Six leaders from different regions were recognized for their dedication and enthusiasm
By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Earlier this week, 4-H Ontario announced 6 recipients of the 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Club Leader Award.
The recipients are members of the 4-H community from across the province that have been volunteers for less than three years.
“In only a few years, these dedicated individuals have contributed in tremendously impactful ways and our program is better for having them involved,” says Megan Burnside-Poitras, volunteer support team lead, in an August 24 statement.
Awardees are:
• Rachel Skippen
![Rachel Skippen](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 1 - Rachel Skippen.jpg)
Skippen is a leader in the Manitoulin 4-H Association, including leading the Beef club and Basic Sewing clubs, along with the Cloverbud Program, and readily volunteers her time to assist with events and encourage youth participants.
• Denise Beaudette-Manley
![Denise Beaudette-Manley](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 2 - Denise Beaudette-Manley.jpeg)
Beaudette-Manley has led eight clubs in the Stormont 4-H Association, including the Scrapbooking club. She’s described by participants as optimistic, enthusiastic and inclusive.
• April-Jean Hickson
![April-Jean Hickson](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 3 - April Jean Hickson.jpg)
Hickson passionately volunteers in the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton 4-H Association. She worked to adapt judging competitions and clubs to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Robert Matson
![Robert Matson](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 4 - Robert Matson.jpg)
Matson is a volunteer, leader and member of the board of directors in the Peel 4-H Association. Participants look up to him as a selfless and gracious mentor.
• Jessica Bester
![Jessica Bester](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 5 - Jessica Bester.JPG)
Bester works hard to provide safe and engaging programming for youth in the Grey 4-H Association. She has run the Rabbit and Sheep clubs, and worked to adapt programming to COVID-19 restrictions.
• Alison Buckrell
![Alison Buckrell](https://images1.farms.com/farms-production-images/Portals/0/Images/Region 6 - Alison Buckrell.jpeg)
Buckrell serves her community in the Oxford 4-H Association, as well as other county activities. She’s described as an encouraging mentor who leads by example.
The Outstanding New Club Leader Award is sponsored by Gay Lea Foods, who provide a custom print to each recipient.