Lester A. Cronin

Throughout the years, Les Cronin was looked to by leaders in 4-H and the total Cooperative Extension Service as the ideal role model. His strong belief in people, his emphasis on team work, and his follow-through in practice as well as work contributed to a major positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people and adults through eastern Ohio and statewide. Although an Agricultural Agent for the Cooperative Extension Service, he spent as much time working with young people and volunteer leaders as he did with producers. He did this because he believed in the program and knew the investments made in young people and volunteer leaders would pay dividends in future generations and would multiply his leadership.

Les was very interested and supportive of the IFYE program. He became acquainted with the young people coming into the USA and helped give them a better understanding of American youth, live and culture. He was known for visiting the host families and taking the exchange student with him on farm visits. He also took it upon himself to find the host families and raise money for them.

Les Cronin had high moral and family values and was flexible according to circumstances and conditions within the county. He was “mission driven” and upheld the philosophy of Extension in helping people in whatever he was involved. He was not only a good listener, but also a communicator who gave his ideas freely.

Joan D. Eyerman

It is evident that Joan Eyerman very much enjoys working with young people. She believes in our youth – the youth who will be the leaders of our tomorrow. Joan likes the challenges of organizing activities and seeing them through to the end. 4-H has played a big part in the life of her family. They have four generations of 4-H leadership. She is the third generation, with 26 years as a 4-H leader.

Joan believes strongly that 4-H provides skills for youth development and enhances family strengths. She also feels that 4-H builds self-esteem in young people – an important aspect for successful leadership development. Joan works with 4-H because young people often find their lifetime careers from 4-H project work. Joan has helped young people expand their cultural awareness by leading older youth groups on exchange visits for six different states. She has given many volunteer hours for the total 4-H program.

It is evident that Joan is sincere about the betterment of our society. Besides her active involvement in 4-H, she has been active through her church and community. She has planned and organized youth and adult retreats, has been an active member of Farm Bureau, and has served many hours as a volunteer for nursing homes and children's home. Joan has given countless volunteers hours for the betterment of youth and adults.

Tony Puskarich

Anthony (Tony) Puskarich is a generous and dedicated person to the 4-H program in Ohio. He contributes financially and personally to recognition efforts at the local, county, district and state levels. As President of Cravat Coal Co., he sponsors pins for all 4-H advisors in Ohio and has done so for 15 years. For more than 21 years, he has sponsored a banquet, pins, trophies and plaques for a district recognition program honoring 4-H members.

Locally he has provided equipment and human resources for improving 4-H Camp Piedmont, helped establish and supports the International Mining and Manufacturing Festival at Cadiz each year, devotes time and effort to the Puskarich Public Library and supports efforts to reclaim strip mining areas.

Characterized by friends and associates as interested in people, accepting challenges, gracious, patriotic, youth and community oriented, Tony has significantly influenced the lives of many families throughout Ohio. He has given much time and effort to groups such as the Ohio 4-H Foundation, The Ohio State University, coal organizations, schools and church groups. He is highly respected by co-workers, friends, family and associates.

Wilbur C. Tomilnson, Jr.

Since his own days as a 4-H'er, camp counselor and IFYE, Wilbur has been a continuous positive influence on his world. That is equally true of his four children and of 4-H'ers who were under his guidance as an advisor.

Throughout his adult life, he has been heavily involved in volunteer work. His choice of community organizations shows his willingness to make an impact. His positions in those organizations prove the leadership abilities and personal characteristics that inspire others.