CCE Tioga recognizes ‘National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year’

The National 4-H Council announced earlier this year that John King, of Owego, N.Y., was selected as the 2016 National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year.  

On Friday, Oct. 7, King was recognized for his accomplishment by the 4-H National Council at the 4-H Heritage Luncheon at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md. A cash award of $1,000 was presented to the Tioga Co. 4-H Program in recognition of his award. 

Each year, the 4-H Salute to Excellence honors one individual in each of the four U.S. regions and from that from that group they select a national winner.  

“The success of our 4-H Program is due to wonderful leaders like John. We appreciate all that he has done. We are elated for him and our local program, as well as our great state-wide 4-H Program.” stated Andy Fagan, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County. 

“John is an inspiration to 4-H youth. His work is a constant reminder that the life-changing 4-H experience would be impossible without caring adult mentors like him,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president & CEO, National 4-H Council.

King has been a shooting sports instructor for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County’s (CCE Tioga) 4-H Program for over eight years and was nominated by Jody Tatich, the 4-H program manager, with input from youth and parents for his dedication to the 4-H youth development program. 

This award recognizes 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H, while promoting service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege.

To find out more about the Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or visit their website at tioga.cce.cornell.edu.