Student nominates teacher for 4H volunteer of the year

BY KYLIE RICHTER

Lake County Leader

Fred Grant and Les Mutchler have been volunteering their time to local 4-H’ers for over 11 years. 

They never asked for anything in return for their efforts. However, one teenager decided it was time for his mentors to be thanked.

Fourteen-year-old Andrey Bauer decided to nominate Grant and Mutchler as volunteers of the year after hearing about the award in passing. “When I heard about the award, immediately they popped into my head. I thought they were perfect for the award.” Bauer said the two are great leaders for the club. “They inspire kids to be better and are always helpful,” he said.

Mutchler and Grant participated in 4-H as kids, and their own kids also became involved. Eleven years ago, Mutchler started to get involved in shooting sports when his kids became interested. He became certified to be a shooting sports 4-H leader, and along with Fred Grant, started to rebuild the shooting sports group. 

“We had five or six kids then, but now we are up over sixty. It has become a very fast growing group in 4-H clubs all over the country,” Grant said.

Grant said he believes 4-H is a positive environment where kids can learn to do things the right way. “If they want to learn how to shoot, this is a good environment where they can learn by doing it safely.”

A few weeks ago at a family shooting weekend, Grant and Mutchler were given the volunteer of the year award by Bauer. Both were honored to be given the award. Mutchler said he was totally surprised. “It blew me away. I had no idea it was coming,” he said.

Bauer, who is in his third year of 4-H, was highly praised by his leaders. “He is a great kid, and a fantastic shooter,” Mutchler said. Grant added that he is a special kid. “Andrey is a joy to be around, and the type of kid that makes things happen. I am very thankful for him.”

Andrey’s mom Julie said the two leaders have been fantastic role models for her son. “Les and Fred have made a huge difference in Audrey’s life and others’ lives. They care about the kids, but also make them toe the line. They are fun but also teach them important skills.”

The club has outgrown three different shooting locations as the interest in the sport grows. They have been involved in raising money for renovations to the horticulture barn on the Ronan fairgrounds, which is over twice the size of where they currently shoot. Since fundraising started in October, 4-H members have raised around $33,000.