Mildred Cronebaugh

Mildred Cronebaugh is one of the great American heroes in our country today. Statistics show that fewer young people are becoming involved in community organizations and programs and are more concerned about “me.” Not so with 4-H members in Tuscarawas County. Mildred has the ability to “spread” her enthusiasm about 4-H. Her club has won the “Keep Ohio Beautiful” award for 22 years and won the National Colgate “Youth for America” award for community service for two years.

Although Mildred's husband died in the early 1950's, she continued to manage the 184-acre dairy and grain farm that has been in the family for more than 100 years. She also raised and college educated two children and cared for her elderly father. In addition, she has touched the lives of more than 400 young people, providing them with skills in areas of decision-making and communications. Mildred's motives are that she “enjoys doing it and believes working with and for youth is one of the best things we can do as a citizen.”

Barb Ditmer

A woman of many talents, Barb Ditmer has been a supporter of 4-H since her membership in a local 4-H club in the 1950's. Not only has she worked with traditional 4-H programs but she has initiated programs for “at risk” youth in Sidney. Traditional work includes beginning the livestock interview process used in many Ohio counties. With the help of her son Eric, a videotape was produced to help train potential livestock interviewers. She also served as chairperson of the state 4-H advisory committee in 1984.

Barb has worked to provide local educational efforts directed at issue-based programming efforts for youth at risk. In 1989, she gained the cooperation of a local disadvantaged youth outreach agency, “the Alpha Center,” to begin an after school 4-H gardening club. She supervised the organization, found a garden plot, organized a community service project, and encouraged “youth at risk” to exhibit at the local fair. The young people used produce from their garden to provide refreshments for their local achievement meeting.

“I see more and more how much 4-H is needed. 4-H is a positive activity. It keeps youngsters so busy that they don't have time for negative things,” says Barb.

Ed Johnson

For the past 40 years, Ed Johnson has unselfishly given his time and talents to the Ohio 4-H program. Through his Agriculture Broadcasting Radio and Television Network he has done more to promote Ohio 4-H than anyone person in the last 15 years. Why? Because he believes in 4-H and what it stands for.

From serving as President of the Ohio 4-H Foundation to broadcasting 4-H and county fairs around the state, Ed has become synonymous with 4-H and Ohio State University Extension. He is a member of the A.B. Graham Club.

Ed gives tirelessly of his time and energy to 4-H. His involvement and dedication to 4-H, and to others is and inspiration to all.

Barbara Johnston

More than thirty years ago, Barbara Johnston's interest in 4-H was ignited as a young 4-H member at Camp Clifton. Because of her love of the outdoors, she became a lay member of the camp corporation. She served as trustee and as a member of the personnel, audit, long range programs and craft committees so future generations of young people could have the same great back-to-nature experiences. Her efforts have seen the camp develop into and American Camping Association accredited camp with a full-time manager.

As a leader, Barbara has been involved in the lives of approximately 400 young people in her clubs. Former members have become radio personalities, doctors, lawyers, psychologist, herdsmen, school administrators, farmers, military officials, homemakers, teachers, salesperson, and clergy. Many credit their career choices and abilities to their 4-H experience. Barbara's care and concern is expressed in the attitudes of older 4-H members who now serve as advisors and members of the 4-H Home economics committee.