Arkansas 4-H Alumni AssociationSupporting Arkansas 4-H since 1982 | ||
Honorees
2023
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Joyce Smith HarlanCraighead CountyOutstanding Arkansas 4-H Alumna, 2008Joyce Smith Harlan, of Jonesboro, is the daughter of Edgar and Thelma Smith and the wife of Charles Harlan. She has two children David, 23, and Cara, 18. Joyce was a member of the Goobertown 4-H Club for 12 years and has many fond memories of 4-H. Her leaders were Jerry and Wanda Rackley. Joyce turned in record books in Citizenship and was involved in Community Heritage projects. She won awards at State O’Rama, went to Citizenship Washington Focus, and was a County Champion winner. She has worked as a 4-H Club leader for 11 years, with the Westside 4-H Club and the Craighead County Teen Leaders. She served as leader of the District Centennial Celebration program in Jonesboro last year, and compiled a historic list of Craighead County 4-H Alumni. She is an active member of the Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro where she serves as a Deacon’s wife, on the Outreach Committee and the Daycare Committee. In her own words: 4-H inspires young people to dream big and achieve even more. It helps to develop confidence, life skills, abilities in leadership, citizenship and community service. My mother was introduced to 4-H as a school club in 1938, in Cross County. She later married and moved to Craighead County. She and my Dad helped start the Goobertown 4-H Club in 1953. She remained in support of 4-H for nearly 30 years. It was a family affair, as my sisters and I took part in 4-H activities, in leadership, and made many trips. Each of us aspired to continue our education and sought advanced degrees. We all graduated from college. Our 4-H Club work taught us to make the best better and we have all strived to do that. When my children came along, I wanted them involved in youth organizations that would help them to develop into productive adults, and of course they chose 4-H. The both graduated as high school valedictorians in high school, and chose to go on to college. I have watched them develop confidence in public speaking and giving presentations, which will always be helpful throughout their lives. 4-H has helped my family and me to realize dreams and accomplish goals, which is an important part of our lives. |
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Alumni of the Year Nomination ProcessIn order to nominate someone to be named an Outstanding 4-H Alumni of the year, please complete the nomination form (Form FY4H-133). |