in her volunteer role to help connect youth with projects and activities that fit their interests and organize workshops and showmanship clinics. Nancy takes extra steps to ensure environments are inclusive and appropriate for youth with unique needs.
"I have witnessed her coach youth through their frustrations and offer alternative solutions," wrote Caitlyn. "She also celebrates the small and big victories with them."
Tell us about yourself.
I have been involved with 4-H for almost 60 years. First as a member, then as a leader. My main focus as a member was in home environment. When my kids were in 4-H, we branched out into the livestock- horse, sheep, dog, cat, and companion animals. Currently, I help with Shooting Sports and serve on the Logan County 4-H Council.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Helping kids.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
The year my daughter won the overall small animal (dog, cat, chickens, rabbits & companion animals) trophy for her salamander.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I’ve led many sewing workshops and hope that my love of sewing has rubbed off on some of them.
Michael Bracht mentors youth through robotics program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Michael Bracht is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 8. Michael volunteers with the Burt County 4-H program and was nominated by Stacey Keys, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Burt County.
As a member, Michael discovered his spark through the 4-H robotics program, which led him to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. Though he started college in 2019, he still makes time to come home and share his passion with Burt County 4-H members. Every year, Michael mentors the Mindstormers FIRST LEGO League team. He helps them with their challenge and supports them during competitions. Michael also helps with robotics and rocketry workshops throughout the summer. He is always finding creative ways to teach youth how to program and build robots.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a senior attending Iowa State University studying mechanical engineering. Since I was a freshman in high school, I have mentored a 4-H First Lego League robotics club. As a mentor, I teach several members how to build and program robots, as well as lead 4-H robotics and rocket camps. I volunteer as an assistant for the judge of the technology exhibits and do STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and math) demonstrations at the county fair.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Watching the innovation of the 4-H and robot club members as they solve problems related to the robot or other technology projects
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Attending State First Lego League competition with the club.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
I have helped youth find their spark by introducing them to STEM fields, especially rockets and robots. This includes showing new members how to set up a rocket to launch safely, program robots to complete a task as well as create effective documentation for their project.
Steve Dirgo provides the passion needed to reignite local 4-H program
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Steve Dirgo is receiving the Emerging Volunteer Award for Zone 4. Steve volunteers with the Gosper County 4-H program and was nominated by Calvin DeVries, Nebraska Extension Educator in Phelps and Gosper counties.
The Hot Shots 4-H Club in Gosper County had been inactive for three years when Steve volunteered as a club leader. He started by focusing on the BB gun project and quickly had 20 youth enrolled. With the high demand, Steve now leads two weekly practice sessions - one in the morning and a second in the afternoon each Saturday. Steve emphasizes proper carrying techniques, safety measures, and teamwork during practice.
"Steve’s passion for the shooting sports project glows through his teaching efforts during club practices. When we think of positive youth development, Steve comes to the top as one of the most impactful volunteers and leader in Gosper County. 4-H is a top priority for Steve and his passion for creating this opportunity for youth is truly amazing," said DeVries.
Tell us about yourself.
I am happily married, I have two boys ages 9 and 6. This is my first year in 4H, I have truly enjoyed what I have learned so far. My passion is firearms and firearm safety, teaching children about firearms and firearm safety at this young age is very important. We can shall teach them the basic of how to handle a firearm in safe manner. I am very involved in our community, part of the Booster Club for school, I am a full time College student at CCC in Kearney Neb, I work at BD in Holdrege as a Quality Tech / Trainer. The support I receive from my family is endless, and I couldn't do it without them.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Watching the youth grow into outstanding human being. With the knowledge of handling a firearm safely. Weather that is for hunting, or shooting for fun.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Watching the kids take what lesson we just learned in the classroom and take that knowledge and put it to use on the range.
Alan and Kaye Mussman are the perfect volunteer team
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Alan and Kaye Mussman are receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 10. Alan and Kaye volunteer with the Thayer County 4-H program and were nominated by Tammy Johnson, Nebraska Extension Office Manager in Thayer County.
"Kaye and Alan are a team!" said Johnson.
Kaye worked as the Thayer County 4-H Aide for 15 years. During that time, her husband Alan volunteered to support whatever Kaye worked on. He assisted with workshops, camps, and trips. He helped secure materials for projects and shop for supplies. He donated shop space, worked with youth, and built parade floats and office cabinets. Alan was always up for any new task that was asked of him, even if it required learning a new skill or purchasing a new tool to make something work.
During her time with Extension, Kaye worked diligently to build up the Quilts of Valor program. She worked with the Founders to sponsor sewing days, where the youth worked all day making quilt tops. Kaye found helpers and sponsors to assist in the quilting process to keep costs minimal. She went to all the local schools teaching sewing, cooking, crafting, and woodworking through classroom engagement and afterschool programming. Kaye was integral to the Quilts of Valor display and presentation during the Nebraska State Fair. She also helped with the Fashion Show at the State Fair. Kaye and Alan have sponsored several CWF trips and chaperoned youth during these civic engagement trips to Washington, DC.
Though her time as a Nebraska Extension employee is behind her, Kaye still volunteers at workshops, serves as a 4-H Camp Sponsor and Instructor, and coordinates community service projects at Camp Jefferson. She continues to support youth interested in quilting and sewing through guidance and by providing her equipment and home to those in need. Kaye still advocates for 4-H throughout the community.
"This couple has gone over and above on so many levels!" wrote Johnson.
Tell us about yourselves.
We have been happily married since 1980, living on our family farm near Alexandria and farming and ranching on the family farms in Thayer, Fillmore, and Saline counties. Together, we raised two wonderful daughters, Dena (Evan) and Leah (Ty), who have given them three beautiful granddaughters named McKinley, Sophie, and Ivy.
Throughout our many years together, we have also dedicated a great deal of our time to volunteering for various causes in our community, including church youth groups, Girl Scouts, and 4-H. We have been involved with 4-H since 2008. We have shared our love of woodworking, quilting, camping, and other activities with hundreds of young people in the community.
In our free time, we enjoy kayaking, camping, quilting, crafting, traveling, and most of all, spending time with our family and friends. We are always eager to share our love of life and adventure with others.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer roles?
We are passionate about our work with youth and are always looking for new and creative ways to educate and engage with them. We also enjoy getting to know the kids on a personal level and finding ways to connect with them, oftentimes developing strong relationships with many of the kids for years to come as they continue to grow into adults and leaders in the community.
What are your favorite memories as 4-H volunteers?
Alan: My favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer was inviting local youth to visit the woodshop on our family farm to work on woodworking projects.
Kaye: My favorite memory was working with local youth to work on quilt projects, which is a hobby close to my heart.
We enjoyed watching as the youth learned to use the woodworking tools and sewing machines with caution and skill, taking pride in their creations.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
We find great satisfaction sharing our knowledge on a topic with local kids. We assist the kids by demonstrating technique, answering questions, providing advice, and helping the young people with their projects, then watching the kids' develop new skills and confidence. We love seeing the kids' faces light up when they accomplish something they had never done before.
Jacqueline Simonson cultivates new opportunities for youth
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
Jacqueline Simonson is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 1. Jacqueline volunteers with the Sheridan County 4-H program and was nominated by Melissa Mracek, Nebraska Extension Educator in the North Panhandle.
"Jackie is always looking for new ways to help involve youth in new programs or create different sparks," said Mracek.
As a club leader, Jacqueline strives to incorporate youth voice into the club's activities. She empowers older members to take on leadership roles and encourages all members to work collaboratively. Jacqueline supports youth across Sheridan County by serving on the 4-H Council and engaging in fundraising activities. Last year, she raised $1,200 for the local 4-H robotics program.
"Jackie’s mindset will not only help youth members gain new interests but also will help them learn to become active members within their community and want to give back," said Mracek.
Tell us about yourself.
I'm 37, married for 14 years, and have 3 wonderful kids. Lindsey who is 14, MacKenzie is 11 and Cade is 6
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Helping the kids realize how amazing they are, and helping them find new talents and interests
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Watching my kids and their friends show animals and enjoy fair week!
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
By helping them when they want to try new things! I love learning with them!