​4-H Recognizes Volunteers for their Outstanding Service

April 26 – Each year, thousands of volunteers in Texas donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. During April, these volunteers and millions of others across the country are recognized in honor of National Volunteer Month.

In the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), volunteers are critical to the ability of extension personnel to mobilize communities around the needs of youth. Two of CEP’s volunteers, Larry Brown and Omar Varela, are being recognized on the county and district levels for their service.

Brown is a Cass County volunteer who has donated more than 7,400 hours to the 4-H program. He pioneered the Junior Master Gardener program in his county. Brown also helped to facilitate the program’s expansion in three different school districts: Atlanta Independent School District (since 2008), Hughes Springs ISD (assistant club manager), and the McLeod ISD (mentor). He played an integral role in the Heroes 4-Health Junior Master Gardner program. As a task force member, Brown implemented the countywide 4-H Garden to the Table Contest. As a result, he received the Salute to Excellence Award for his dedication. He also serves as a master gardener

Larry Brown, Cass County 4-H volunteer

Valera also plays a significant role in the 4-H community. He has worked with the 4-H El Paso community for approximately two years and has contributed over 60 hours servicing the community and participated in countless programs. He currently manages the Stallion 4-H Club at William Slider Middle School and works to recruit youth for a variety of CEP programs, including 4-H with Athletes For Computer Science, Heroes 4-Health, Living Ventures Youth Entrepreneurship, and There’s No New Water.

Omar Varela, El Paso County 4-H volunteer.

Last year, CEP and the Texas A&M University (TAMU) AgriLife Extension Service engaged more than 86,300 volunteers across all programming areas and contributed more than 5 million hours. At the rate of $27.20, PVAMU and TAMU volunteers’ service reached a monetary value of $138,528,644.08. More than 26,000 youth and adults volunteered in some capacity with 4-H as club leaders, project leaders, judges, committee members, teen ambassadors, and in advisory capacities during 2020.