Two outstanding Albertans inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

Two Albertans who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and community involvement are being inducted into the 4-H Alberta Hall of Fame.

In celebration of National 4-H Day, Edith Walker and Timothy Church are being recognized for their significant contributions to community service and youth mentorship.

“The commitment and dedication these two remarkable Albertans have shown for the 4-H program and their communities represents everything that 4-H stands for,” said Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Our province was built from a foundation based on the rural way of life and a strong sense of community. These two inductees are setting an excellent example for all Albertans.”

Edith Walker has been a volunteer with the 4-H program since 1952. During this time, she has participated in countless leadership positions, committees, fundraisers and volunteer projects. She has been a West Central Friend of 4-H recipient, Wetaskiwin City and Culture Volunteer Award winner and was inducted into the Olds College Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1999. She was an active leader in the development of the Alberta 4-H Centre, served as the Alberta representative at the first 4-H National Leaders’ Conference, has held every executive position on the Wetaskiwin 4-H District Council and has held numerous executive positions on the West Central Regional 4-H Council. Ms. Walker has been a mentor to 4-H parents, leaders and members. She exhibits leadership, honesty, morality, kindness, great communication skills, teamwork, volunteerism and dedication to a program she believes in.

Timothy Church has been a member and volunteer of the 4-H program since 1969. He has held numerous executive positions with the Hesketh and Hesketh-Orkney 4-H Beef Clubs, was a board director for the 4-H Foundation of Alberta and has volunteered at 4-H shows, achievement days, judging clinics and 4-H communications events. Mr. Church has also been an active volunteer and participant within his community through programs such as the Alberta Rural Crime Watch, the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association Youth Program at the Goldeye Centre, the United Farmers of Alberta Community Investment Steering Committee and the Canadian Diabetes Association in Red Deer. He has been an excellent ambassador and advocate for the 4-H program in Alberta.

Hall of Fame candidates are nominated by their peers, members or leaders from their local 4-H organization. A selection committee, consisting of representatives of the 4-H Council of Alberta, the 4-H Foundation of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, evaluates nominations based on the candidate’s personal qualities, demonstrated leadership, community references and significant contributions to 4-H, agriculture and rural life.

Inductees demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting the 4-H motto of “Learn to Do by Doing” and live the 4-H pledge of service and commitment to club, community and country through all levels of the organization.

A total of 79 men and women have now been inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame since it was established in 1971. This year’s inductees will be honoured during a special ceremony at the annual 4-H Leaders’ Conference in Edmonton on January 12, 2013.

Alberta 4-H
Since 1917, Alberta 4-H has been helping build communities and mentor youth in leadership, communication and life skills. With more than 250,000 alumni, 4-H is the largest youth organization in the province.

For more information about Alberta’s 4-H Hall of Fame or Alberta 4-H, visit www.4h.ab.ca.