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On Saturday, March 22, John Drummond of Smiths Falls and Shannon Benner of Perth were honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals for their significant contributions to 4-H and the agricultural community. The medals were presented by the Honourable Rob Black, Senator for Ontario, at a celebration held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel.

The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and recognizes recipients for their significant contributions to Canada and their achievements that bring credit to the country.

“Leadership is an essential ingredient in organizational success, and the communities served by 4-H Ontario know this more than anyone. The King Charles III Coronation Medal provides us with a rare opportunity to celebrate outstanding leadership and recognize accomplished leaders who have made a significant contribution to the 4-H movement, and their communities, over the years,” said Hugh Maynard, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 4-H Canada.

John Drummond of Smiths Falls

Throughout his 40-year tenure as a 4-H volunteer, John Drummond has served at almost every level of 4-H, including as a past board director and president of the Ontario 4-H Council. He has also received the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award and the 4-H Canada National 4-H Leader of the Year Award. John continuously supports the 4-H organization through his involvement with local clubs and facilitating youth participant opportunities at the provincial and national levels. His passion for 4-H goes above and beyond, and he always speaks with integrity and encouragement for 4-H in Ontario.

Shannon Benner of Perth

Shannon Benner has more than 20 years of experience with youth development organizations, including Outward Bound, The Princeton Blairstown Center at Princeton University, and the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. For 10 years, Shannon was CEO of 4-H Canada and during that time was instrumental in raising the bar for youth safety standards, inclusion, and providing youth a voice through the establishment of a Youth Advisory Committee. She was also the inaugural chair of the Global 4-H Network, which connected 4-H youth, volunteers, and professionals to build a stronger 4-H program globally.

Drummond and Benner’s dedication to 4-H and the agricultural community reflects the strength and leadership within the Smiths Falls and Perth regions. Their recognition with the King Charles III Coronation Medals highlights the impact of their work and the lasting contributions they have made to youth development and the broader 4-H movement.

This article has been edited for length and to focus on local recipients.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 4-H Ontario.