Roger C. ‘Bo’ Ryles

    Georgia State 4-H Leader

    Bogart, GA

    Joined 4-H as a fifth grader in rural Dodge County. Was a 4-H Camp Counselor, a 4-H Program Assistant, a 4-H Agent, a District 4-H Agent, a State 4-H Specialist, and the 7th State 4-H Leader for Georgia (1994-09). Served as Chair of State 4-H Leaders and a member of the 4-H Leadership Trust. Worked to secure millions of dollars in building and renovation of Georgia 4-H Centers. Since first years, has been the director of 4-H Clovers and Co., Georgia 4-H’ performing arts troupe, which has launched some entertainment careers. Key member of the 4-H Name and Emblem Committee, the Clover Country CD project, NAE4-HA, and a National 4-H Council Trustee.

    From its first years, Ryles has been the director of 4-H Clovers and Co. performing arts troupe, which has helped launch entertainment stars – Clovers alumni have won seven Grammy awards. Ryles was a key member of the 4-H Name and Emblem Committee, the Clover Country CD project, NAE4-HA, and a National 4-H Council Trustee. At the time of induction, Ryles serves as a Georgia 4-H Foundation Trustee, is coordinating a series of races supporting 4-H, coaches a 4-H Poultry Judging Team, works as an officer in development, teaches a UGA graduate course relative to Cooperative Extension, serves as Georgia Master 4-H Club President, and is the Great Promise Kids Executive Director.

    Quote

    “Bo Ryles and I first met when we traveled to Washington, DC and roomed together at the National 4-H Center in July, 1972. That was the beginning of a long friendship as 4-H members and, later, as Extension colleagues. Bo embodied positive youth development and always saw the best side of any young person. His 4-H career may have begun in the fifth grade, but it will live on through his legacy as a 4-H leader who is respected and admired by both youth and adults”

    – Arch Smith, Georgia State 4-H Leader/ Director of 4-H

    My 4-H Story