BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota 4-H, a program of SDSU Extension, is pleased to announce that the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame and 4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame added three individuals during the 2026 South Dakota State Fair in Huron. In addition, six individuals were recognized for their outstanding 4-H volunteer service.
“South Dakota 4-H thrives because of the extraordinary volunteers who invest their time, talents and hearts in our young people,” said Mandy Marney, associate dean and SDSU Extension Director. “The individuals recognized this year represent the very best of our volunteer tradition, creating opportunities for youth to learn, lead and succeed. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and proud to celebrate the positive difference they have made in communities across South Dakota. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees.”
The 2026 Volunteer Hall of Fame inductees are Rodney Clarambeau, of Sanborn County; and Susan VanderWal, of Brookings County. The 2026 inductee into the 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Hall of Fame is Tim Pravecek, of Tripp County.
South Dakota 4-H also recognized the following individuals for their outstanding service to the program: Outstanding 4-H Volunteers Jennifer Martinez of Hutchinson County and Lynn Heupel of Brown County; Emerging 4-H Volunteer Sadie Frey of Brown County; Outstanding Shooting Sports Volunteers Sean Kruger of Hughes/Stanley County, Thomas Hanson of Pennington County, and Dean Szymanski of Pennington County.
Each summer, individuals who have made significant contributions to county or state 4-H programming are honored through the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees were recognized during a ceremony on Sept. 6, 2026, at Nordby Hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.
“The dedication of 4-H volunteers creates lasting opportunities for youth to learn, grow and lead. Their commitment, whether through club leadership, project involvement or other areas, leaves a tremendous impact on individuals and communities across generations,” said Rosie Nold, assistant dean and Director of Global Agricultural Leadership and SDSU Extension Interim 4-H Program Director.
More on the hall of fame inductees:
- Rodney Clarambeau, 35 years of service: Clarambeau is being honored for 35 years of service and is proud to be a lifelong 4-H volunteer and advocate. He is especially known for his commitment to livestock projects, hosting dairy judging schools, judging county achievement days shows and mentoring youth in dairy, beef and swine projects. Beyond 4-H, Rodney has served his community as the Letcher Volunteer Fire Chief for more than 45 years, supported Special Olympics events, and volunteered through the Shriners. Through a lifetime of service, generosity, and mentorship, Clarambeau has embodied the values of 4-H and inspired countless youth to pursue their goals.
- Susan VanderWal, 40 years of service: VanderWal’s service has extended across the state through numerous leadership and volunteer roles. For more than 30 years, she has hosted the Brookings County Livestock Judging Contest, helping youth develop valuable life skills through hands-on learning. She has also volunteered countless hours supporting State Fair exhibit judging and checkout, achievement days, special foods contests, beef quiz bowl teams, and the 4-H special foods and fashion revue committee. VanderWal is known not only for what she does, but how she does it. She builds meaningful relationships with young people, encourages them to try new experiences and helps them develop confidence and independence.
- Tim Pravecek, 33 years of service: A passionate supporter of youth development, Pravecek’s commitment has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Tripp County shooting sports program. His efforts have helped transform the program from one with limited resources into a thriving place where youth have access to the equipment, training and support needed to succeed. Pravecek has also volunteered at numerous 4-H shooting sports events, including fall and spring state shoots, participated in annual planning meetings, and helped guide the future of the program. He served as chief range officer for the shotgun discipline in 2005 and 2006 and has coached several national teams in multiple disciplines.
More on the outstanding service volunteers:
- Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Jennifer Martinez, of Hutchinson County: Martinez volunteers at the county and state level, serving as a horse judge at county horse shows and on the South Dakota 4-H State Horse Committee. One of her most notable contributions is her leadership of the state horse judging contest, where she organizes and coordinates an event that provides educational experiences for youth from across the state.
- Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Lynn Heupel, of Brown County: Heupel has been a driving force in Brown County 4-H for 15 years, where she began as an assistant leader for the Dream Reachers 4-H Club before becoming the leader. She also serves on the Brown County 4-H Community Building Committee, helping to ensure future generations have access to hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.
- Emerging 4-H Volunteer Sadie Frey, of Brown County: Frey has led the Friendly Fellows and Daisies 4-H Club for three years, where she encourages youth to develop leadership skills, explore new project areas, improve public speaking abilities and give back through community service. She also has served on the Brown County 4-H Community Building Fundraising Committee, the Brown County 4-H Gala Committee and South Dakota 4-H Beef Committee.
- Outstanding Shooting Sports Volunteer Sean Kruger, of Hughes/Stanley County: Kruger has dedicated 12 years to supporting and strengthening the Hughes/Stanley County 4-H Shooting Sports program. He plays an essential role in planning and coordinating the South Dakota 4-H Spring State Shoot, one of the state’s largest shooting sports events, and serves on the South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports Committee.
- Outstanding Shooting Sports Volunteer Thomas Hanson, of Pennington County: Hanson has served as an air pistol coach for 13 years and is known for his technical expertise and ability to connect with youth in positive and meaningful ways. He is the co-leader of the Black Hills Shooters 4-H Club, president of the Black Hills Shootists and regularly serves as a coach at the state shooting sports contest.
- Outstanding Shooting Sports Volunteer Dean Szymanski, of Pennington County: Szymanski has coached youth for 18 years in .22 rifle, air rifle and BB gun disciplines. He is co-leader of the Black Hills Shooters 4-H Club and regularly helps coach youth competing at the South Dakota 4-H State Shoot. Known for his calm demeanor and positive approach, Szymanski excels at helping youth improve
For more information, contact Jenae K. Hansen-Gross, SDSU Extension 4-H Volunteer Development and Civic Engagement Field Specialist.
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