Megan Suehring, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension 4-H educator in Shawano County, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Extension 4‐H Youth Development Professionals during its annual conference held in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 4-H association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, enhancing and advocating for the 4‐H youth development profession. With more than 4,300 members nationwide, it is one of the largest professional associations supporting youth development professionals across the country.
Each year, the association honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in their professional responsibilities, leadership in developing high‐quality youth programs and commitment to positive youth development. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes dedication and impact of the service in the field of youth development and highlights significant contributions to strengthening 4-H Youth Development efforts across the United States for colleagues in the field more than seven years.
Suehring is a dedicated 4‐H educator known for expanding access, strengthening community partnerships and leading innovative youth mental health and camp initiatives. Her award‐winning work, statewide leadership and commitment to inclusive, relationship‐centered programming have shaped resilient youth and vibrant communities across Shawano County.
Suehring also presented “From Awareness to Action: Building Skills for 4-H Volunteers through the Supporting Youth Mental Health Program” to a full session block during the conference. Participants learned about the genesis of the Supporting Youth Mental Health Program, which was developed in Wisconsin with the help of Suehring and co-presenter Emily Crook.
Topics discussed included the current need for, content of and results of the program, which has been implemented state-wide for four years. Participants learned the teaching model, the methodology and, most importantly, the impressive results of the Supporting Youth Mental Health Training, as evidenced by the journal article,“A Comparative Evaluation of Two Youth Mental Health Trainings for Volunteers.”
Suehring has served as the 4-H positive youth development educator for Shawano County for over eight years. She loves sharing education by learning through doing. When she’s not at a 4-H meeting, camp or after-school club, she enjoys time with her family at church or home.
