Lancaster County 4-H presents a Heart of 4-H Award to a Lancaster County 4-H volunteer each month in recognition of outstanding volunteer serice. The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers who are, indeed, the heart of 4-H.
See All Heart of 4-H Winners
Denise has been involved in 4-H since her daughter joined 10 years ago. Denise is organizational leader of Star City Explorers 4-H club (her husband, Quentin, is co-leader). She has assisted as a parent and volunteer with the Creative Clovers, Extreme Green and Shooting Sports 4-H clubs, and the Citizenship Washington Focus group. Denise has also assisted with Clover College (as co-presenter), Kiwanis Karnival, Lancaster County Fair (in the 4-H food booth) and Nebraska State Fair (as a 4-H judging assistant). A member of the Nebraska 4-H state marketing committee, Denise helped develop the 4-H/Library partnership.
"I like to see kids learn and experience new skills," she says. "I am a strong believer in exposing youth to as many career experiences as possible. I think 4-H can really prepare youth for life by teaching life skills and leadership, as well as creating a desire for life-long learning."
Denise lives in Lincoln with Quentin and their two children, Grace and Spencer. She also volunteers for Messiah Lutheran Church and School, the Lincoln Iris Society, and for many years has co-sponsored a toy benefit for Friendship home.
Many people might not know Denise was 4-H Queen in Keith County. Her mother and grandmother were also 4-H leaders.