Christofeno Honored by 4-H Leaders
Published: Friday, November 28, 2025
Elkhart County 4-H volunteers, supporters and community partners gathered last Tuesday in Goshen for the annual Elkhart County 4-H leader recognition banquet. The event celebrated the dedication, service and impact of 4-H leaders across the county.
Purdue Extension educators and staff recognized local volunteers, milestone achievements and club accomplishments. Volunteer milestone awards included leaders with 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60 years of service. Retiring leaders with more than 20 years of service were also honored.
A special moment of the evening was the recognition of Michael Christofeno for his 35 years of unwavering service to Elkhart County 4-H. Christofeno has served on the 4-H Club Corp. board since 1990, providing stable leadership through years of growth and change. Much of that time was spent as president, where his thoughtful stewardship and commitment to youth development strengthened the foundation of the county's 4-H program.
As Christofeno stepped forward to be honored, the crowd of over 100 people expressed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
"It's time to pass the torch on," he said.
Christofeno, who is an Elkhart Circuit Court judge, has served as president of the 4-H Club Corp. since 1992. He was the fair board president in 2022.
In accepting the award for his retirement, Christofeno referenced his mother, the late Millie Christofeno, who was a 4-H leader for 43 years.
"I've been to the fair every single year of my life, because my mother brought me out here when I was a baby," he said. "I think of her often, and I think of all of you and how you have affected youth in this county in ways you don't even know. This is really a special place, and it's special because of all of you."
Friends of 4-H Awards were presented to Randi Yoder, the Rummel family and Hahn Auctioneers Inc.
Leader Awards were presented as follows: Bronze Award, Andy and Jennifer Granzow; Silver Award, Israel Stark; Gold Award, Jeff Culp; and Platinum Award, Cinde Bontrager.
The Spirit of 4-H Award, the highest honor given by the 4-H Club Corp., was presented to Mayrea Russer.
Earlier in the evening, Randi Yoder, immediate past president of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair board, shared reflections on his year of service. Jordan Hunter, chair of the Elkhart County 4-H Endowment, provided an update on endowment growth and opportunities for club involvement.
Guests were treated to a performance by the Goshen High School Crimsonaires Show Choir.
Four-H Cup Awards were presented to:
• Concord Lads & Lassies—Emerald Award
• Clever Clovers—Emerald Award
• Foundations 4 Life—Gold Award
• Jamestown 4-H—Gold Award
• Dog Club—Silver Award
• Busy Bobcats—Silver Award
• Guernsey—Silver Award
• Bentonettes & Cadets—Bronze Award
The evening concluded with gratitude for all volunteers whose dedication ensures the continued success of 4-H in Elkhart County.
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