Programs: Salute to Excellence: 2007 Awardees

2007 Salute to Excellence Award Recipients

Dee Raftery - Massachusetts
National Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year 2007

Dee Raftery has been a leader in Middlesex County for over five years.  Dee is always there to help when needed.  Whether it is transporting members and horses to and from shows and other 4-H events or taking a leadership role on the Middlesex County Horse Advisory Council she is always ready to help.  She is dependable and is dedicated to helping youth to develop and grow.  Dee is always searching for new and innovative ways to work with the program.  She took the lead on a fundraising project in which the county’s horse program raised more than $12,000.  With Dee’s leadership, new jumps have been donated to the Fair Board, lights are being installed to allow for nighttime demonstrations at the fairgrounds, and a new show booth is being built.  Dee also took the initiative to review horse curriculum from other states and to write a new statewide horse policy and procedure document.  Dee has an immediate willingness to take on challenging youth and make them part of the group.  She will always work for 4-Hers, even if it means not taking the easiest route.

Betsy Chandler Vatavuk – North Carolina
National Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer 2007

Betsy Chandler Vatavuk has been a leader in Durham County for more than 43 years.  Her lifelong mission has been to serve 4-H in any way needed.  Betsy looks at everyone involved with 4-H as part of her family.  Two of Betsy’s passions are the Durham Rescue Mission and the Durham County 4-H Alcohol Substance Abuse Prevention Program.  She recruits members and adults to collect clothing and other items for disadvantaged and homeless families in the area.  The alcohol abuse prevention program works with middle school youth and has had a great impact on the community.