Minnesota 4-H recently selected Mower County couple Bob and Laurie Balgeman as its Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteers.

The Balgeman’s were chosen by a panel of judges from an outstanding list of nominees.The National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H. The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award recognizes volunteers who have spent 10 or more years as a 4-H volunteer.

Bob has served as the long-time General Livestock Project Bowl coach. Nominators shared that he creates a positive learning environment where young people have fun, are free to ask questions, and are challenged to deepen their learning. His commitment has not only yielded competitive teams, but more importantly has encouraged young people to reach their potential. Bob has also served as a club leader and on the county  4-H Advisory Board and Mower County Extension Committee.

Laurie leads all aspects of the county Dog Program, including organizing project learning with young people, soliciting award sponsors and recruiting other volunteers to support the program. One parent said, “Any success that the kids have in training their dogs is due to their work under Laurie’s guidance.” She has mentored dog project members to take on advanced leadership roles as 4-H ambassadors, club leaders and dog trainers and judges.