From LOCAL REPORTS

Each year at State 4-H Congress, three volunteers are recognized for their work and service to the 4-H Program.

This year, two volunteers from the Chesterfield and Marlboro counties were recognized for their outstanding volunteer leadership in the 4-H Program. Receiving the Glen Krohn Award for Volunteerism to 4-H were Mary Gayle Love and Doris Sumpter. The Glen Krohn Award is the highest recognition for 4-H volunteers in South Carolina.

According to Michael McManus, 4-H agent, Love and Sumpter are both deserving of this award. "They give much of their time to the youth and are dedicated and dependable. They go above and beyond in everything they do for 4-H."

Love, who works with youth from Chesterfield County is an "integral part of the 4-H program," McManus said. "In working with her, you can tell she really cares about the youth and they love her. She is always upbeat and has a positive attitude. She has gone that extra mile on many occasions for the youth of Chesterfield County."

Love has served in many capacities, as a 4-H volunteer leader and a leader for multiple clubs in Chesterfield, Cheraw, Pageland, Jefferson and McBee. She has provided transportation for youth for 4-H Club meetings, special events and served as chaperone for Senior Teen Weekend, State 4-H Congress, performing arts, state fair, Junior Weekend and 4-H Camp.

"If there is an event for the youth she is usually there," McManus said. "Also, she has spent many hours working with the teens to get record books done. (She does) all of this while still maintaining a full-time job and continues to push the youth as well as myself to keep the youth involved. She has just been an all-around great asset to assisting the 4-H program grow and making a difference in the lives of our youth."

Love got her start in 4-H as a youth several years ago.