During the Centennial Birthday Gala at the State 4-H Forum in 2001, the first 100 members were inducted into the Hall of Fame. This tradition continues today, and we hope for many more years to come!
The inductees are listed below by county.
Adams
Wilmerd Heinemann was a 4-H leader for 25 years. He judged livestock at the Northwest Jr. Livestock Show in Auburn, and at many local fairs. He served as president of the Adams County Fair and Adams County Jr. Show for many years. He continues to support 4-H through the livestock auctions at the Wheatland Communities Fair in Ritzville.
Asotin
Carol Hagan has been a 4-H volunteer since 1986. She served two years as president of the Asotin County 4-H Leaders Council, and worked as the 4-H hall superintendent at the Asotin County Fair 1988-98. She was on the county Fair Board 1989-99, serving as president 1996-98. At the state level, Carol served on the State 4-H Advisory Board, including two years as president. She also organized the state Centennial Quilt Project in 2000
Benton
Mary Davenport started her 4-H career in 1981 as an assistant club leader for Burbank 4-H Club. There were six children in the group, and their primary project was horses. The next year she took over as main club leader. By fair time, the club had over 40 members. The next year it grew to include 65 members and five leaders. Mary has worked on the county 4-H Leaders Council, the Know Your Government Conference, the county Ambassador Program, and the State 4-H Advisory Board, on which she served for almost nine years. She has served as a State Ambassador advisor and a photography judge for both Benton-Franklin County and State 4-H Fair.
Gudren Parker was recognized for outstanding efforts in promotion of the Science Experience & Resources for Informal Education Settings and challenge programs throughout Central Washington and other 4-H activities.
Clallam
Inez Halverson was involved in the early development and expansion of the 4-H program in Clallam County and worked in every aspect of the program for decades. It has been estimated that she reached over 1200 youth in her local club. She made significant contributions to start the international exchange program and was involved in it for many years. She still supports a fund in 4-H Leaders Council that helps with international exchanges. Inez has held every office in the county 4-H Leaders Council.
Clark
Janet Bellcoff has been a 4-H leader with the As You Like It 4-H Club for over 37 years. She has served in all offices of the county Leaders Council, organized a variety of county events and activities, and chaired various committees. She has been superintendent at the Clark County Fair for fashion revue, record books, childcare, and dairy. She has been a member of the Fair Board since 1997, and is currently Secretary/Treasurer. She has been Scholarships Chair, and is currently Premium & Awards/Livestock Chair. Janet co-chaired the State 4-H Forum held in Vancouver.
Marvin and Jackie Bister have been 4-H club leaders for 25 years. They took over the dog program in the early 1980’s, and developed the current program. In 1987 Marvin received the Clark County Outstanding 4-H Leader Award. He has served as the 4-H Leaders Association President, and held leadership positions in the beef and horse projects in the 1970’s. He began the 4-H Riflery Club 12 years ago, which was one of only two in the state. It continues to thrive under his leadership. Jackie has served as chair of the 4-H record committee. She also took leadership of the county Fun Fest event that raised money for the Leaders Association in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.
Jenneane Dietel was a volunteer leader for 30 years. She led the 4-H home economics project through 1980. She initiated and led a project to build two kitchens in the 4-H Home Economics building at the county fair. They are patterned after the 4-H kitchens at the State Fair. She wrote and received a grant from the Swift Foundation, recruited volunteers to build two complete kitchens and targeted businesses for donations of building materials, appliances, and equipment.
Bill Hansen has been a 4-H leader for 24 years. He is currently the county 4-H sheep superintendent and initiated the Clark County Futuring Committee, which is still active today. Bill is credited with the idea and leadership of the county 4-H Hispanic Youth Conference that began in 1987, the Evergreen School District took over the program in 1997.
Bob and Anna Manary have been 4-H leaders for 42 years. Both are very active volunteers in the Camas-Washoughal community and at the fair. Bob is the dairy barn superintendent for both open class and 4-H. Anna is the 4-H home economics superintendent and judges bread baking and public presentations. In 1987 the Manary’s were crowned Camas Days King and Queen. In 1992 they were recognized by the 4-H dairy department for their outstanding contribution to the 4-H dairy program.
Sharon Marble has been a 4-H Leader for 22 years. She led the rabbit project for 10 years. She has served in all the offices of the county’s leaders council and served two terms on the State 4-H Advisory Board. She was a member of the Western Regional Forum Planning Committee and also was co-chair of the State 4-H Forum held in Vancouver. Sharon represented our state at the Salute to Excellence Program in Washington, D.C. She has served on the Clark County Fair board for 20 years and is currently Agriculture/Education Committee Chair.
Florence Robison served as a home economics 4-H leader for 58 years. She received the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. She has trained and assisted new 4-H home economics leaders, parents, and youth in activities and public presentations contests. She helped with county Public Presentation Day, served as 4-H fair superintendent, and judged home economics and public presentations at the fair. She is responsible for the beginning of the Battle Ground Community Fairgrounds.
Cowlitz
The late Gerald Poor served in several positions in Cowlitz County, including county Extension Chair, before moving on to the state 4-H office to serve as state 4-H program leader. During his term as state 4-H leader, Gerald formed the Washington State 4-H Foundation.
Douglas
Pat Putman has influenced development of the 4-H dog project at local, regional and national levels for more than 40 years. She is recognized in the Wenatchee Valley as an expert in dog handling and 4-H, and nationally in the American Kennel Club. She was responsible for aligning the Washington State 4-H Dog Project with the American Kennel Club guidelines for consistency and standardization of dog obedience and fitting and showing training. Putman established the first Douglas County 4-H Dog Club in 1968, and has been a project and club leader for 33 years. She has been the fair superintendent for both the Douglas and Chelan County fairs for several years. She was responsible for forming the first special education 4-H group at Washington School in Wenatchee.
Ellis Schneider was a 4-H leader for 49 years and served on the North Central Washington District Fair Board for 50 years. He also served for years on the Douglas County Leaders Council, the Washington State Fair Association, and the Washington State 4-H Fair Board.
Ken Killingsworth judged livestock for 50 years at local and state fairs, as well as nationally and internationally. He was often asked to judge 4-H fitting and showing and breeding stock. Ken was the Washington State Fair president in 1962, and a longtime superintendent at various fairs. He was the Spokane Interstate Fair cattle superintendent for 20 years and Adams County Fair livestock superintendent for 15 years. Ken raised cattle and he and his children showed cattle at the Spokane Interstate Fair from 1946-1960. While he was a 4-H leader, three of his members won trips to National 4-H Congress in Chicago. During his 22 years as leader, his 4-H club had 100 percent completion on record books each year. He made sure all 4-H’ers gave demonstrations on the local level, and many went on to district and state levels. In 1988, Ken received the National Association of County Agents’ 20-Year Distinguished Service Award. He retired at age 70 in Wheeler County, Ore., and died in 1999.
Grant
Frank “Tub” Hansen was leader of the Mae Ranchers 4-H Club in the 1950s. With a leadership philosophy that was ahead of the times, he let the youth run the club and practiced “tough love.” If a steer hadn’t been trained appropriately to be handled at the fair, it was taken directly to the commercial sale yard, no matter how likely it was to being declared a champion in type classes at the fair. Tub believed youth, given the chance to make decisions, would make appropriate ones; and poor decisions deserved their own consequences. The Hansen’s hosted IFYE students from India and Brazil. As a state representative and senator, Tub staunchly supported Washington agricultural interests and their primary showcase, the agricultural fairs and youth shows in Washington.
Mary McKenzie was a Grant County Extension agent. She was active in the 4-H State Fair, Washington State 4-H Association, and Western Regional Leader Forum. She continued her involvement after retirement by volunteering in the 4-H program.
Lyla Hoisington has been the 4-H main club leader of the Lucky 4-H Club for 47 years. She has been treasurer of the 4-H Leaders Council for more than 25 years, and project leader for clothing construction, gardening, foods, and livestock for years. She grew up as a 4-H member for nine years, and met and married her current husband in the 4-H program. They own the Golden Hereford Ranch in Cusick. Hoisington worked as a teacher’s aide in the Cusick Elementary School for 20 years. Her volunteer activities have included superintendent of the 4-H building, Fair Board member, and county fair livestock and market sale committee member. Hoisington has chaired the 4-H home economics project group and the annual fashion revue. She has served on the county Extension Advisory Board and has chaperoned many kids to State 4-H Fair events. She contributes trophies for various county fair events. Her 4-H club plants the dozens of flowers at the county fairgrounds, frequently donated by Hoisington. She received a scholarship to National 4-H photography leader training in 1982.
Grays Harbor
Davona Gwin has been a 4-H volunteer for 35 years. She was first involved in 4-H as a member with a dairy calf in the 1950’s with the Humptulips Valley Hustlers 4-H Club. She enrolled as a project leader in that club in 1965, became main club leader in 1968, and held that position until 1984. During that time, her club was the recipient of the Grays Harbor County 4-H Club Achievement Award a total of 14 times. Davona served several years as the Grays Harbor 4-H camp director at Panhandle Lake and has held every office in the county 4-H Leaders Council, serving as treasurer since 1977. Currently she is the head cook for the Grays Harbor 4-H camping program and 4-H general superintendent for the Grays Harbor County Fair. She has served on the State 4-H Advisory Board, and was president during the 1980’s. She represented our state at the National 4-H Conference. Gwin remains active at the county level as state fair coordinator and project leader in foods and clothing.
Phil Hearnesberger is past-president of the State 4-H Advisory Board. He has been a board member since 1995. He also manages the Panhandle 4-H Camp in Shelton, has been the llama superintendent at State 4-H Fair since 1997, and is a member of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Advisory Council representing 4-H. He is a past-member of Cooperative Extension’s National Strategic Directions Team, representing 4-H volunteers from the Western Region. Phil has served seven years on the county Leaders Council. He works as assistant superintendent at Grays Harbor County Fair, is a member of Panhandle 4-H Association Board, and served as president from 1996-99. He was the driving force behind the development of the llama 4-H project in the state and has been awarded the Volunteer of Excellence Award.
Jim Kling was the 4-H youth agent for Grays Harbor County for over 20 years. He retired in the late 1980’s. He developed the middle management roles with Grays Harbor 4-H leaders in the 1970’s and 1980’s. These roles remain a strong leadership model today. Jim helped develop and coordinate the 4-H salmon raising project. This project taught youth how to care for salmon eggs. He also coordinated projects for pheasant raising, growing roses, and a wide variety of other unique projects.
Island
Janice Coffman was employed by Island County for 34 years, most of that time as a 4-H program coordinator. She retired in January 2001, but continues to volunteer with 4-H. Don Meehan, Island County Cooperative Extension chair, said Coffman’s life revolves around 4-H and making the Island County program successful. “She is considered the ‘Mother of 4-H’ in Island County,” Meehan said.
Frank Stowe served WSU Cooperative Extension in several different counties during his career. His career began as county Extension agent-at-large in Pullman, in 1954. He worked in King and Stevens counties and finished his career in Pierce County, where he served as Extension chair. Frank was instrumental in promoting the urban 4-H program in Western Washington.
Jefferson
Laura and Norris Short impacted the lives of hundreds of youth in the Dairy 4-H Club. Laura served as a 4-H leader for nearly 50 years. They gave major leadership to the development and growth of the Jefferson County fairgrounds. In the early 1950’s Norris and his father built the 4-H building on the fairgrounds, with the help of 4-H members and their families. In 2000 the 4-H exhibit building was dedicated in Norris’ and Laura’s name. Laura served as county 4-H treasurer and as State 4-H Fair bookkeeper for years. She spent many years as the expert in the home economics department and was very involved in the Food for all Occasions contest, bread baking, and clothing activities. She worked as 4-H building superintendent for more than 30 years, with Norris as her assistant. In 1999 Laura and Norris received the Washington State Volunteer Excellence Award and in 2000 they received recognition at the Western Regional Leader Forum in Hawaii. Laura died last spring.
King
Barbara Baguhn has been a 4-H leader for years, working with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., and has raised several guide dog puppies herself. She is currently the superintendent for the King County Fair Guide Dog Program.
Bee Belshaw was a long time Extension agent in King County who devoted countless hours to working with youth in the area. She was involved in 4-H activities at every level in the state.
Don J. Bennett served on the Washington State 4-H Foundation Board of trustees, and was president for three years. He also has been a significant donor to the Washington State 4-H Program.
Melba Dupar was a volunteer leader from 1959 until her death in 1991. In addition to club activities, she was also a chaperone for statewide events. She served on the Washington State 4-H Foundation, including service as vice president. An endowment was established in her name with the income being used to market 4-H. In addition to her volunteer work on club and state events, Melba volunteered in the 4-H Foundation office where she worked on marketing and fund development.
Peter Fisher was elected to the Washington State 4-H Foundation Board of trustees in 1972 and served until his death in 1995. He served as president in 1977-78. The Peter Fisher Endowment helps 4-H members participate in national events, which reflect Fisher’s interest in government, citizenship, and the political process.
Al Humphrey was a very active 4-H volunteer during his career as a Seattle police detective, and in retirement. He was involved in the King County 4-H Program, the King County and State 4-H Fairs, and promoted the Ag-in-the-Classroom Program. Al also served for several years on the State 4-H Fair Board.
John Little began his career to benefit youth in the 1940’s. His youth work experiences extended to the public and private school systems, the city of Seattle, various community organizations and churches, as well as WSU Cooperative Extension. He organized the Seattle Urban 4-H Program in 1979. Little’s two proudest achievements in 4-H were the challenge program and Urban 4-H Fair. The Franklin High School 4-H Challenge Club participated in the construction of the Bonney Lake Ropes Course and organized an annual cycling and camping trip to Hurricane Ridge. This led to the securing of a seven-year grant to operate a satellite 4-H office in the city of Seattle and run an extensive Challenge Job Readiness Program. The Urban 4-H Fair started in 1984, and continues today with as many as 200 urban youth participating each year. Little received many honors and awards. His most prized awards were King County’s first Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award and the WSU President’s Award for Community Service.
John Riese was an attorney and a long time member and significant donor to the Washington State 4-H Foundation. When he retired from the board of trustees in 1987, John was made an honorary trustee in recognition of his long and significant contributions to the Washington State 4-H Youth Development Program.
Jeff Shushan started with 4-H as a consultant and volunteer for the 4-H challenge program. He wrote the first ropes course curriculum and manual. Much of that work is still being used today. Shushan was the first trainer of facilitators on the challenge course and was the lead trainer through 1986. He maintained his certification on the challenge course through 1995. Shushan remains an active leader with the Franklin High School 4-H Club. He has led several climbs of Mt. Rainier and participated in other adventures with the club. He has volunteered time to middle management committees for the Seattle 4-H program.
Joseph Slye helped develop the model for the Seattle challenge program. He is the football coach and PE teacher at Seattle’s Franklin High School and helped develop the Bonney Lake challenge ropes course. Eventually Slye developed a three-week challenge class that all 9th graders participate in. He also helped develop a 4-H water quality curriculum for 10th and 11th graders. Each year Slye leads bicycle trips from Seattle to Hurricane Ridge and has co-led several trips to Mt. Rainier.
Nancy Stewart is a long time 4-H leader in King County. She is most known for her dedication and support of the 4-H cat program. It was under her leadership that the Washington 4-H cat curriculum was developed and put into use statewide. She has spent long hours at county and state fairs giving leadership to cat exhibits and contests.
Elizabeth Tennison started her 4-H career in 1980 as a mother of kids in the cat project and became a club leader in 1983. She formed her own club in 1984 and still leads it today. She makes yearly trips to the fabric store with five or more kids, turns her kitchen upside down for cooking classes, holds late night poster making parties for procrastinators, and transports kids to and from meetings. Elizabeth organizes the fashion revue weekend at the Seattle Center House. She has held numerous positions for county and state 4-H programs and events. Last year she rallied together 4-H members and leaders to make a show of support when I-695 passed. As a result, 2/3 of the money was reinstated into the county 4-H program. She and two other leaders have set up county Super Saturdays for three years. In 1996 she co-chaired the State 4-H Forum. In 1998 she was awarded Leader of the Year.
Chuck Todd has worked in the State 4-H Ambassador program. He is one of the founders of the state T.E.C.S. program and helped write the national curriculum for the 4-H computer project. He is a member of the State 4-H Advisory Board, and a long time donor and member of the Washington State 4-H Foundation Board.
Kitsap
Millie Eagan has served as Kitsap County, State Fair coordinator for 10 years. Previously, she served as the State 4-H Fair manager. Eagan has donated savings bonds to the state fashion revue winner for many years and served on the State 4-H Fair Board. She participates in forum activities, and supports the Washington State 4-H Foundation. Millie passed away March 15, 2008.
George Curtis was an Extension agent in King County and later moved to Grays Harbor County. During his time at Grays Harbor, George helped start the Panhandle 4-H Camp. Panhandle has gone on to be one of the premier 4-H camps in the state.
Cora Ives was a long time 4-H volunteer in Kitsap County who realized the importance of training the 4-H Cooperative Extension staff to work with youth and adult volunteer leaders. When she died in 1970, she included a bequest to the Washington State 4-H Foundation for an endowment to be used for 4-H Cooperative Extension staff and faculty professional development. Many people have attended conferences or other professional development opportunities with funds from the Cora Ives Endowment.
Klickitat
Roberta Hoctor has been in 4-H since 1944, and since 1951 in Goldendale. She has served as superintendent in the horse, dairy, and sheep departments at the Klickitat County fair, served as fair office manager for 25 years, and Fair Board treasurer for several years. In 1962, she started the Muttonheads 4-H Club, and is still the club leader. She has been an active member of the county 4-H Leaders Council, which she served as treasurer for several years. She was Klickitat County 4-H Leader of the Year in 1986.
Lewis
Virginia Cook has been a 4-H leader for over 30 years. She has served in every office on the county Leaders Council, as treasurer since 1983. She has served on the Lewis County Trust Fund for years and is currently treasurer. She has chaired the Kouncil Kitchen, which she has co-managed for many years. She was a dairy leader for 18 years, and then dairy show superintendent for the Southwest Washington Fair. This year she became the livestock superintendent.
Deane H. Johnson worked as a 4-H Extension agent and was involved in the Southwest Washington Fair and the Washington State Fair. Since retirement, he continues to serve as a volunteer 4-H department clerk at the Southwest Washington Fair. He also serves as treasurer for the junior livestock sale.
Glennys Pacsmag and her late husband, Don, began volunteering in 4-H after their children were grown and out of the 4-H program. Both served on the Mayfield Youth Camp Board. Glennys was treasurer for the Mayfield Youth Camp, served on the State Advisory Board, State 4-H Fair Board, and was a member of the Lewis County Trust Fund. She is still involved with the foods department as a leader, teacher, and judge. Don was the weigh master for the Southwest Washington Fair for the livestock sale for many years.
Mary Jane Fox has been a 4-H leader for 31 years. She started her 4-H career as a member in a horse club. She has served as a resource leader at personal development retreats and an officer of the Lewis County 4-H Leader’s Council. She is currently the announcer for the 4-H horse division at the Southwest Washington Fair and has also served as announcer at other youth shows.
Lillian Francy has been a 4-H leader for 37 years. She is the main club leader of the Logan Hill Headliners 4-H Club. She has served as superintendent of the 4-H Fashion & Consumer Review and the 4-H clothing division at the Southwest Washington Fair for many years. She also serves as a master clothier for Lewis County and conducts sewing classes for youth.
Rose Waring has been a 4-H leader for over 20 years. She has been county 4-H Council president, vice president, and secretary. She was on the State 4-H Fair Board for over seven years, and served as president four or those years. She was on the planning committee for two state 4-H forums. She has been a member of the Lewis County Trust Fund for over seven years, and currently serves as vice chair of that committee. She has been still life superintendent at the Southwest Washington Fair.
Lincoln
Scott Barr was elected to the 4-H Foundation Board in 1972 and provided 26 years of dedicated volunteer service as a trustee. As a state senator, he has helped 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service on many occasions. Scott also helped support the 4-H Know Your Government Conference from its inception, in 1985, until his retirement from the Senate in 1993. In 1995, Scott received the Washington Partner-In-4-H Award given to an individual, corporation, or other supporter of the Washington 4-H youth development program who has shown exemplary support for the youth of Washington.
Evelyn Barr was a volunteer serving the 4-H program in Lincoln County and surrounding area. She was the leader of the Edwall 4-H Homemakers Club for the same eight girls from the time they started in 4-H until they were out of high school. Evelyn emphasized developing life skills, as well as insuring the members learned basic social skills. Her estate provided a $310,000 endowment, to be used for operating capital for the Washington State 4-H Foundation.
Esther Kik contributed to 4-H for more than 54 years as a club leader, project leader, fair volunteer, and president of the county Leaders Council. She cooked at 4-H camp, transported kids to State 4-H Conference, and served as a judge for the “Best 4-H Story.”
W. James McKay was leader of the Almira 4-H Livestock Club from 1927 until his death in 1979. The club still exists today. He was secretary on the Grange committee that started 4-H in the Grand Coulee area. McKay also was secretary, and eventually superintendent of fairs at Wilbur and Almira. The fair in Davenport began in the Pamona Grange when McKay arranged for a speaker. He was the Lincoln County Fair superintendent for 10 years, and served as the beef barn or open cattle superintendent for many years.
Lydia Widmer has been a 4-H leader in Lincoln County for over 30 years. She helped develop the county horse program, serves as leader and co-coordinator of the annual horse camp, and volunteers at horse work/play days for county equestrians. She also volunteers at the county fair, serving on the board for many years, and volunteering in the fair office throughout the year. She has been superintendent of the horse/mule department for 24 years, and served on the county 4-H Leaders Council. Lydia and her late husband, Orville, worked many years to provide an adequate show arena, which is represented by the Orville Widmer Memorial Arena.
Okanogan
Jean Berney has been a very active service leader in the Home Economics area for 40 years. She has been the foods superintendent at the Okanogan County Fair for many years. She helps organize the 4-H pre-fair cooking contest every year, and holds workshops throughout the year on various cooking topics, including bread making in the schools. Jean has served on the state 4-H curriculum development committee, state interview committee, and has reviewed many new foods materials. She has served on the WSU College of Agriculture and Home Economics advisory committee, as director of the Intermountain Agriculture Foundation, and member of Governor Lowery’s agriculture transition team. The Okanogan County Cowbelles and Cattle Women have also been a big part of Jean’s life.
Delores Scholz was the Pine Valley Pals 4-H Club’s group leader for 33 years before “retiring” to be a resource leader for four more years. Community service was a major part of her 4-H program, with one club project being the Pine Creek Pioneer cemetery. Her club members were also taught to care for and respect their elders and caroled through the nursing home to brighten up their holidays. During the Christmas season, Scholz’s club would adopt a family to receive a large food basket, clothing, and toys. She taught her members to take responsibility for their projects and that quality projects require hard work. In 1997, Scholz received her 35-year award in a special ceremony at achievement night. She still judges in the home economics department and promotes beef with the Okanogan County Cattlewomen.
Marilyn Poole became a 4-H leader when her two daughters wanted to learn to sew. She helped with the program for 28 years. When the county Extension office lost their program assistant one month before the fair, Marilyn stepped in and managed to get the program through the fair, including several stressful incidents. She never missed a chance to promote public presentations as a worthwhile activity. Poole died this year.
Pend Orielle
Lyla Hoisington has been the 4-H main club leader of the Lucky 4-H Club for 47 years. She has been treasurer of the 4-H Leaders Council for more than 25 years, and project leader for clothing construction, gardening, foods, and livestock for years. She grew up as a 4-H member for nine years, and met and married her current husband in the 4-H program. They own the Golden Hereford Ranch in Cusick. Hoisington worked as a teacher’s aide in the Cusick Elementary School for 20 years. Her volunteer activities have included superintendent of the 4-H building, Fair Board member, and county fair livestock and market sale committee member. Hoisington has chaired the 4-H home economics project group and the annual fashion revue. She has served on the county Extension Advisory Board and has chaperoned many kids to State 4-H Fair events. She contributes trophies for various county fair events. Her 4-H club plants the dozens of flowers at the county fairgrounds, frequently donated by Hoisington. She received a scholarship to National 4-H photography leader training in 1982.
Pierce
Earl Otis wrote extensively about 4-H, promoting certain new programs, camps, activities, and personalities throughout his 30-year career as an information specialist with WSU Cooperative Extension. Part of his regular “beat” was the State 4-H Fair. Hometown news releases about state 4-H winners went to virtually every newspaper in the state at one time or another. Conservatively, more than 100,000 words of copy about 4-H were distributed. On five occasions Earl was selected to be part of the “press” team at National 4-H Congress in Chicago. For six years following his retirement, Earl was a state fairs commissioner, evaluating local and county fairs throughout the state with heavy emphasis on the 4-H divisions.
Cathy Swenson has been a 4-H leader in the clothing project for 32 years. She has been an active Pierce County Fair Board member for over 14 years. For 22 years, she has been involved with the 4-H state fashion revue. She also taught clothing construction to high-risk youth at the Tacoma Alternative School. In 1990 Cathy was awarded Pierce County Volunteer of the Year.
Mary Crandal began her association with 4-H as a member in Yuma County, Colorado, in the 1950’s. After college, she became a WSU Extension agent in Clark County, with responsibility for clothing and home furnishings projects in adult and 4-H programs. She was advisor for several community fairs, assisted with 4-H camps, and worked with the junior leaders. In 1973, Mary became State 4-H Fair manager. The State 4-H Fair horse show was started under her leadership.
Robert Ehrhardt is a veteran of 30 years as a 4-H leader. He has worked in various science projects, teaching aerospace, gardening, and entomology projects. He was the gardening and entomology superintendent at the Pierce County Fair and volunteered for many years at the State 4-H Fair. He also served many years as public presentation judge. Bob was a mentor to new 4-H leaders and countless
4-H members. For his dedication to the youth, he was given the Outstanding Pierce County Volunteer Award and the Julie M. Martinez Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.
Scott Hodgson worked at WSU for 39 years, retiring in 1989 as a dairy Extension agent. He worked with 4-H youth his entire career and continued into retirement, especially with 4-H judging schools. He was the driving force in initiating the dairy leaders training program and played a key role in establishing the Washington State 4-H Foundation dairy endowment fund. The fund pays state 4-H dairy winners to attend the three national events. Scott continues as state campaign chair for the dairy endowment committee.
Ed and Agnes Kropf farmed all of their lives in Pierce County. Both were involved in 4-H, beginning in the 1940’s. They supported local clubs. Ed died in 1981. Agnes remained involved until 1998. She was active in 4-H through the Pierce County Pomona Grange by supporting the Pierce County 4-H Leaders banquet and sponsoring a community service award for Pierce County 4-H leaders. She was named a Friend of Pierce County 4-H. Agnes died July 5, 2002.
Bob Leonard was a WSU Cooperative Extension agent involved in helping expand the 4-H program to urban areas of Western Washington. He helped initiate the Hilltop Learning Center and worked extensively with the State 4-H Fair.
Marlene McCollam began her 4-H involvement as a club and project leader for the Hoofbeats 4-H Club. She was a member of the Pierce County 4-H Council, where she was the treasurer for many years. She became a judge for public presentations and educational displays, as well as a trainer for both future judges and the 4-H members in those areas. She was also record book judge. Presently she is the State 4-H Fair Board bookkeeper, and has been a judge and animal project superintendent of educational displays at the State 4-H Fair for about 20 years. In 1991, Marlene was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award for Pierce County.
Susan Parr started her 4-H career as a member in Clatsop County, Oregon. She was active in beef, dairy, and a variety of other projects. She won several state awards and represented Oregon at national 4-H events. In 1964 Parr was an IFYE delegate to the Philippines. She still keeps in contact with her host families. Now in her 31st year as main club leader of the Valley 4-H Club, Parr remains actively involved in her 50-member community club. She serves as project leader for clothing, needlework, food preservation, and family living. Parr is needlework superintendent at the fair, and helps her teenage 4-H members coordinate the County 4-H fashion revue and Sewing Expo fashion show. She is a clothing and textile advisor, and family living representative to the county 4-H Leaders Council. On three occasions Parr has guided groups of Valley 4-H families to Washington D.C. and has twice chaperoned delegations to National 4-H Congress.
Tom Quann was acting state 4-H leader and 4-H specialist for seven years. In the mid-1980’s he was acting executive director of the Washington State 4-H Foundation, which he helped found and served as secretary. As a trustee of the 4-H Foundation, he served from 1987-97 and from 2000 to present.
Cal Svinth served as WSU Cooperative Extension director from 1957 until his retirement in 1965. Prior positions with WSU included Extension agent in King and Thurston counties and county agent leader in Pullman. He then served in the Federal Extension Service in Washington D.C. and the Extension Point 4 program in India, before returning to Washington State. He was a very strong supporter of the 4-H program throughout his career. Following his retirement, he served as a consultant to the Ford Foundation programs in Pakistan, and in Grant County for the Yakima Indian Nation.
Barbara and Jesse (Chip) Taylor have been 4-H leaders for 27 years. When the State 4-H Fair could no longer support the 4-H dog bowl, Chip worked with the Washington State 4-H office to keep the activity going. He currently serves on the 4-H Council Executive Board and has served on the board at various other times during the past 27 years. He is a dog obedience leader, a fitting and showing judge, and a county and state public presentations judge. Barbara is a main club leader, and a county and state public presentation judge. She has served on the Pierce County 4-H Council Executive Board, chaired the Pierce County fund raising show, and worked as dog department superintendent at the Pierce County Fair. Barbara and Chip have given the extra time needed to help kids with cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, and other physical challenges to participate in the 4-H program. They use their own money to send members from the inner city to dog shows that the kids might otherwise not be able to attend.
Howard Young gave 40 years of leadership to the Pierce County 4-H program before his death in 1998.Bernadine is about to receive her 39-year pin. Bernadine has been an active member of the Pierce County Fair Board and Leaders Council. She has worked as Swine Superintendent at the county and state fairs. In 1996, Bernadine received the first ever Julia Martinez Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Pierce County for giving over 45 years of service to county youth.
San Juan
Larry Cochran has volunteered as a 4-H leader for 20 years. Although he started out when the program was very traditional, Cochran has demonstrated leadership through openness to the expansion and diversification of the program into non-traditional themes and modes. His entry in the Hall of Fame notes, “Many leaders show a high respect for Larry because he comes with both 20 years of experience and with a willingness to let the program change to meet the changing needs of kids and leaders alike.” Larry is vice president of the county Leaders Council. He takes vacation time each year to volunteer at the county fair for his clubs. He has worked as superintendent, and has judged and volunteered in other areas of the fair outside his club. His leadership is credited with helping 4-H remain an active program on Lopez Island.
Skagit
Ray H. Bradbury, DVM has been a project leader in veterinary science for the past 32 years. He had a veterinary clinic in Skagit County for 22 years. During that time, he donated many hours to the health of 4-H project animals. He also volunteered as Skagit County Fair veterinarian for many years. Dr. Bradbury held a wildlife 4-H club for three years, taking kids on field trips to fish hatcheries, and inviting wildlife experts to come in as guest speakers. After retiring from his veterinary practice, he continued to help with many 4-H project animals. He then extended his commitment to the Western Washington State Fair in 1981, serving as official fair veterinarian for three years. In 1984 the animal health volunteer program was created. It allows senior 4-H and FFA members to work with Dr. Bradbury for two days at the Western Washington Fair, exposing them to the many careers involved in animal well being. The program has won the 1st award for Western Fair annual science programs. In addition, Dr. Bradbury has been awarded the Skagit County Friend of 4-H Award.
Skamania
Sherry Cook joined the Washington State 4-H Foundation in 1987 and served for 11 years. While attending a meeting at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase Md., she found the Washington Room was drab. During the next two years, she invested many hours and dollars, and made several trips back to Chevy Chase to work with the conference center staff to upgrade the Washington Room. She collected money, purchased and solicited donated photos, procured wood sculptures, and led the campaign to redecorate the room so it represents the entire state of Washington. Sherry continues to be involved in textile programs with the 4-H program.
Snohomish
Ellene Kearney became a 4-H leader in 1964. She has volunteered as county fair superintendent in 4-H and open dairy divisions and is a member of the Silvana Community Fair Board for years–serving as president for four years. She has volunteered as dairy program leader and has organized the cowboy breakfast for the Marysville Junior Livestock Show for the past 15 years. The Outstanding Snohomish County 4-H Dairy Club Member Award sponsored by the county is given in her name each year. Ellene as worked with the Carnation 4-H dairy judging contest for years, and is a member of the Enumclaw 4-H Dairy Show Board.
Marietta Roth has been involved in 4-H since 1959. As leader of the Cloverleaf 4-H Club, she volunteered in the dog, dairy, cooking, and sewing projects. She was instrumental in coordinating the Make It With Wool program at the county and state level. She judges clothing, cooking, and demonstrations at fairs, and has worked at the livestock yard and with the pancake breakfast. Currently, Marietta is writing the history of 4-H and FFA in Snohomish County, including the history of the Evergreen State Fair.
Bertrand Hope served as county Extension agent in Island and Snohomish counties beginning in 1948. During his time in Snohomish County several clubs were organized including the Bicycle 4-H Dairy Club and the first 4-H horse club in the county. The county 4-H spring dairy judging contest is named in his honor. Also, a 4-H building on the Evergreen State fairgrounds was dedicated in memory of Bertrand. He died in December 1956.
Spokane
Dwight Palmer became the Washington State 4-H program leader in 1971. He later moved on to Washington D.C. to serve as the National 4-H Program leader. In addition to his direct involvement with the 4-H Youth Development Program, Dwight wrote a book entitled “Taking Charge Constructively” which outlines a framework for personal empowerment deisgned for youth, as well as adults.
Jean Gulden was honored for a horse helmet safety video, “Every Time Every Ride.” The video has been distributed to all 50 states, has received commercial television time in Great Britain, and aired on many PBS stations in the United States. With minimal professional staff support, Jean raised over $35,000, wrote the script, and co-produced the video. She has received the National Partner-In-4-H Award, 4-H’s highest award presented to individuals, businesses, organizations, associations, foundations, groups, government bodies, and other institutions that have worked closely with the Cooperative Extension System in support of the 4-H program nationally.
Stevens
Harold and Judy Mace have given a combined 74 years of 4-H volunteer leadership to Stevens County 4-H. Harold began a 4-H air rifle competition at the fair and has sponsored belt buckles for the junior and senior champion shooters for many years. He drove school bus to state 4-H teen conferences. Judy is a long time volunteer for still life exhibits at the fair, and was instrumental in establishing the youth barn to showcase 4-H, FFA, and youth exhibits separate from adults. She also reactivated the fashion revue at the fair and helped keep scrapbooks of 4-H activities in the county, and has provided information and materials to a 4-H teen that is compiling the history of Stevens County 4-H. She also served as program leader for food and clothing in the county. Both Harold and Judy have been leaders for the swine project.
Thurston
Andy Andrews worked closely with the 4-H Youth Development Program for many years. He was the area livestock agent for Thurston and surrounding counties. Prior to moving to Olympia, he served as an Extension agent in Clallam County. He was involved in the local and state 4-H fairs, and a leader in the Northwest Jr. Livestock Show.
Joyce Elliot has worked as a 4-H parent and volunteer leader in foods, clothing, gardening, dairy, beef, poultry, and craft projects for half a century. She has been the superintendent for foods, demonstrations, Sewing Expo, and judging contests at the Thurston County Fair. She also has served on the county Leaders Council and on the kitchen and judging contest state committees.
David Kalar was the driving force in the development of the Youth Market Animal Sale, established in 1990. He has served on the Board of Directors, and is the current president. He serves on the County Fair Board, and one of his current efforts is to change the bylaws to allow youth members full decision-making and voting privileges. David is a very accomplished open class beef showman. In the area of volunteering with youth, he is extremely modest and works very hard to deflect recognition to others.
Sid Willuweit was involved in 4-H as an exhibitor in his early years and became a 4-H leader. He now exhibits as an adult in open class events. He has been on various committees throughout the county and state. He was chair of the State 4-H Forum when it was held in Olympia. He served three years as president of the the Washington State 4-H Fair Board and helped get a llama division at the State 4-H Fair. Sid was honored this year with Thurston County 4-H’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He has given many sheep to 4-H youth for their projects. He has been a contributor to the Washington State 4-H Fair, both as a volunteer and a monetary donor.
Walla Walla
Sarita McCaw has been a 4-H leader for 38 years and is currently enrolled as a resource leader. She consults for demonstrations and educational posters and is a certified fair judge for handcrafts, woodworking, vegetables, and wines. She also helps instruct the local 4-H knitting camp held during the summer and has served as county 4-H program assistant and on the State 4-H Advisory Board. In 1969 McCaw started teaching at Walla Walla Community College and was the only woman instructor at the penitentiary. She had the only 4-H youth group in the nation that met in a penitentiary and was led by inmates under her supervision. Sarita was chair of the State 4-H Forum auction for many years. Locally she has contributed to the demonstration and leader training programs, judging record books, demonstrations, food activities, and award nominations.
Ida Mae Scott has been an active 4-H leader for 48 years. She has been a leader in her children and grandchildren’s clubs. In the past, she frequently volunteered to help with many county activities and traveled with 4-H members to events such as State 4-H Fair and district teen rallies.
Joe Johnson was a statewide equine and swine specialist for WSU Cooperative Extension. He was largely responsible for establishing the 4-H equine program in Washington, and was well known throughout the state for his horse training clinics.
Whatcom
Ginny Bowen and her husband, Harry, became leaders of the Trail Blazers 4-H Club in 1975. They were horse leaders, and had a variety of projects to meet the needs of youth in their club for 26 years. Ginny served on many state committees such as State Ambassador advisor, Washington State 4-H Foundation, awards and recognition, and volunteer development. She had been a presenter of workshops at many forums and conferences including Washington State 4-H Forum, Teen Conference, and School Age Child Care. She also helped write various 4-H curricula. Ginny passed away August 2001.
Whitman
Helen and Dick Appel have been involved with three generations of 4-H youth, working both as program members and as leaders. Dick has served as the Palouse Empire Fair sheep superintendent. He started “Daddy’s Little Shepherd” contest, which is still one of the most popular at the fair. Today Dick helps with the sheep grooming contest, which he started, and the “Old Fogy’s” contest. He also serves as president of the Washington State Woolgrowers Assoc. Dick and Helen started the popular “Lads and Ladies Lead” contest. Helen has worked as the sheep barn secretary for years. She is involved with the Make It With Wool program and serves on the State 4-H Fair Board.
Harry Burcalow was associate dean of the WSU College of Agriculture and Home Economics and associate director of WSU Cooperative Extension from 1995-1998. He previously held several Cooperative Extension positions at WSU and the University of Minnesota. His 4-H involvement goes back to Aitkin County, MN, where he was county Extension director in 1964. Currently Burcalow is on the Washington State 4-H Foundation Board. When he retired in1998, he asked that all remembrances go into an endowment to support small grants for the Washington 4-H program.
Della Evans was a 4-H leader for 25 years. She worked as horse superintendent at the Palouse Empire Fair, and worked 10 years in the fair office with registration and computing points earned for all 4-H fair participants. When she retired from that volunteer position, it was filled with a paid staff member. She is a past recipient of the Whitman County Fair Hall of Fame Award. Today Della takes pictures during the county fair and puts together a scrapbook each year, at her own expense. Della has been a member of the State Advisory Board, serving as president in 1976. She was a State 4-H Foundation Board trustee for 10 years. Della took a group of youth from Oregon and Washington to the national Know Your Government Conference in 1982. She and Joe Johnson helped revamp the state horse program in the late 1970’s.
Bud Downing worked with Cooperative Extension for 39 years, starting in 1954 as a 4-H farm advisor in Los Angeles County, California. In 1974 Bud accepted a position at WSU as 4-H youth specialist. At WSU, Downing organized the first State Community Pride Conference, which was held in 1974. In June 1975 he chaired the State 4-H Conference and helped found the State 4-H Ambassador program. In 1979 he assumed responsibility for the State 4-H Fair and held that assignment until his retirement. In 1985 Bud chaired the Tri-State 4-H computer project development committee. In 1990 he became interim chair of the Department of Adult & Youth Education, while continuing his 4-H assignments. Downing retired in 1992.
Lester N. Liebel joined the Highlands 4-H Club at age 10 and exhibited prize-winning produce at the Benton County Fair for several years. In 1948 he received an agriculture degree at Washington State College and started his first job as assistant county agent in Grant County. There he helped organize and conduct 4-H clubs for Grant and Douglas counties. From 1952-57 Lester farmed near Johnson, Washington. He left the farm to accept a position as county agent in Stevens County. In 1962, he accepted a fellowship to work toward his doctorate in Extension administration and community leadership at the University of Wisconsin. In 1965 he returned to WSC as state leader in Extension research and training. Liebel retired from WSU in 1981.
Lucille Linden began her 4-H career in 1967. Nurturing “Citizens of the World” through citizenship and cross-cultural education were Lucy’s prime 4-H interests. She worked with Washington families and youth who hosted foreign visitors, or who visited abroad. She was involved in the IFYE and the Japan exchange programs. Her Japanese exchange orientation materials were used across the country. Know Your Government introduced the duties and responsibilities of citizenship through community improvement, mock trials, exploring media influence in the political process, and the role of lobbyists and personal contacts with legislators in Olympia. Some of the youth Lucille worked with are now legislators, lawyers, foreign service employees, and elected officials. She retired from WSU in 1996.
Clint Luce worked with the 4-H program throughout his tenure as Whitman County Extension agent from 1954-1988. Luce is in demand as a livestock judge throughout Washington and other states. He is on the State 4-H Foundation and served several years on the Washington State Fair Commission. Luce has received many local, state, and national awards. Recently the Palouse Empire Fair inducted him into its Hall of Fame. (Passed away January 15, 2003)
Rita Sullivan played a major role in planning and organizing State 4-H conferences for 20 years. She also helped lead the Know Your Government Conference and helped launch several new projects, including the beginning home economics project, the 4-H dog project, personal development program, and the career exploration program. (Passed away January 24, 2007)
J. Orville Young was director of WSU Cooperative Extension for 12 years, the longest term of anyone to hold the position. He helped promote the Washington State 4-H Foundation during its early years. Upon his death, in 1988, the J.O. Young Memorial Endowment was established to provide an annual 4-H scholarship.
Yakima
Barbara Harrer, Mayor of Harrah, has been a 4-H leader for 39 years. She currently leads the Harrah Humdingers 4-H Club. She has engaged many community teens in citizenship programs and her older teen members have sponsored the Harrah “Nite Out Against Crime” for many years.
Inez Walter was a 40-year 4-H leader in Yakima County. She made many contributions to the 4-H program throughout the county and state. In the early 1960’s she was instrumental in establishing the 4-H light horse training school. She managed the Washington State Junior Horse Show until her death at the age of 101. Inez strongly believed in striving for excellence through her sponsorship of the high-point county public presentation awards. She was a caring, sharing, dedicated individual who devoted her life to 4-H youth.
Diane Jones has been a 4-H club leader for 25 years. She has given extraordinary contributions of quality time and leadership to youth in her local community and the county 4-H program, according to her nominators. She designed and implemented the Super Saturday program and the record book training and evaluation program for Yakima County.
Damon Canfield served in the Washington State Legislature for 22 years. He helped write and pass the initial legislation that provides state funding of the fairs. Later he served on the Washington State Fair Commission. While a teacher in Yakima High School, he worked closely with the 4-H program and served on the Washington State 4-H Foundation.