Awards

North Dakota 4-H Celebrates 2026 Outstanding Volunteers, Families and Hall of Fame Inductee

North Dakota 4-H recently recognized outstanding volunteers, families, and supporters for their dedication to strengthening opportunities for youth across the state. They were honored at the annual awards luncheon Oct. 8 at the 4-H Camp’s Johnsrud Center in Washburn.

Gwen Roffler of McKenzie County received the North Dakota Lifetime Volunteer Award and Trista Gemar of Dickey County the Volunteer of the Year Award. Former NDSU Extension Associate Director Lynette Flage was inducted into the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Staloch, Domagala and Zikmund families received Century Family awards for more than combined 100 years involvement with 4-H, and R.J. Bischof and Deb Clarys were recognized as their terms on the board are coming to an end.

Roffler was selected as the North Central Region Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient recognizing her remarkable 60 years of leadership, mentoring and service to 4-H. The North Central Region includes 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Roffler began volunteering with the Sagebrush Ranglers 4-H Club in 1965. Through six decades of service, she has mentored generations of youth, promoted demonstrations and educational field trips, and helped strengthen 4-H programming in McKenzie County and beyond. She also helped chaperone and host 4-H exchange experiences involving youth from Montana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Japan. Many of the relationships she developed through these experiences have continued for decades.

Gemar was also honored with a regional award, the North Central Region Volunteer of the Year. During her three years as a volunteer, Gemar has made a significant impact on Dickey County 4-H by creating a welcoming environment for youth and providing encouragement and leadership.

Gemar, of Dickey County, has made a significant impact on Dickey County 4-H by creating a welcoming environment for youth and providing encouragement and leadership. Beyond her community club, Gemar has helped strengthen county 4-H operations through financial organization, QuickBooks implementation, budgeting support, and her service as Council Financial Liaison. She also expanded recognition opportunities for youth through fair sponsorships and community partnerships.

“These volunteers represent the large group of individuals who generously give their time, talents and expertise to provide young people with meaningful life-skill opportunities, helping prepare them to be Beyond Ready for their future endeavors,” North Dakota 4-H State Activities Coordinator Karla Meikle said. “Trista and Gwen exemplify the commitment and passion that our 4-H volunteers bring to their work. Their willingness to share their skills, knowledge and experiences with youth makes a lasting impact and helps young people develop the confidence and skills they need for their futures.”

Flage was inducted as the newest member of the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame. She has been a dedicated 4-H volunteer, financial supporter, and member of the North Dakota 4-H Foundation board of directors. Throughout her years of service, she has worked to ensure meaningful opportunities are available to youth across many areas of the 4-H program.

Flage became the newest member of the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame. A dedicated 4-H volunteer, financial supporter and member of the North Dakota 4-H Foundation board of directors. she has worked to ensure meaningful opportunities are available to youth across many areas of the 4-H program. Her contributions have supported county 4-H Achievement Days, the North Dakota State Fair, North Dakota 4-H Camp, and the North Dakota Public Leaders Showmanship Contest. As both a participant and advocate, Flage understands firsthand the value of these experiences. She earned top honors in the sheep division of the Public Leaders Showmanship Contest while being mentored by Gustin Ueckert of Golden Valley County.

“Lynette has a true passion for 4-H youth and genuine excitement in seeing them succeed. She takes the time to visit with 4-H members, learn about their interests, and take an active interest in the skills and passions that are important to each young person,” Meikle said.

In addition to volunteering her time and leadership, Flage and her husband, Lon, have been longtime financial supporters of North Dakota 4-H. Their generosity has helped strengthen opportunities for generations of young people to learn, grow and develop leadership skills.

North Dakota 4-H also recognized three Century Families: the Domagala, Staloch and Zikmund families. Their continued involvement represents the lasting impact 4-H can have across generations.

Century Families are honored for more than 100 years of involvement in 4-H, whether through participation as members, volunteers, or both. Their continued involvement represents the lasting impact 4-H can have across generations

“Every year, it is remarkable to me to see the excitement reflected in the Century Family applications and to hear the stories of families who have been involved in 4-H for more than 100 years. These families are a true testament to the lasting impact of youth development and the generations of young people who have been shaped by the 4-H experience,” Meikle said.

The North Dakota 4-H Foundation also recognized two outgoing board members for their years of service to the organization. Deb Clarys served on the North Dakota 4-H Foundation Board from 2016-2026, while R.J. Bischof served from 2019-2026. Their dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting North Dakota 4-H have helped strengthen opportunities and experiences for youth across the state.

These recognitions celebrate the many ways volunteers, families, and supporters contribute to the success of 4-H and help young people develop the skills and confidence to “Make the Best Better.”