Jefferson County 4-H Volunteer & Dog Project Leader

Michele Zimmerman celebrates 40 years as a 4-H Dog Project Leader in 2024 and almost as long, being a member of the State 4-H Dog Committee. After graduation from 4-H as a youth, she became a leader in the project. She discovered a true passion for mentoring and coaching youth in the dog project.

Annually working with 30-40 youth, Michele set the stage for youth leaders to work with first year members. She sees success as youth leaders flourish and develop their leadership skills helping the newer members. She supported the development of a youth board for the Jefferson County Dog Project. Michele was awarded the 2009 Green & Gold Award in Jefferson County.

When new 4-H Dog Project materials were written in the 1990’s, Michele did the photography to illustrate various exercises. She served on a team which evaluated 4-H Dog Obedience classes in 2016. The goal was to make changes for a graduated approach between the upper-level training classes and ensure a safer experience for all. Michele updated all of the existing scoresheets and developed a brand-new scoresheet for the Beginner Pre-Novice Class. She authored the class descriptions for the Beginner Pre-Novice, Pre-Open and Pre-Utility classes.

Michele was the Co-chair when Jefferson County hosted the State 4-H Dog Show three times and the State Agility Show in 2023. She has also mentored other counties when they hosted the State Dog Show.

Michele also works with Buckskin Horse Clubs and supports the local Humane Society. When asked why she gives her time to 4-H, she replied “It’s out of love that I volunteer for the dog project and for the kids I work with each year”.