Two New Mexico volunteers have been honored for their leadership and service with New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Development program.
Margie McKeen from Catron County was named the 2025 Western Region Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer and Stephani Treadwell from Bernalillo County received the 2025 Western Region Volunteer of the Year award.
“It was exciting to know that it was from the Western Regional leaders. I enjoy the kids and their families and working with them,” McKeen said.
With 62 years of service, McKeen, who leads the San Francisco Valley 4-H Club, has shaped generations of youth through mentorship, leadership and a deep belief in the 4-H motto: learning by doing. Her club emphasizes project ownership, peer learning and community engagement. Youth are encouraged to make decisions, manage deadlines and communicate effectively to create confidence and independence.
“Her commitment to helping each young person reach their full potential is evident in the way she tailors her mentorship to meet their unique needs, whether it’s providing encouragement for a shy 4-H member or offering constructive feedback to one with leadership potential,” said Tracy Drummond, Catron County Extension program director who nominated McKeen.
McKeen’s club’s project allows each member to present their work to peers in a supportive, youth-led setting. The experience strengthens their presentation skills and builds pride in their accomplishments. McKeen encourages members to present to local groups such as the women’s club, helping them learn to communicate clearly with broader audiences while giving back to their community. Her 4-H alumni include doctors, teachers, engineers, county commissioners, entomologists, authors, commercial fishermen and county Extension agents.
In Albuquerque, the impact of 4-H is equally transformative. Treadwell, who is principal at Collet Park Elementary where more than 84% of students live in poverty, saw the need for more than traditional education. She introduced 4-H classes and workshops as part of the academic week, focusing on resilience, responsibility and collaboration.
“Receiving this award reminds me of all those who support kids when they need help and guidance and when they have shown just how fantastic they are,” Treadwell said. “Our volunteers brush our kids off when they fall down and cheer the loudest when they succeed. I am honored to represent those volunteers and the 4-H programs in the Western Region.”
When a call for letters of support for Treadwell’s nomination was sent out, 64 students responded with heartfelt notes, highlighting the profound influence she has had on their education and personal growth. Since the program’s implementation, attendance has improved, behavioral referrals have decreased and academic outcomes shown measurable gains.
“Mrs. Treadwell exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication to youth development through her leadership in 4-H,” said Cheryl Butterfield, Extension state 4-H agent who nominated Treadwell.
Treadwell has shared the program with 4-H leaders in Montana, Ohio and Hawaii, extending her impact far beyond New Mexico. She continues to advocate for hands-on learning experiences across the region and has built strong partnerships with youth-serving agencies to support replication of the model.