Volunteers are, undeniably, the "heart and soul" of 4-H, and in an age when people's time is at a premium, Salute to Excellence serves as an opportunity to acknowledge their unwavering dedication to the 4-H Youth Development movement.

Each year, state 4-H programs are invited to nominate two outstanding individual volunteers, one in each of two categories. The Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years volunteering for 4-H. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H less than 10 years.

Visit National 4-H Council's Web site to learn more about the Salute to Excellence Awards.