Lorna Kotz of Vernon has been named B.C. 4-H leader of the year by 4-H Canada and The Co-Operators.
4-H is designed to develop the young people of today into the leaders of tomorrow by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow within their environment to become self-assured young adults that have a positive effect in their communities and world around them.
“4-H leaders play a pivotal role in the development and successes of 4-H members and 4-H programs wouldn’t be possible without their countless hours of effort and dedication,” said Gina Haambuckers, communications and marketing coordinator for B.C. 4-H.
Kotz is the leader of the Vernon Young Riders 4-H Club with 14 members involved in four different projects including: Cloverbud, Horse, Junior Leadership, Self-determined.
Kotz is heavily involved in all levels of B.C. 4-H with key positions in her club, and at the district and regional levels. She also sits on the B.C. 4-H Provincial Council as the Kamloops/Okanagan region representative.
“Nominations for the National Volunteer Leader of the Year were called for in December 2014 and were driven by 4-H member reference letters and recommendations. Seven provincial winners were selected from the applicants and these winners moved forward to a national judging panel.
Selection criteria included references, club involvement, community involvement, length of involvement, and how much the members learned and developed as a result of the leader.
“Lorna is an exceptionally engaged and gifted 4-H leader, always ready to help, from the local level to serving on provincial council,” said Kevin Rothwell, B.C. 4-H manager. “She is very deserving of this wonderful recognition.”
Each provincial winner receives $100 as well as a prize package.
The club has more than 7,700 volunteer leaders across Canada.
