Posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
Franklin County 4-H volunteer, Marie Sporaa, joined Franklin County 4-H as a 4th grader. She learned leadership, commitment, dedication, respect and responsibility with her many projects as a member of Lee’s Leading Ladies. During high school, Marie joined the Livestock Queens 4-H club in order to show animals at the county fair. One of her most vivid memories is knocking down the judge while showing her market beef! She used that memory, as well as others, to relate to youth as an adult volunteer. Marie says, “Everything may not turn out as planned at the fair, which may cause some tears, but it’s always a learning experience!” 
During the time her own children were involved in 4-H Marie became a club volunteer and a representative on the county fair board. Later, she continued helping youth as a garden, poultry, and rabbit project leader. Through 4-H, Marie learned the importance of giving back to her community. She does this through her volunteer work with a local thrift shop, food pantry, and Christmas donations for less fortunate families. As a poultry Pullorum Typhoid blood tester, Marie takes the time to give youth tips on how to exhibit their birds. She has also taken phone calls from 4-H’ers for help with projects, visited club meetings, and helped with record books. Last year Marie was honored as a 4-H volunteer for the past 35 years. Marie attributes learning how to set goals, and good work ethics to 4-H, which she still uses today at her job as a certified pharmacy technician. As Marie looks forward to retirement, she says, “4-H will help me in growth and inspiration. It will help me to take challenges as opportunities and will impact me in how I see myself and the people around me.”
