10/27/2026
The end of the year banquet is coming up on November 9th, and one of the many things we celebrate is the outstanding leadership we receive from our leaders! This year we asked for your help to nominate leaders and we received some outstanding submissions! Historically, nominations are submitted, discussed, and voted on during the General Leaders Association meeting, however, with so many great submissions, we couldn’t pick and once you read the list, you’ll see why!
Help us select the 2026 Union County Leader of the Year!
Voting is open!
Everyone can cast their vote (limited to one vote per person!) Members who vote need to be involved with-in the 4-H Program- Volunteer, Member, Leader, Parent of 4-H Member, Superintend etc. Voting will close October 31st!
Nominees:
Tricia Tucker: I would like to nominate Tricia Tucker for Leader of the Year. Tricia is a dedicated and hardworking 4‑H leader who pours herself into helping kids grow in every part of their 4‑H journey. She consistently shows up—leading meetings, organizing ride days, and providing horses for kids to use. She ensures both kids and horses have appropriate tack for their shows as well as transportation to every event. Many times, she hauls two trailers just to make sure everyone gets where they need to be.
Tricia’s commitment goes far beyond the riding program. She invests in the full 4‑H experience by teaching knowledge-based practices, hosting record‑book workdays, and creating opportunities for kids to explore additional livestock projects. She even opens her home as a place for kids to house their animals and gives them space to work, learn, and grow. Her dedication, generosity, and unwavering support make an incredible impact on the youth in our community and the success of the Union County 4‑H program as a whole.
Chris Bakker: Chris wears many hats- he serves as a Co-Leader for Cove Livestock, Co-Leader for the Sagebrush Pointers, volunteers at both Sheep Shows (UCF/EOLS), is the President of EOLS, board member of EOJ and served on the committee that fundraised to get the new sheep and goat barn build at EOLS. Chris always helps transport panels, set-up showrings, and wrangle kids. He donates his time, efforts and energy to making sure both shows in our county run smoothly. Need the arena worked? Someone to check kids in? Sheep class for Spring judging? No matter the task, Chris has and will help. He may never be the guy out in front, but he will always be behind the scenes, making sure nothing gets dropped. He is an advocate for our program and the youth in our county.
Moose Hudson: Moose is one of the most dependable, helpful, kind, and committed men I know. His hustle to accomplish what needs to be done is second to none. He is always willing to build something, fix something, and in the event you need something demo'd he can probably do that too. He has a heart to see kids and their projects succeed. He is quietly in the background supporting and making it all happen, with genuine humility and joy. He gives of his time and energy to a wide variety of projects and is a leader in several clubs. I nominate Mr Moose for leader of the year
Amber Clark and Carolyn Pierce: This mother and daughter team are always willing and happy to help where needed. They show up with a smile and cheerful attitude. When the main leader of the club they assist with was going through a very hard time in her life, this duo stepped in with no question to support her in her personal life as well as with her role in the 4-H program. They are both very helpful at other 4-H events like the Union County Fair where they lend a hand wherever it is needed. These two ladies help to keep things running smoothly, often behind the scenes.😊
We had some really great nominations for the Leader of the Year! So great in fact that we couldn't choose.. We need your help! From now (10/15) until October 31st, vote for your favorite leader of the year! Voting Guidelines: 1. One vote per person 2. Must be a member of 4-H (Volunteer, leader, pare...
