![Heart of 4-H logo.](/ianr/extension/lancaster/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.lancaster/files/styles/no_crop_2880/public/media/image/Heart-4H-logo.png?itok=IMKW47OY)
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 service. The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers who are, indeed, the heart of 4-H.
See All Heart of 4-H Winners![James Blake standing behind a certificate. James Blake standing behind a certificate.](/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.lancaster/files/styles/no_crop_960/public/2024-12/James%2520Blake%2520adj.jpg?itok=kjPN43QI)
James has gone above and beyond his duties as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Focus Programs at Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) to help with 4-H school enrichment programs. For seven years, he has worked with Lancaster County 4-H staff to coordinate the delivery of these programs for LPS.
“Through my unique role in LPS overseeing K–12 science curriculum from 2014–2020, I have worked closely with 4-H as part of my day job,” James says. “Examples in elementary curriculum: Lancaster County Embryology 4-H school enrichment program, Garbology and Earth Wellness Festival. With high school, we have the potential to partner with 4-H as we design the Early College and Career STEM program at Northeast opening fall of 2022. I appreciate the hands-on experience that 4-H brings to LPS students. When I go out and observe the 4-H staff presenting to elementary students, they always bring with them a component of discovery and curiosity.”