This week on SusanvilleStuff, in celebration of National 4H Week, we will be featuring the five inaugural inductees into the Lassen County 4H Hall of Fame.
By Nickie Dilts
Lassen County 4-H Leadership Project Co-Leader
Photographs by: Hannah Moon (Fortin)
National 4-H Week has been traditionally held the first full-week in October and is a chance for 4-H Clubs around the U.S. to showcase their projects, talents and hard work. This year the Lassen County 4-H Leadership Project, local 4-H’ers in 7th Grade and up, has taken it upon themselves to initiate the Lassen County 4-H Hall of Fame.
What exactly should the criteria be for the 4-H Hall of Fame? No doubt it should be someone that exemplifies the qualities of a leader, volunteers their time, and focus to local youth, has a passion for learning and the betterment of those around them. These are just a few of the things this year’s freshman class brought to the table.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to our first inductee, and my original “Spark” behind planting the idea with our 4-H’ers to start this project.
Lassen County 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee #1 – Sandy Fortin
How do you explain someone so wonderful that it moves you to tears? Simple, you tell the truth. Sandy Fortin is one of those people that you just consider to be “the salt of the Earth.”
She is kind to everyone she meets and always seeks the positive in life. Sandy never says no a task and gives everything all she’s got and then some. She is that beacon of light we all look for when things go wrong.
Sandy has been involved with the 4-H program for 18 years. She was a 4-H member for 5 and has been a 4-H Leader for 13 years.
Sandy was the Community Club Leader of Richmond 4-H for many years. She has also led the Beginning 4-H, Leadership Development projects, Dairy Goats, etc., etc., etc. You name the project – Sandy has done it, helped with it, recommended it, or her kids did it!
As a kid Sandy participated in the 4-H Horse Project and has told me many stories about how much time her dad devoted to the program where she grew up so that she could be involved. As a Mother, Sandy was deeply devoted to making sure her daughters were well rounded and participated in a variety of 4-H projects.
Sandy loves the program so much that she continues to be a leader even after her children have started their own adult lives. Few folks volunteer their free time to inspire and teach! Our world can certainly use more people like Sandy.
To Sandy’s husband, Steve, thank you for sharing your amazing wife with our community – she has touched so many lives. Hannah, Heather, and Holly – you are three of the most amazing young ladies and I hope you know how much your mother has given to the foundation of what all three of you have become.
Sandy, it has been a true honor calling you a leader, mentor, and my friend. You inspire me every day to be a better person and dig deep to realize just how lucky we all are. Welcome to the Lassen County 4-H Hall of Fame. I couldn’t think of a better person to commemorate.
As the week goes on, you’ll hear more stories like Sandy’s from a few of our Leadership members that interviewed inductees. Special thanks to those 4-H’ers: Lily Ammon, Samantha Medvin, Abby Hemphill, Maddi Johnson, Rebecca Kirklin and Tyler Swayze.
