SEDALIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H recently honored outstanding volunteers and supporters who have who have made lasting contributions to the 4-H program and the youth of Missouri.
2025 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Amanda Stapp.
The Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose service and commitment to 4-H have had a lasting impact on local communities and across the state, said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for MU Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. This year, special recognition went to Lupita Fabregas, who retired at the end of August after several years of dedicated leadership to the Missouri 4-H program.
This year’s honorees join a distinguished group of more than 690 individuals and organizations who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception.
The event also highlights the continuing partnership between Missouri 4-H and its sponsors. “Our Hall of Fame ceremony is a testament to the power of partnership,” Augustine said. “With the generous support of FCS Financial and the Missouri State Fair, we are able to celebrate these outstanding leaders and strengthen 4-H’s mission of empowering young people with hands-on learning, leadership development and community engagement.”
2025 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees
Audrain County: Nick and Cindy Parrish
Barton County: Barb and David Thrasher
Boone County: Greg and Beth Van Hove
Buchanan County: Joan Turner Hickman
Clark County: Roberta McAfee
Cole County: Diane Temmen
Cooper County: Wiley and Maryellen McVicker
Crawford County: Ava Viehman*
Dade County: Mary VanAcker
DeKalb County: Raymond and Judy Sweiger
Franklin County: Roger Koch
Henry County: Don and Lisa Wallace
Jasper County: Connie Cooper
Johnson County: Trina Anstine
Lafayette County: Sharon Stephens
Lewis County: Renfro Veterinary Clinic
Lincoln County: Margaret Momphard
Linn County: Alicyn Ehrich
Livingston County: Barrie and Julie Bothwell
Macon County: Lolli Brothers Livestock Market
Marion County: Jerry and Debbie Durbin
Miller County: Brenda Thompson
Monroe County: Jim Burns
Pettis County: Susan and *Dr. John Fredrick “Fred” Bluhm III
Phelps County: Doris Backes-Delp
Pike County: Joyce Lovelace
Ray County: Renfro Veterinary Clinic
Saline County: Ed Meyer*
Scotland County: Keith Payne
Sullivan County: Penny Bronk
Vernon County: Tommy and Kathy Wait
Warren County: Donna Sherman
*Posthumous award
About Missouri 4-H
grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.
About the Missouri 4-H Foundation
is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For more than 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H.