Cape Girardeau County couple honored with 4-H volunteer award

Photo credit: Amanda Stapp State 4-H Council member Echo Essick (right) presents the 2017 Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award to Brian and Bonnie Stahlman of Cape Girardeau County.

Brian and Bonnie Stahlman of Cape Girardeau County were honored with a 2017 Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award by the Missouri 4-H Foundation on March 17. They were two of 35 volunteers recognized for their commitment to the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

“It is with great pleasure that we honor our friends and volunteers who have dedicated so much to helping our youth and communities thrive,” said Dr. Marla Tobin, chair of the Missouri 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.

Brian and Bonnie Stahlman have served Cape Girardeau County 4-H for more than 15 years leading countywide projects, serving as county fair judges and managing the food stand at the fair. They work hard to instill values of service and leadership in their children and the 4-H members they serve.

The Frank Graham 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes volunteers for their hard work and dedication to helping Missouri’s youth grow. The award is named for Frank Graham who served as director of the MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development from 1958 to 1975. During his 33 years of service, Mr. Graham was an avid supporter of volunteer leadership, believing that volunteers are the foundation of the 4-H program.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

For more than 65 years, the Missouri 4-H Foundation has been managing funds for the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, providing higher education scholarships and recognizing 4-H volunteers. MU Extension 4-H is a community of more than 200,000 youths from across Missouri learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.