Released: June 01, 2001

Jewell County Leader Earns State Recognition

MANHATTAN, Kan. – As a 4-Her, Twilla (Hutt) Frerichs excelled. She enrolled in a commercial gardening project; tended her plot faithfully; earned a grand championship ribbon at the county fair, and netted a profit of $523. And, that was in 1946!

Frerichs’ efforts to repeat her success as a gardener succumbed to flood waters the next year, but her enthusiasm as a 4-H member continued. She completed nearly 200 sewing projects during her 4-H years. Frerichs detailed her experiences and accomplishments in her record book. It’s somewhat faded with age, but still important to her. So is 4-H.

Frerichs’ appreciation for lessons learned during her 10-year membership in the Webber Wide Awake 4-H Club in Jewell County has led to a lifelong (50 years and counting) volunteer commitment to the youth development program. She has volunteered long after her three children ‘graduated’ from 4-H. Her enduring "service-with-a-smile" efforts prompted Jewell County residents to nominate her for a 4-H Alumni Award, one of only two being given in the state this year. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and citizenship.

"It’s a pleasure to honor Twilla Frerichs – she exemplifies the promise of 4-H. As we help young people work towards realizing their potential, we remain mindful of the important role volunteers play in youth development. Frerichs, who has chosen to demonstrate her appreciation for the lessons she learned in 4-H, works willingly – and tirelessly – to make educational opportunities available to others," said Gary Gerhard, Kansas State University Research and Extension Assistant Director and state leader, 4-H youth development.

In presenting the award to Frerichs at the Emerald Circle Scholarship & Awards Banquet in Manhattan May 31, Gerhard also said that her longtime interest and dedication to 4-H attest to the enduring quality of the youth development program.

"The need to help young people develop into productive and responsible citizens is ongoing," the state leader said.

Frerichs and her husband Gene, who live on land that has been farmed by Twilla’s family for five generations, show no signs of losing interest in 4-H youth development. They continue as enthusiastic supporters of the Jewell County Fair, and also are charter members of the Jewell County 4-H Alumni, Boosters and Friends organization founded in 1991.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu 
K-State Research& Extension News