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.
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Paula began volunteering seven years ago when her oldest daughter, Amanda, joined 4-H. She is now club leader of Rock Creek Ranchers, a member of 4-H Council and the 4-H Bucket Calf superintendent at County Fair.
Paula's husband, Tom, is a farmer and their younger daughter, Erica, is also a 4-H'er. The Petersons live in Waverly.
Shayna Truax, a member of Rock Creek Ranchers, and her mother Cheri nominated Paula and said, "Paula is one of the most caring and helpful people we know. She is a tremendous person with tremendous heart and is always there to volunteer for anything with a smile."
Paula said she likes being a 4-H volunteer because it allows her to be a positive part of her childrens' lives, as well as the lives of the other youth she interacts with through her club and the Bucket Calf program. "My favorite experiences volunteering at the County Fair come from watching my '4-H kids' do well in their shows, whether it is swine, cattle, rabbits or dairy," she said.
She also enjoys her club's photo day in which, with the help of 4-H volunteer Pat Heather, club members go wild with their cameras and imaginations.
An employee at Crete Carrier Corporation, Paula has spent her last seven vacations at the Lancaster County Fair.
Paula says it might surprise people to know as active as she is in 4-H, she was not in 4-H as a youth. She was, however, involved in UNL Collegiate 4-H during college.
In addition to her 4-H volunteer duties, Paula also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at Bethlehem Covenant Church.