Missouri 4-H Foundation honors multigenerational families with Century Award

The Missouri 4-H Foundation has recognized three Vernon County families with the 2025 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award, honoring families whose combined years of 4-H membership and volunteer service total 100 years or more.

This year’s recipients are the Forkner-Arch-Carol Family, the Graham Family and the Pollock Family, all of Vernon County.

The Century Family Award celebrates multigenerational commitment to youth leadership, learning and community involvement through 4-H. The recognition highlights families whose service as members and volunteers has spanned decades.

“For more than a century, Missouri 4-H has prepared young people to be 4-H Beyond Ready — for college, careers, leadership and life,” said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for MU Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “The Century Family Award recognizes families whose dedication as members and volunteers has helped sustain that legacy.”

Augustine said the award underscores the role families play in advancing the 4-H mission to empower youth with skills, confidence, character and resilience.

“The award underscores the vital role these families play in advancing the 4-H mission to empower youth with the skills, confidence, character and resilience needed to succeed in life and work,” she said. “Their multigenerational involvement reflects the full circle of 4-H engagement.”

In addition to recognizing years of service, the award encourages families to reflect on their shared history in 4-H and their impact on local communities, Augustine said.

More information about the Missouri 4-H Century Family Award is available through the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

PHOTO: Missouri 4H Century Family Award (University of Missouri Extension)