Induction of the 2021 members took place during a Virtual Recognition Event on October 30, 2021.
BENTON
In 4-H, we have the approach of “Learn by Doing” when it comes to development. Nancy Weaver is a person that “Learns by Doing” as an adult; youth emulate what they see and Nancy allows youth to learn how to learn without abandon.
Nancy Weaver has truly been around 4-H her entire life. Having been raised by a parent who was a Cooperative Extension professional, it wasn’t surprising Nancy began her own 4-H career as a mom to Jamie and Amanda. She worked with the Fur-ever 4-H club in Kennewick. They participated in several projects in still life and animal science. While most parents would try to be hands off in the learning of the projects, Nancy took a hands-on approach and learned alongside her children.
After Nancy’s children left 4-H to become women of science and industry, Nancy continued to work with 4-H. She coordinated several 4-H programs in the 4-H Fair Barn, most notably Record Books. Nancy was instrumental in leading the scoring of books for the annual “Medal of Honor” award.
Nancy was very instrumental in the inception of the Lego Robotics program in local schools. As a retired teacher, Nancy knew she had a strong ability to help create interest with the school administrators. Although she knew very little about robotics and computers, she continued her “Learn By Doing” attitude and did not let this fact create a barrier for her. Since 2016, she has been committed to the robotics and computer program and has helped encourage many middle school youth in her community to do more with robotics.
Nancy has been involved in many leadership positions within 4-H for over 25 years. While beginning with her project leader role when her children were in 4-H, she has provided leadership for other volunteers in the areas of Record Book experiences, led efforts to deliver programs to underserved youth, and maintained continuously active participation in the local Leader’s Council. Beyond the county, Nancy has served as a state delegate for Benton/Franklin 4-H for over 10 years to the annual state council meeting and been honored as Leader of the Year multiple times. Recently, Nancy began serving on the Washington State 4-H Volunteer Education Committee where her input, attitude, and creativity will be utilized to teach and inspire countless volunteers.
Nancy continues to champion the Medal of Honor program, teaches other volunteers on the use of technology in their lessons, and brings a progressive and open-minded voice to guide important decisions.
KLICKITAT
Linda Enderby’s often spoken statement was: “If you work with them (members) they will be successful” and “record books are essential to the project and to future life skills.”
Linda Enderby was not only a loyal friend to many, but a quiet person, a behind-the-scenes leader, and an achiever. She was dedicated to making things happen and yet she was not always the one in front. More often she was the one doing the work. Several of us worked with her on projects and were seen as the one doing the camp, clinic, project, or activity when in fact Linda was the real leader behind us. Linda was a 4-H volunteer for 33 years, held the position of Leader’s Council President for 4 years, led the Muttonheads 4-H for most of those 33 years, and was the assistant superintendent of the 4-H Still Life Building for many years.
Linda saw her own kids through 4-H and continued because she believed in the program. Many have observed her patience and skill in teaching younger kids to make freezer jam while instructing older youth to make jam from the fruit she produced and donated. Linda taught kids to cook from scratch and introduced many youth to using a sewing machine. Linda was also an avid livestock, poultry, and general project leader.
Linda was awarded Leader of the Year in 2005 in Klickitat County. While Linda was president of the 4- Leader’s Council she spent considerable time helping and keeping leaders active in the Leader’s Council. She devoted time helping leaders, developing county record books, working on awards programs, and making the Leader’s Council a true representative of what 4-H is about and keeping its leaders interested and active.
Linda was a bookkeeper for Klickitat Valley Grain Growers for many years, the bookkeeper for their family business, Spring Creek Ag, and her farm. She lived the need for record books and shared this with all 4-H members.
Linda’s dedication to teaching Record Book skills to youth was demonstrated at every level. Her club started their meetings working on their record books. Linda was instrumental in assuring Achievement Day was organized, had sponsors for all project awards, and organized the event itself.
We lost Linda in 2020 because of cancer. Her family, knowing Linda’s passion for record books, established a scholarship in her name. The scholarship includes a requirement that record books be a part of the criteria.
WAHKIAKUM
Lois Wakefield was a 4-H club leader, 4-H parent volunteer, WSU Master Food Preserver, and WSU Master Gardener, serving as a 4-H volunteer in Wahkiakum County for more than 40 years. During this time, she helped not only her children and grandchildren grow in 4-H through projects such as horses, dairy, beef, gardening, food preservation, and bread baking, but touched the lives of all youth coming through the Wahkiakum 4-H program providing full bellies and lifelong skills across generations of 4-H families.
Lois moved her family to Wahkiakum 50 years ago. After settling in, she signed her five children and herself up for the local 4-H program. She was involved in many 4-H project areas but especially shared her love of cooking and baking. Lois started cooking when she was 16 in restaurants and fast-food establishments. She spent time with both the Naselle School District and the Naselle Youth Camp directing their culinary arts program for youth.
Lois served as an officer on the 4-H leaders Council and was involved in numerous horse camps, field trips, 4-H leader committees, and 4-H activities, taking the lead in bread baking contests and garden judging. Lois’s involvement with 4-H gave her a unique perspective when working as the Wahkiakum Fair Manager for two years. As fair manager and 4-H volunteer, Lois was appreciated for her ability to serve all youth participants with a positive fair experience and tune in to what their needs were during the fair.
Lois’s understanding of large working kitchens and feeding the masses was instrumental in several Wahkiakum 4-H fundraisers. Her knowledge was especially helpful with the annual planning and execution of the Wahkiakum 4-H Covered Bridge Dinner, an annual fundraiser that brought in over $60,000 in 12 years to support the youth in Wahkiakum 4-H. Lois’s understanding of large working kitchens and feeding the masses was instrumental in several Wahkiakum 4-H fundraisers. Lois blessed the Wahkiakum 4-H program with delectable delights and savory soups through the years. In fact, her cinnamon rolls were legendary as many attended the 4-H Great White Run just for the bake sale goods.
Lois’s commitment to the Wahkiakum 4-H program has been significant. Her love for cooking and baking has impacted several generations of 4-H. Her contribution of time and commitment to fundraising efforts have been imperative to enhancing Wahkiakum County rural youth experiences at county, state, and national 4-H events. As youth exit the 4-H program, Lois’s service has helped provide both life skills and financial support for those seeking higher education. With her passing this last year, her family chose to honor her through donations to Wahkiakum County 4-H.