Don Nikodim and Missouri Pork Association named ‘4-H Bridge Builder’

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Don Nikodim and the Missouri Pork Association were honored with the Missouri 4-H Foundation Nelson Trickey 4-H Bridge Builder award on March 13 in Columbia.

Nikodim, executive vice president of the Missouri Pork Association, exemplifies the Missouri Pork Association’s commitment to the future leaders of Missouri’s agricultural industry, said Cheryl Reams, Missouri 4-H Foundation executive director.

“The scope of the Missouri Pork Association’s youth outreach is phenomenal, reaching far beyond Missouri 4-H,” said Reams. “We are very grateful to have Don and the Missouri Pork Association as partners.”

Since 1987, the Missouri Pork Association has been a loyal sponsor of Missouri’s delegation to the National 4-H Congress. The Missouri 4-H Foundation has been able to send up to 20 delegates to the national event annually thanks in part to its long-standing partnership with the Missouri Pork Association.

Recognizing the strong link between 4-H and civic engagement, the Missouri Pork Association has also been a loyal supporter of the Missouri 4-H Legislative Academy, a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity that strengthens relationships between Missouri 4-H and key lawmakers, and enables youth participants to develop skills in citizenship and leadership.

“No other organization serves such a role in helping our young people prepare for the future as 4-H, and I’m grateful that I can be a small part of that process,” said Nikodim. “It’s truly an honor to receive such recognition from the Missouri 4-H Foundation.”

The Nelson Trickey 4-H Bridge Builder award is presented to individuals or organizations for exceptional service bridging youth and the community.

For more than 65 years, the Missouri 4-H Foundation has been managing funds for the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, providing higher education scholarships and recognizing 4-H volunteers. MU Extension 4-H is a community of more than 260,000 youths from across Missouri learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For more information, go to http://4h.missouri.edu/foundation.