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Farmers Forum staff
GUELPH — Six 4-H Ontario volunteers have been recognized with the provincial organization’s Outstanding New Volunteer Award for 2026.
The recipients include two from Eastern Ontario — Erin VanGilst of the Dundas 4-H Association (Region 2) and Jesseca Carlisle of the Hastings 4-H Association (Region 3).
Also awarded were Richard Hamilton of the Parry Sound 4-H Association (Region 1), Daryl Senick of the South Simcoe 4-H Association (Region 4), Connor Rodger of the Huron 4-H Association (Region 5) and Tami Langstaff of the Lambton 4-H Association (Region 6)
“The recipients of this year’s 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award embody the commitment, passion, and leadership that define our volunteer community. Their contributions have made a lasting and immeasurable impact on our youth, and 4-H Ontario is proud to recognize and work with these exceptional volunteers,” said 4-H Ontario’s volunteer support team lead Faith Kirk.
The 4-H Ontario Outstanding New Volunteer Award celebrates volunteers who have been with 4-H for less than five years and embody the 4-H pledge in their work with local youth. Nominations are accepted across the province, with one award given in each region. The recipients receive a custom print commissioned by 4-H Ontario and sponsored by Gay Lea Foods.
“Gay Lea Foods is proud to partner with 4-H Ontario in recognizing the outstanding volunteers who help shape the next generation of leaders,” said Gay Lea Foods corporate secretary and member relations executive director Ove Hansen. “Through their dedication, mentorship, and commitment to learning, these volunteers are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and strengthening communities across Ontario. We congratulate this year’s recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their contributions to the continued success of 4-H.”
A committee of former Outstanding New Volunteer Award recipients reviews the nominations and selects a winner for each region. Identifying details such as the nominees’ name and their location are removed from the nomination documents to ensure the selection process is fair. The committee uses a point system to select the winner, evaluating each nominee regarding their length of service, ability to exemplify all elements of 4-H values and the breadth of their service.
Richard Hamilton
Region 1 – Parry Sound 4-H Association
Following a long-standing connection to 4-H and the agricultural community, it is no surprise that Richard Hamilton is quickly making a positive impact as a 4-H volunteer. Following the Parry Sound 4-H Association’s dormient period of six years, Richard played an instrumental role in bringing 4-H back to the Parry Sound area this past year. From co-hosting an information night to supporting the launch of three 4-H projects (Explore 4-H, Beef and Animal Friends) and supporting the association’s Go For The Gold competition, Richard has had a strong influence in the restoration of the Parry Sound 4-H Association. “He provides calm and quiet mentorship to both youth and volunteers and is highly valued for [his] leadership and community dedication,” says 4-H volunteer, Amanda. 4-H youth, Freya shares, “I love 4-H because you get to learn all kinds of cool things about farming and we wouldn’t be able to have 4-H here if Richard hadn’t started our 4-H club.” In addition to his commitment to the Parry Sound 4-H Association, Richard volunteered as a facilitator at 4-H Ontario’s Future Leaders In Action camp this past March.
Erin VanGilst
Region 2 – Dundas 4-H Association
Erin is a 4-H alumnus who came back to the organization as a volunteer in 2023. She is known for her calm, patient and kind nature that makes her a favourite among youth and volunteers. “Erin is always the first to offer a helping hand whenever it is needed,” says Lara, President, Dundas 4-H Association. “She creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to learn and grow, embodying the values that 4-H strives to instill in its youth.” Erin has served as the association’s membership coordinator for several years and has also helped organize the association’s judging night and awards night. In addition, Erin has played an integral role in leading several clubs, including gardening, cloverbuds and a new horse drill club. “She shared so much of her amazing knowledge with our garden club. We are so lucky to have her as a leader,” says 4-H youth, Makenna. Her nominator notes that Erin’s leadership has inspired many 4-H youth to become involved in other 4-H activities and take a greater interest in being part of their community.
Jesseca Carlisle
Region 3 – Hastings 4-H Association
Jesseca’s 4-H journey began in 2012 as a youth participant in the Hastings 4-H Association, and she has quickly become one of the most engaged volunteers in her association. She became a volunteer in 2022, two years before graduating as a youth participant, demonstrating her immense passion for the program. Jesseca serves as the Hastings 4-H Association secretary and is the co-chair of the Hastings 4-H milk booth committee that oversees the association’s largest fundraiser. “While these responsibilities are significant, what stands out most is the way Jesseca works with youth and volunteers,” says 4-H volunteer, Megan. “She takes the time to get to know youth, helping match them with tasks that suit their abilities and comfort levels while encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.” In addition, Jesseca leads several 4-H projects, including cloverbuds and plowing and is known for creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate. “Jesseca encourages [us] to think outside the box through creative activities and learning opportunities that help us improve our plowing skills,” says 4-H youth, Regan. “She takes the time to teach and challenge us in ways that make learning enjoyable and rewarding.”
Daryl Senick
Region 4 – South Simcoe 4-H Association
Daryl’s connection to 4-H began as a parent and grew as he became a 4-H volunteer and formed the automotive and mechanics club in the South Simcoe 4-H Association in 2022. The club has quickly become one of the most popular in the association with record numbers and a waitlist. “Each year, he uses one of his own cars as the project vehicle, giving [youth] real hands-on experience working on actual engines and components. This has brought in new [youth] every season while keeping senior members like us engaged and involved. The community he has built around the club is something special,” shares 4-H youth, Sierra. Daryl is known for his calm demeanour that creates a welcoming environment that encourages youth to try new things. “He is a kind, resourceful leader, able to comfortably lead hands-on meetings that engage youth and get them considering the possibilities that they are capable of achieving,” says Tamara, fellow 4-H volunteer. In 2026, Daryl also used his professional skill set within technology and finance to co-lead the association’s financial fitness project. The youth appreciate Daryl’s firsthand experience in the industry and his curiosity to learn more about the systems that are shaping their future.
Connor Rodger
Region 5 – Huron 4-H Association
As 4-H alumni, Connor knows the impact of the 4-H program and is passionate about ensuring today’s youth have the same opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. Connor became a 4-H volunteer in 2022 and has served in several roles from beef club leader to association board director, vice president and judging competition chair. He is known as a thoughtful and respected leader who approaches discussions with an open mind and level head, carefully considering the perspectives and feelings of others. “Beyond this significant leadership role, he is a volunteer who can always be counted on to step in wherever help is needed,” says 4-H volunteer, Sarah. “His passion for agriculture, dedication to service, and commitment to developing future leaders make him an outstanding representative of the values and spirit of 4-H.” The youth in his clubs share that he plans fun and interesting meetings while also ensuring everyone feels included and encouraged to participate. “Connor is kind, patient and encouraging. Because of Connor’s guidance, I have learned a lot, gained confidence, and enjoyed my 4-H experiences so far,” says 4-H youth, Henry.
Tami Langstaff
Region 6 – Lambton 4-H Association
Tami became a 4-H volunteer in 2022 and has played a key role in the Lambton 4-H Association ever since. As a club leader, her cheerful nature and encouragement creates a safe environment for youth and gives them the confidence they need to step out of their comfort zone and ‘Learn To Do By Doing’. “Whether she is teaching youth a new line dancing step, managing a bustling room of over 50 energetic cloverbuds, or patiently demonstrating a crochet stitch, Tami always puts the youth first,” says 4-H volunteer, Sandi. She is also known for encouraging older participants to take leadership roles and help the younger 4-H’ers, an approach that builds confidence and creates a strong sense of community within the club. Tami also serves as the association’s secretary, treasurer, and membership coordinator, in addition to supporting numerous association activities such as the judging competition and fundraising initiatives. “Tami is one of the backbones of Lambton 4-H, effortlessly balancing administrative leadership with passionate, hands-on volunteerism. She has helped to revitalize local programming, managed massive membership growth, and secured the future of our association by mentoring the next generation of volunteers,” says 4-H volunteer, Sarah. “Tami doesn’t just show up for 4-H; she lives its values every single day.”
