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Washington State University Extension

Hall of Fame 2006

Induction of the 2006 members took place during the State 4-H Forum in Chelan on October 20, 2006.

Asotin

Betty WittersBetty Witters has been a 4-H leader for over 35 years.  Betty shows her support not only by working with the Stitch-N-Stir 4-H Club, but also by assisting other clubs when necessary.

Betty is a wonderful leader who gets (and keeps) parents involved with their children; parents learn just as much as the children from Betty. She is very precise and demands excellence from her girls. Betty has been an organizational leader, a Clothing & Textiles Superintendent, and a Fashion Revue Superintendent. Betty has volunteered at Demonstration Day many times and has helped organize other 4-H activities during her years as a leader.

It is not uncommon for Betty to spend half of the night decorating the Clothing & Textile area because she stopped and helped other superintendents in the other buildings. She supports the youth by sponsoring trophies for knitting and crocheting projects, and any other project that may need sponsored.

Betty is as active as ever and shows no sign of slowing. Her dedication to the 4-H Program has been inspirational not only to her club, but to other 4-H leaders. She is truly an exemplary leader.

Chelan/Douglas

Richard BartramRichard (Dick) Bartram grew up on a ranch near Chelan, WA, graduated from Washington State College in 1943, and was drafted into the service in 1944. He served with honor in the south Pacific and in occupied Japan. In 1947, while visiting the Washington State College Dean concerning advanced education, the head of Extension in Washington State heard Dick say that he had a degree in Organic Chemistry. Dr. Turner hired him on the spot. His Extension assignment in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties was Horticulture and 4-H.

In the early 50’s, Dick helped establish a 4-H Youth Camp on Lost Lake in Okanogan County. Dick played a major part in the establishment of the Chelan County Fair during the 50’s. The new fair provided 4-H youth a means by which to qualify to attend District and State Fair. Dick and other Extension staff and volunteers helped build some of the buildings still found at the fairgrounds.

In the 60’s, Dick became the agent designated to work with the 4-H Horse Program in the three counties. He stayed with that position until his retirement in 1981. Dick also worked with photography members and leaders.

Dick’s influence on 4-H is still strong. Former 4-H leaders and members speak of him with great respect and with a smile, remembering his wonderful sense of humor.

Clark

Dave and Louise OwenDave and Louise Owen became 4-H leaders in Clark County over 24 years ago. The 4-H poultry program they developed has not only touched the lives of the many members of the Prairie Hatchers 4-H Club, but its influence has reached many state and national programs as well.

Youth that were interested in poultry led Dave and Louise to discover the 4-H program and begin their journey into youth development. Their club focus was on learning life skills as well as project skills.  They encouraged their members to help provide poultry project workshops around Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Dave became the leading poultry volunteer specialist in the state and provided 4-H poultry project training to other club leaders in Washington and the surrounding states.

Dave and Louise participated in the development of the 4-H Leaders Selection Process, which began the requirement for background checks on adult volunteers and protected the safety of our 4-H youth. This process was later adopted at the 4-H state level and presented at the National 4-H Agents Conference. They also spearheaded the development of the Clark County 4-H Conflict Resolution Process, which convenes a committee of key leaders, superintendents, and parents to hear disputes and make recommendations to the 4-H faculty.

Dave’s experience as a poultry judge for numerous poultry associations led to him being asked to be a member of a National 4-H Poultry Committee whose focus was to develop new 4-H poultry project materials. Dave passed away in 2002 doing what he loved best – preparing cages for fair with youth at his side.

Louise has continued in her role as leader of the Prairie Hatchers, as well as a member of the Clark County Leaders Association Executive Board. For many years she has chaired the Clark County annual 4-H in Action Day, bringing together all project areas for the public to visit.

Without doubt, the 4-H program has been made better by the dedication of Dave and Louise Owen. Though they had no children of their own, they have clearly been a tremendous inspiration for many youth and adults throughout their years as 4-H leaders.

Okanogan

Cecelia CampbellCecelia Campbell started the first 4-H club in Twisp, Washington, in 1952 and was a dynamic 4-H leader for 24 years.

Cecelia was a rancher an award winning cattle woman.  Along with her husband, Orvan Campbell, they raised and showed champion, registered Hereford cattle. Their ranch on Beaver Creek became a training facility for the 4-H group to learn fitting, showing, and livestock husbandry. Cecelia coordinated efforts with Okanogan County Extension; together they offered the 4-H group the opportunity to weigh their stock, learn proper grooming, and fitting and showing techniques.  The Campbell ranch was generously offered for numerous events to enable the 4-H members the chance to learn animal husbandry.

Cecelia’s interest in her 4-H members and her encouraging support had a strong and lasting effect on them. One of her early 4-H members attended the University of Washington to study science, became a professor of Marine Biology, and is currently the President of the American Science Foundation. Cecelia played guitar and led singing around the campfire in her early years. Later, one of her members began singing and playing guitar around the campfire; she became a lead singer in a very successful group.

At 85, Cecilia continues to paint, takes an active interest in the ranch’s cattle operation, and still lives on the Campbell Ranch in Twisp, Washington.

Stevens

Jody HoffmanJody Hoffman once said, “4-H is my hobby,” when asked why she devoted so much of her time to 4-H activities. 4-H and the dog project have truly become hobbies in Jody’s 23 years of volunteer service with Stevens County 4-H.

Jody currently serves as Stevens County Dog Program Leader in addition to her main club leader role in Panorama 4-Paws 4-H Club. As Dog Program Leader Jody, is responsible for providing direction, keeping abreast of current information, and coordinating dog project events county wide. With the help of her club members, at least five small animal shows and contests per year are offered in Stevens County.

Jody’s leadership philosophy is to create blue ribbon kids, rather than blue ribbon projects. To that end she tirelessly works at empowering youth within her club to take on leadership roles. It is not uncommon for her graduating senior 4-H members to become volunteers with Panorama 4-Paws. Nearly every year when Stevens County 4-H solicits nominations for the Stevens County 4-H Outstanding Leader of the Year Award, Jody is nominated by her club members, parents, or community members.

Jody is a tireless promoter and recruiter for the 4-H program. Stevens County 4-H members, fair participants, and fair goers have all benefited immensely from Jody’s hobby.