Alumni and friends
Were you a Missouri 4-H’er? This is your page!
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Missouri 4-H is one of the best...
4-H has given me so many opportunities and I could not begin to tell you what it has meant in my life. I have a son that is will soon be one year old and I can't wait to get him involved with the 4-H program. I've been involved with several state 4-H programs and I can tell you Missouri 4-H is one of the best! I'm proud every day to say that I grew up in the Missouri 4-H program!
Justin C. Snapp, Ballwin, Missouri
I’m a volunteer because I care…
Hall of Fame Honoree Elaine George has provided leadership and support for the Hallsville Go-Getters 4-H Club for more than 35 years. She has kept the Boone County Fair Ham Show alive and thriving, and started the state Sheep Project clinic. Elaine is a strong supporter of 4-H Kids Helping Kids, and has helped lead 4-H fundraising efforts in Boone County.
“I’m not a 4-H volunteer for the easy hours, high pay, parents’ gratitude, power or prestige. I’m a volunteer because I want the world for our youth…” Elaine wrote.
Read her letter about being a 4-H Volunteer! (PDF)
Former 4-H’er honors parents with generous gift
“The enclosed check is given in honor of my parents, Mary and Virgil Vandiver from Shelby County. Mother started the first 4-H Club in Shelby County in the 1930s, and she and my father were leaders and supporters for many, many years. I was a 4-H member for 12 years and won trips to 4-H Congress in Chicago, 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C. and was an IFYE to Israel in 1953. My two brothers were also 4-H members for years. 4-H made a big difference in our lives for which we are grateful!”
Thank you!
Dr. Hal and Carolyn Vandiver Jenkins, Missouri 4-H alumnus, Tempe, Arizona
Barton County 4-H celebrates 75 years!
Barton County 4-H marked its 75th anniversary with a banquet, entertainment and cookbook release. Read about Barton County history (PDF), and how to order the cookbook compiled by Barton County 4-H.
During the 75th Anniversary Celebration, Barton County honored 4-H Youth Specialist Hugh L. Nutt and his wife Fran for their 4-H work. Hugh served from 1963–1983 in Barton, Jasper, and Dade Counties, and after retirement, he and Fran continued their involvement with the Barton County 4-H program.
“I don’t believe one could spend almost 20 years working with Barton County youth and adults without accumulating and recalling a great many special and significant memories. To observe the volunteer leadership of adults in assisting in meaningful youth development is very satisfying. Then, to see those youth assume leadership roles in their communities is an additional bonus. That has been my experience as a University of Missouri 4-H Youth Specialist,” Hugh commented.
Jo Ann Washburn’s 4-H award pins made a charming bracelet!
“Twelve years ago, a nine-year-old girl a little too tall for her age stood clutching her first blue ribbons. Eleven years later, the same girl stood before the 35th National 4-H Club Congress as a National Achievement winner, and delivered the invocation at the luncheon honoring the 1956 Achievement winners. The road between these two events wasn’t all work, but neither was it all play. The journey down that road began with the winning of those first blue ribbons.”
Read more of Jo Ann Washburn’s 4-H story (PDF)
“I first joined 4-H in 1937 and was in a Ropework Project. I re-joined 4-H in1938 so I could get a yearling Jersey heifer and use my rope halters made the previous year. This purebred heifer produced five heifers, then one bull calf, then two more heifers,” Nelson Trickey recalled.
He was so impressed by the Cape Girardeau county extension agent, that he decided to follow suit “working with people.” After serving 4-H’ers as a mentor and staff member, Nelson continues serving as an Honorary Member of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
Nelson Trickey, Missouri 4-H alumnus and retired staff member
“4-H provided countless opportunities for me, many of which were the result of supporters before me. Today I support 4-H to enable it to continue to give today’s youth the same opportunities.”
Mark Goth, Missouri 4-H alumnus and Foundation supporter
Former Trustee Walt Wilkening credits winning a trip to 4-H Congress in Chicago with jumpstarting his college and international careers.
“One of my early ambitions was to help other boys and girls enjoy many of the benefits and pleasures of 4-H, including the Chicago trip,” Wilkening says.
His memories of Chicago haven’t dimmed—that year, the cast of Oklahoma surprised 4-H delegates with an impromptu show.
Walt Wilkening, Missouri 4-H alumnus and former trustee
Dear Friends,
In a recent issue of Spirit, you published a photograph of the 2008 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. Among them is Elmer Zimmerman, who was the leader of the Clay Center 4-H Club in Saline County when I was in 4-H, during the 1950s and 1960s. He was such a fantastic leader for all of us. Other than my family, Elmer is perhaps the person I most remember from those days of growing up. He had such a positive influence on so many of us, and was so selfless with his time and energy. I was immensely pleased that Elmer has been honored, that his work and service has been recognized.
Best wishes,
Chuck Humphreys
Sisters, OR