Dr. Carol Benesh Inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame

Dr. Carol Benesh will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifetime achievement and contributions to 4-H. Honored by USDA NIFA, Benesh is one of 16 to be inducted during the ceremony at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.  

Benesh's journey in 4-H spanned almost three decades as a county 4-H educator (Idaho and Washington state), state 4-H specialist (Idaho and Montana), state 4-H program leader (Nevada), and national 4-H program leader with NIFA, a position from which she retired in 2016. Nationally recognized for her expertise in 4-H youth development, curriculum, information technology, youth at risk, after-school and military programs, Benesh has made a positive difference for thousands of youths, families and communities worldwide.

"I am honored that I could serve 4-H at all levels (county, state, territories and national) and my country and provide 4-H youth development programs that made such an impact worldwide," she said. "I am proud that my peers and colleagues felt I was worthy of such recognition. This is truly a gift that brings tears to my eyes."

The National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates are nominated by their home states, National 4-H Council, the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, or NIFA, based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels. 

Honorees will be presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the ceremony.

"We are proud to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals who are the Class of 2022 Laureates for the National 4-H Hall of Fame," said Pamela Van Horn, chair of the National 4-H Hall of Fame. "These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation."

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and NIFA. For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame event and past recipients, visit http://www.nae4ha.com/hof.

The ceremony will be streamed live at 2 p.m. EDT on Friday from Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.