Growing up on a modest family farm during the depression, I never imagined my entire life would revolve around the 4-H program. At age eleven when a club was formed in my neighborhood, I was thrilled to be able to use my pet calf Betsy as my first project. I added other projects, took on leadership roles and started participating in county and state activities. In short, my 4-H experience helped to build my self-esteem.
With my passion for 4-H and the confidence gained, I started a new 4-H club when my sons were of 4-H age. Something that I did not realize until much later in life, I seemed to have the ability to identify leadership in others. When asked, many parents were pleased to share their skills and provide leadership. This skill was also evident when working on state projects and later with National projects when serving on the Board of Directors of the American Youth Horse Council and the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.
It is humbling to receive recognition for doing what I loved for 76 years since joining 4-H.
However, the real joy has come from developing friendships and advocating for youth to enable them to develop leadership skills or succeed at something they did not think they could
accomplish. I am honored by the love, compassion, and congratulatory notes I have received
from friends throughout the nation. I remember the joy of the Latino youngsters who not only touched their first horse, but also hugged a newborn foal. I was proud of the 4-H’ er from my
club who received the National 4-H Horse Project Scholarship after struggling with the death of her little brother to leukemia. Yes, I have given to the 4-H program, but not as much as the program has given me.
