Albert (Les) Disher

Many people in Ohio will write a check for a worthy cause. Les Disher will do that, but he will also do far more. Les will give all his energies to making his world a better place. By unselfishly giving his time he has provided leadership and guidance to his community, church and area schools. Because of his work on the Ohio 4-H Foundation Board and the state 4-H advisory committee, Les has always strived for something higher. His positive attitude and quick smile coupled with his extra ounce of common sense makes him a persuasive and likable leader.

Although he's a successful salesperson for a leading refrigeration and kitchen contractor, Les has never lost touch with the values learned on a farm. As a breeder of market lambs, he welcomes 4-H members to his eight acre mini-farm each April to help them select animals with prize-winning potential. A high percentage of his club members attend college and many return as 4-H volunteers.

Debbie Endsley

Debbie is a valuable asset to Ohio's 4-H program. She demonstrates a deep commitment and belief in the fundamentals of 4-H by the countless hours of service, energy and personal resources that she dedicates to 4-H. Although she serves on many advisory committees, she also spends numerous hours working one-on-one with youth, volunteers and parents. Debbie has been (unofficially but naturally) mentoring club advisors and key leaders for years, not just by answering questions but also by encouraging and helping them explore options when faced with tough situations.

Debbie has served several terms on the East District Advisory Committee and on the State 4-H Advisory Committee. Debbie has served as president of both the district and state 4-H advisory committees. Her current passion is the 4-H Shooting Sports program where she trains adult volunteers in pistol and rifle disciplines and serves on the State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. Her enthusiasm for learning and promoting 4-H has impacted the lives of hundreds of youth and adults, both within the 4-H program and in the community.

Charles Lifer, Ph.D.

The Ohio 4-H program would not be the excellent program it is without Dr. Lifer's extraordinary contributions, visionary leadership, wisdom, hard work, and personal commitment. It is largely because of his work in providing leadership and coordinating the process to secure resources that both public and private support for 4-H Youth Development in Ohio is stronger than in any other state.

Dr. Lifer's long-term personal commitment to “making the best better” has also greatly contributed to strengthening the Ohio 4-H program. For example, his personal sponsorship of the “Excellence in 4-H Award” awarded to the top county 4-H professional in Ohio each year challenges and inspires agents throughout the state to achieve greater excellence in their programs. Dr. Lifer is one of those rare individuals who continually and consistently makes an extraordinarily positive difference “behind the scenes.” His advice and counsel is sought, valued and used by people from experienced government and university officials to the newest teen 4-H ambassadors. Chuck is one individual who has truly “made the best better” for Ohio youth and adults, as well as for the club, community, country, and world in which they live.

Cleo Ludwig

Cleo Ludwig is a name associated around Ohio with successful business ventures spanning seven decades. His name is synonymous with leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and mediation. Yet in Cleo's estimation, the shy young lad who joined a 4-H club in Lucas County in 1921 would not be recognized today if it were not for his involvement in 4-H youth development.

In the 1940's, Cleo with Bob Kibbey, founded the L-K Restaurants which are known around Ohio for good food and fine service. A gifted leader, Cleo inspired unity within the Marion community to establish its first public hospital. Believing that the 4-H youth program should be embraced by more institutions of higher learning, Cleo was the impetus behind the foundation of Ohio 4-H Space Camp at Ohio Northern University. Cleo continues as a strong advocate for 4-H and last year sponsored the first volunteer Innovator Award given at the Ohio 4-H Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Conference.