Tkach
4-H Canada announced the recipients of the three annual prestigious national awards – Distinguished Alumni, Honourary Member, and National Volunteer Leader of the Year.
The provincial recipient for Alberta was Carole Tkach – Coronation 4-H District for her tremendous impact on 4-H youth through her dedicated support and guidance.
The Volunteer Leader of the Year awards are given to a leader in each province, with one recipient also being selected as the national recipient.
Tkach grew up on farm at Talbot, Alta. and started her love of 4-H at Brownfield and Talbot, having about 10 projects over the six years as a member, as well as holding executive positions, participating in communication activities, camps, etc.
Returning to Coronation after nursing school, marrying and raising three children on the farm, Tkach became involved with 4-H again in 1981 when their oldest daughter joined the Coronation Beef Club, followed by her sister and brother.
Tkach was a volunteer leader with the club but also became involved with the Coronation District and the East Central 4-H Region, serving as an elected representative to the Alberta 4-H Council and later the 4-H Foundation of Alberta.
In 1994 Tkach was asked to take on the role of Key Leader for the Coronation 4-H District acting as an advisor for the 10 clubs, a role she still does today for the current seven clubs holding many executive positions and holding workshops at all levels.
“I have continued to volunteer with 4-H as I love the opportunities for young people to learn to do by doing, the motto for 4-H,” said Tkach in an email to the ECA Review. “My greatest gift is seeing these young 4-H members become the future leaders and community volunteers using the communication and leadership skills they learned through 4-H.”
Selected from the provincial recipients for the National Volunteer Leader of the Year was Erin Rossmann of Quesnel, B.C.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is Jon Montgomery of Calgary (well known as host to Amazing Race Canada) in honour the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to their communities, country, and the world.
Lifetime Honourary Member awards recipients are Kim Beilby of Brandon, Man. and Mary-Ann Carson of Maidstone, Sask. who have rendered outstanding service to 4-H.
Nominations are submitted by governing members and the recipients are selected by the board of directors.
The 2023 4-H Canada National Award recipients will be celebrated during the 2024 Leadership Summit, taking place April 12-14 in Vancouver, BC. The event will also celebrate the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction Scholarship recipients.
For more information on the 4-H Canada National Award program, visit 4-h-canada.ca/awards.
