The Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 1977 during the75th anniversary of 4-H. The purpose of the 4-H Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions of service to the 4-H program and who have also made an important positive impact upon clubs, communities, and the state 4-H program. One of the 2013 Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame award was sponsored by The Ohio 4-H Foundation and the inductee was Vernon Sloan of Stryker.
Vernon was chosen for the Hall of Fame due to his significant lifetime contributions of service to the 4-H program and for having made a positive impact upon clubs, communities, and the state 4-H program. He has been active with 4-H since he was a child enrolled in livestock projects. As a parent and advisor, he has guided 4-H youth through 4-H camps, project judging’s, county and state fair. He has served as an advisor with Elm Grove Livestock Club which was a 54 year old club. Vernon has served on the 4-H Endowment Committee to help ensure the continuation of 4-H in Williams County. He also extended his love of 4-H outside of Williams County by hosting two LABO exchange students from Japan and has promoted the IFYE program others. Through all these things Vernon’s life exemplifies the 4-H pledge.
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The Williams County Fair Foundation was recently awarded the Ohio Friend of 4-H Award. This award recognizes individuals and businesses from outside the “4-H Family” that have greatly supported the 4-H program.
The Williams County Fair Foundation was the driving force in building many of the structures at the fairgrounds that host many of the Williams County 4-H activities. The fair foundation provided buildings which house 4-H county event, show arenas and barns for 4-H livestock shows. The fair foundation annually supports Williams County 4-H by sponsoring campership for 10 youth to attend 4-H Camp Palmer and the Junior Livestock Sale. In addition, recently the fair foundation supplied all the food, paper and other supplies needed for a successful breakfast benefit to raise 4-H Levy Funds. Lastly, the fair foundation provides opportunities for 4-H club member to operate a food wagon at the fair. Not only do 4-H clubs receive a percentage of the profit, but his provides members with the opportunity to learn safe handling of food, the ability to work with money and how to deal with the public.
More than 250,000 young people are enrolled in the Ohio 4-H program, which is part of OSU Extension, and is led by approximately 22,000 volunteers. The recognition luncheon was part of an all-day 4-H volunteer education conference. Twenty-three Williams County volunteers attended the Ohio Volunteer Conference in March when these outstanding Williams County individuals were honored at the Columbus Convention Center.
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