Tracey Black, Engineer II, was named Citizens Energy Group’s 2020 Jefferson Award winner for her volunteer work with Hendricks County 4-H.
When Tracey was a small child, she and her mother, Dixie Harnishfeger, were attacked by their neighbors’ dogs, which instilled a fear of dogs in Tracey. Her mother knew she needed to help Tracey overcome her fears. So, her mother enrolled her in the 4-H Dog Club, and now Tracey is giving back to the program that not only helped her overcome her fear, but helped her become a leader and role model.
After completing 10 years in the 4-H Dog Club Project, Tracey immediately returned as a volunteer. She is passionate about not only teaching the members how to train their dogs, but helping them gain life skills, such as showing compassion and respect, negotiation, taking responsibility, and practicing teamwork.
She teaches the participants and theirs dogs obedience, agility, and showmanship.
“Tracey puts the newest members at ease and breaks down each of the exercises so they can understand the process,” said Harnishfeger, who leads the club. “She takes them aside, works with them one-on-one, and lets them know it’s okay if they make mistakes.”
She also updates the club’s website, answers emails, completes paperwork, assists with fundraising, and helps participants choose clothing for showing their dogs.
“She’s an integral part of the program,” said Meg Forster, club co-leader. “It couldn’t function without her.”
To honor Tracey’s legacy of giving back, the club created “The Hoosier Award,” named after her first Labrador retriever. It is given to members who go the extra mile and participate in volunteer work.
Former program participant and Hoosier Award winner Allison Jones said, “Tracey deserves a Jefferson Award because of how hardworking and dedicated she is not only to the club but to all the 4-H’ers involved.”
As a corporate partner of Multiplying Good (the non-profit that organizes the Jefferson Awards program and which was formerly called the Jefferson Awards Foundation), Citizens Energy Group is proud to honor an employee or retiree each year who embodies the spirit of the Jefferson Awards. If you’d like to nominate a coworker, visit the Corporate Affairs iTrust page and click on “Volunteering."
Watch a video about Tracey’s volunteerism by visiting the “announcements” section on the iTrust home page.”
Top right: Although the March Leadership Forum was canceled due to the pandemic, Citizens had flowers delivered to Tracey's home and surprised her with a phone call from President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison congratulating her on being named a Jefferson Award winner.
