New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame To Induct New Members Dec. 4

LAS CRUCES – Fifteen individuals and couples will be inducted into New Mexico's 4-H Hall of Fame on Dec. 4 in Las Cruces for their contributions to the youth development program.

The induction ceremony will be at 2 p.m. in New Mexico State University's Gerald Thomas Hall auditorium on the west end of campus. Afterward, new nameplates will be unveiled on the permanent state plaque in the lobby. A reception will follow in the social living center, Room 330.

The Hall of Fame, established during the national 4-H centennial in 2002, honors 4-H volunteer leaders, fair superintendents, advisory board members, 4-H Foundation trustees and former 4-H faculty and staff, both living and deceased.

This year's inductees are Robert "Bob" Abercrombie of Grant County, Martha Anderson of Doña Ana County, Bob and Frances Barley of Eddy County, Joan Brock of Rio Arriba County, Wayne Chenault of Roosevelt County, Ralph Dunlap of Lincoln County, Fern Dunn of Torrance County, Edwin and Frances Johnston of Lea County, Dee Ann Leyba of McKinley County, Joni Miller of Grant County, Ed Tinsley of Lincoln County, Donna Townsend of Hidalgo County, Orion Utton of San Juan County, Raymond Vigil of Taos County and Peggy Warren of San Juan County.

NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service administers the 4-H youth development program, which provides fun, educational activities for youth 5 to 19 years old. More than 61,000 New Mexico youngsters participate in 4-H.

"We want to honor people who have had a major impact on the 4-H youth development program and the lives of thousands of members since 4-H started 91 years ago in New Mexico," said Linda Schultz, state 4-H specialist.

At the first induction ceremony, 51 honorees were recognized during the 2002 New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. New members will be added annually, Schultz said. For information about the ceremony or nomination process, contact the state 4-H office at (505) 646-3026 or visit the World Wide Web site at http://cahe.nmsu.edu/4h/.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate, please call the state 4-H office in advance.