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Washington State University Extension

Hall of Fame 2011

Induction of the 2011 members took place during the State 4-H Forum in Ellensburg on October 16, 2011.

Snohomish

Don Ballard has been associated with the Snohomish County 4-H Rabbit Program for over 18 years, first as a parent, & then as a committed club & project leader.  He has worked with many 4-H’ers, including his own children, guiding them through their rabbit projects.  Don has served for years as the County 4-H Rabbit Program Treasurer, 4-H Rabbit Superintendent at the Evergreen State Fair, & Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board Member, working tirelessly in various roles.

Don has been a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association & the WA State Rabbit Breeders Association since the mid-90’s.  He has also been active in the American Himalayan Rabbit Association, serving as District 1 Director for 5 years.

As an active member of the Snohomish County 4-H Council for years, Don has served as Council President for 6 years & spear-headed many committees & projects, including serving as Chair for the 2008 WA State 4-H Forum.

As a member of the WA State 4-H Advisory Board, Don served as 6-year President & as a member of the Grant & Recognition Sub-Committee, the WA State 4-H Core Committee, & has been a frequent Master of Ceremonies for the annual 4-H Forum. Don took on the huge task of serving as committee chair (Captain) for the successful 2011 WRLF, hosted by WA State 4-H.

Don has been recognized with numerous awards over the years by Snohomish County 4-H & the WA State Fair Commission.  His tireless enthusiasm & dedication to the 4-H program & its members have been an inspiration to countless others and helped to “make the best, better.”

 

Jan Bond began her 4-H involvement in the Horse Program with her two daughters, & soon became immersed in 4-H as a Natural Science leader in 1966; shortly after she became the program leader for Natural Science, a position she held for 18 years.  For 31 years Jan planned & led many trips & tours that resulted in youth gaining independence, self-control, & leadership ability.  She also served as Fair Superintendent for Natural Science for 18 years at the County level & for 6 years at the State 4-H Fair.  Jan has been very active at the County 4-H Council level, serving roles as President, Vice President, & Secretary.

Jan authored Cat Project & Performing Arts curriculum used statewide.  She served as Snohomish County Cat Program Leader & Superintendent for 14 years.  She was the first State 4-H Fair Cat Superintendent, where she volunteered for 2 years.  She serves as Snohomish County’s Performing Arts Program Leader & as a club leader–her 31st year in those positions.  As Fair Superintendent, Jan is often expanding her classes to allow the most youth possible to demonstrate their performing abilities.  She is a frequent instructor or judge for Natural Science, Cats, Performing Arts, Public Presentations, & Educational Poster projects & events.

Jan has been active in many areas of the 4-H Forum:  attending, serving as a voting delegate, workshop presenter, Forum committee member, and as Publicity Chair for the 1990 Reg. 4-H Forum.

Each program to which Jan invested time, energy, & knowledge, continues today & serves as an example of her contribution to both the county & state 4-H program.  Thank you, Jan!

 

Nancy Franke has been an enrolled 4-H leader for over 17 years.  Her roles have included Asst. & Club Leader, Project Leader in Arts & Crafts, Photography, Rabbits, and county Resource Leader for the Rabbit Project.  She was named Snohomish County’s 4-H ‘Rabbit Leader of the Year’ in 1999.

Nancy has judged Public Presentations at area & county competitions for years.  She strongly encourages member participation in this outstanding program, making it a club requirement to attend fair.  She has taught photography techniques to members & helped them attend workshops & photo shoots.  One year she took a bus load of 4-H youth to Seattle for the day, for the unique experience of a photo shoot on site at the Pike Place Market!

Nancy has been invaluable in the running of the rabbit portion of county fair.  She coordinates the judging of rabbit arts & crafts, vet check, & award photos.  Without her support, fair would not run as smoothly for the rabbit barn.

Nancy has been a supporter of 4-H State Fair, assisting members in signing up & attending.  She has been involved in the Poultry & Dog programs as an ‘active parent.’
She has received many county awards including, the Snohomish County 4-H Clover Award in 2002, County Outstanding Leader patch in 2003, and Snohomish County’s Leader of the Year in 2006.

Nancy took on the task of successfully coordinating the county’s major annual fundraising event 3 years ago, hosting a local model train show.  This effort has added over $30,000 to the county’s 4-H Council funds, allowing for increased member, leader, club & program grants.

Nancy has always been available to do whatever needed to be done to ensure a quality 4-H experience for not only her own club members, but other youth & leaders.  Thanks for all your contributions, Nancy!