People coming together for a common cause was a theme
throughout World War II, and it is the theme Swackhamer applies to the
Salute to Excellence program.
"It doesn't take a lot of effort to make a difference
in a kid's life," he says.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the 4-H program, Swackhamer
started the Salute to Excellence award recognizing outstanding 4-H volunteers.
Swackhamer and his wife, Sharon, have contributed more than $50,000
toward the endowment goal of $400,000.
"4-H has nothing to recognize the adult aspect of
the program," he says. "After serving nine years on
4-H's National Board of Trustees, I wanted to do something
more permanent than go to meetings."
Marie Dwyer, Great Falls, Mont., and Brenda Hawkins, White
Sulphur Springs, Mont., each received $10,000 at the inaugural award
ceremony in Washington, D.C., in April. The award stipulates that $1,000
of the prize must go back into their communities. "The $1,000 must
be used in the community for something they deem important for the youth,"
Swackhamer says. "It could go back into the 4-H club, or it could
go for new playground equipment."
Swackhamer hopes to achieve a number of goals by implementing
this annual awards program. "I hope this will draw attention to
the outstanding work 4-H leaders do," he says. "It is also
intended to draw attention to the need for volunteers." Since 4-H
has grown to include urban areas, the need for volunteers with a 4-H
background in those areas is great, he says. The last goal is to provide
a model of what outstanding is. "What do really good leaders do?
That's what we're trying to show," he says.
Twenty-two states nominated candidates in the first Salute
to Excellence program, but Swackhamer is thinking bigger: "We would
like to get all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other territories to participate."
In spite of a good beginning with more than 300 donors
from 32 states, the endowment goal has not yet been reached. Until that
happens, Swackhamer's work will continue.
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