Volunteers play an important role in many organizations and touch our lives on a daily basis. In recognition of the efforts of volunteers throughout our nation, April 18 to 24 has been designated as National Volunteer Week.

The countless hours of service provided by volunteer leaders on behalf of Penn State's 4-H youth program are invaluable to the success of the Butler County youth program effort. In recognition of this leadership, an outstanding volunteer from Butler County is named each year at the Southwestern PA Leaders' Symposium.

Barbara Rader of Connoquenessing was recognized as Butler County's Outstanding 4-H Leader for 2004. Nominated by her fellow leaders, Barb has been a dedicated volunteer for twenty-six years.

Barb began her volunteer leadership career with the Butler County 4-H Dairy Club even before her own children were old enough to join 4-H and now also helps with the Butler County 4-H Travel Exchange Club.

She stays updated as a leader by frequently attending county leader trainings and the Southwest Regional Leaders' Symposium. She has served on the planning committee for the Leaders' Symposium for the past two years. Her interest in regional 4-H programming also is demonstrated by her years of participation on the 4-H district dairy show committees.

Barb is always active with fund raising for the clubs that she leads. As an experienced school bus driver, she donates her time when bus transportation is needed for visiting 4-H members and their hosts as part of the 4-H interstate exchange program.

To quote a fellow leader, "Children are a big part of Barb's life. To many 4-H'ers, she is know as Momma Rader. She's there to help anyone who asks. You can always find Barb at the local fairs and farm show, lending a hand and giving advice."

Butler County Cooperative extension is proud to have dedicated 4-H volunteers such as Barb participating in youth development programs.

Also recognized for their years of volunteer service during the recent Leaders' Symposium were George Dean of Chicora, 25 years and Violet Ray of Butler, 40 years.

In addition to the recognition of volunteer service to 4-H, the Southwest Pennsylvania 4-H Leaders' Symposium provides an opportunity for leaders to develop the skills that are necessary for a successful youth program. Through workshops and activities, volunteers learn meeting management, program development, and personal development skills.

Volunteers attending from Butler County included: Diana Lehnerd, Karen Protzman, and Carol Weaver of Butler; Suzanne Grove of Harrisville; Barb Rader and Debbie Schettler of Connoquenessing; Sue Brennan of Evans City; and Patti Turner of Renfrew.

Butler County 4-H members Kayla Protzman of Butler and Julie Brennan of Evans City served as room moderators for the symposium.

Extension Educator Ellen Linamen and 4-H volunteer Sue Brennan served as members of the planning committee and as presenters for the symposium.

To all of our Butler County 4-H volunteers, a heartfelt thank you for all of your efforts in conducting and supporting activities for our youth.