Gabe Campbell

One of the most significant contributions Gabe Campbell has made to the 4-H program, is his involvement with the 4-H Leadership Camp for the past 31 years. His life has revolved around youth, helping them to become better people and better citizens by teaching and encouraging them to be good people, to make lasting friendships, and become community leaders.

When the search committee for a new minister asked him to come to deliver a sermon in Akron, Ohio, a small brochure was published in which he set forth his professional goals. Quoting from one paragraph, “My best talent is helping others to help themselves, whether that is securing a job, counseling a family, or helping a person reflect upon the meaning and purpose of life. I am a ‘people person' and always active in the community where we live.”

Gabe has an avid interest in the research of English history and Congregational history. He enjoys being involved in canal boating the British canals, sailing, and white water canoeing.

Vera Cook

Vera Cook has lived in Berlin Center, Ohio for 43 years. She is very active in the United Methodist Church, 4-H, and the Dublin Grange.

Vera has contributed 45 years of her life to being a 4-H advisor. Her four children enjoyed 4-H and now her grandchildren are active in 4-H. This is a very special year for Vera since it is her club's 50 th year anniversary. Thru her leadership, she has encouraged youth and past 4-H'ers to expand the 4-H program by starting their own clubs. Because of all the time and effort she has put forth, a very high percent of her 4-H'ers have won awards for their projects, speeches, demonstrations, skits, and 4-H displays.

In Vera's community, everyone can admire the beautiful flowers her 4-H club plants each year at the Historical Society House. Her 4-H club marches in the annual Memorial Day Parade, carrying the 4-H banner they made. They also donate plastic eggs to the annual community Easter Egg Hunt. Her 4-H'ers take turns wearing the two bunny suits Vera has made to pass out candy to all the children who attend. Many people's lives have been touched by Vera in all she has done thru 4-H.

Ted Kerby

Ted Kerby has been a 4-H advisor for over 37 years and has touched the lives of hundreds of young people. He spent nine years on the County 4-H Committee, many years on the county horse committee, was an adult advisor to the junior fair board in the horse department, and is past president of the Butler County Extension Advisory Committee where he was instrumental in the development of the county endowment fund.

Mr. Kerby has been a tireless promoter of 4-H and has represented 4-H at many conferences and committees. He has lobbied groups in Washington D.C., promoting 4-H and Extension work with congressmen and senators. Because of Ted's leadership and dedicated service, he was awarded the County Ed Zorn Memorial Award and an O.C.E.A.A. Friend of Extension Award. His efforts have benefited many 4-H participants for the last 37 years and will impact the 4-H program for many years to come.

Thomas Murray

As a native of Johnson, Pennsylvania, Tom was not familiar with the 4-H program. But after moving to Ohio in the 1970's he learned about 4-H and became an advisor. Because of his interest in camping, he became involved in activities at 4-H Camp Whitewood in Windsor and served on the camp committee. As more leadership opportunities came along, he utilized them to the fullest extent. He became a part of the first Ashtabula County LASER DISC team, attended Regional and District volunteer forums and has been a proponent of mandatory advisor training. He has worked hard to set up advisor training workshops and clinics. Tom has also been a role model to young people by demonstrating to them the importance of commitment and concern for others.

After his own children outgrew the 4-H program, he remained active as president of the 4-H committee and a member of the small animal committee. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Ashtabula County Extension Advisory Committee. Tom has also helped to establish clubs in communities where they are needed. Tom is still an advisor having served for 21 years. His grandchildren are now members of his current 4-H club.