May 8, 2026
VERNON COUNTY Wis. – The heart of any rural community lies in how it prepares its next generation and Vernon County has been fortunate to have a dedicated leader guiding that effort for nearly a decade.
Vernon County UW Extension 4H Educator Emery Bork recently received two prestigious statewide awards from the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4H Youth Development Professionals. Bork was honored with the Distinguished Service Award which is reserved for individuals who have dedicated at least seven years to the organization as well as the Colleague of the Year award which is determined through nominations by her peers. Bork will officially enter her ninth year of service to the youth of Vernon County on June 1.
The awards reflect a period of tremendous growth and success for the local 4H program. During a March meeting of the Vernon County Conservation and Education Committee Bork shared that the local program is thriving under her watch.
“I have been here serving as a college educator for eight years now,” said Bork. “Our county profile is ranked one of the highest in the state as far as youth satisfaction and we have some of the highest retention rates in 4H in the state.”
That retention is driven by a diverse and robust slate of programming that goes far beyond traditional agricultural projects. Over the past year Bork has organized everything from a youth leadership day at the sheriff department to a virtual wood carving class that reached 100 participants statewide. The carving class which taught kids to make wooden flowers from dogwood sticks had an unexpected and profound impact on the participants.
“Youth came back to us and said I am really glad that you taught us how to carve because it is like a fidget spinner to them,” said Bork. “They reported back like really high increases in their mental health.”
Bork also led hands on agricultural and historical lessons including tapping maple trees at the old county farm where 30 residents gathered to learn how to process sap into syrup. Her programming has also empowered local youth to take on serious community issues. Recently a 4H Education Advocacy Challenge encouraged clubs to learn about poverty raise funds to pay off school lunch debts and provide school supplies for students in need. In another instance Bork worked closely with a high school freshman from Hillsboro to launch a project making affordable homemade laundry soap for families struggling to afford basic necessities.
County Board Supervisor Mary Henry praised Bork during a recent committee meeting for the profound impact she has made on the community.
“She has done an amazing job,” said Henry. “Our youth are so lucky.”
Bork noted upon receiving her recent awards that Vernon County is an amazing community filled with talented young people dedicated adults and supportive collaborators. She credited the local volunteers as the true heart of the program. For Bork the reward comes from watching the kids find their passion and step into leadership roles.
“I love it,” said Bork. “I love working with our young people.”
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