Graham P. Wright

    Tennessee
    2010

    State 4-H Leader, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service

    Clarksville, TN

    Graham Wright received a B.A. degree from the Univ. of Tennessee (1938) and an M.A. degree from Vanderbilt University (1939). During WWII, Graham served in five invasions as a U.S. Army Air Corp Flight Chief including two invasions in North Africa, Sicily (Salerno and Anzio) and Southern France. Upon his return in 1945, Wright began his 4-H career as the first active, full-time Assistant County Agent with 4-H and Youth Development in Obion County, TN. Wright served as State Extension Community Activities Specialist at the Univ. of Arkansas, Little Rock (1949-54) and Program Leader at Purdue Univ. Extension Center in Indianapolis, IN (1954). Graham Wright joined the Univ. of Arizona faculty as the State 4-H Leader in 1954.

    Wright was instrumental in establishing and developing the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation in 1970. It was one of the earliest 4-H foundations and was designed after the California model. The Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation currently serves over 100,000 participating youth. During his 18 years as Arizona 4-H State Leader, Wright introduced the 4-H Club program to 16 of the 21 federally recognized Arizona Native American tribes and implemented statewide 4-H Club Junior Leadership Training programs. He retired in June 1972 after 30 years of service. Graham and Marilyn Wright were married in 1947 and have two children, Douglas and Emily. Marilyn has enthusiastically supported Graham’ career in 4-H club work.

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    Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation Board of Trustees member Dan Klingenberg shared, “When Graham Wright was State 4-H Leader in Arizona, he was known for going that extra mile for all who touched Arizona 4-H. This included the extension agents, volunteer leaders, and the 4-H Club members. He was a mentor, always giving me that extra nudge to do better and to expand my record of achievement. Of special note was the guidance he gave me while applying for a national fellowship to live and work at the National 4-H Club Center in Washington, D.C. for a year, which I won. Graham was helpful in counseling me on the qualities of leadership, citizenship, career-building and philanthropy. I was and remain very grateful for his support during my formative years in 4-H.”

    My 4-H Story