Joy Sparks’ lifelong love of 4-H began as a nine-year member followed by a 35-year career as a county 4-H agent, area agent and State Leader. At the time of her death, 4-H reached 70,000 youth, 47% of Delaware age-eligible youth. Under her leadership 4-H staff grew from 5 to 20 agents and many part-time staff. Joy did outreach to Dover AFB and National Guard youth long before the national 4-H progrsms. She pioneered a relationship with the United Auto Workers (UAW) that reached hundreds of youth of UAW workers, all funded by the UAW. Her early work with both CYFAR and other youth at risk programs proved that 4-H was relevant for all kids. Joy started the 4-H Legislative Day, creating strong legislative support for Delaware 4-H.
Joy spearheaded curriculum in Breads, food and nutrition, environmental stewardship and exploring 4-H. An EPA grant in the early 1990′ started the first 4-H Environmental Camp and development of many water quality education modules. One of her passions was National 4-H Club Congress, which she attended as a teen when she was a two-time National Achievement winner. She led the National 4-H Fashion Revue for several years and served for many years on the National 4-H Congress Operations Committee. Joy’ most impressive accomplishment was establishing the Delaware 4-H Foundation in 1978. In 2002 she led an endowment campaign that added $300,000 to the Foundation.
