Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association
Supporting Arkansas 4-H since 1982
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Judy Grabher Martin
Conway County
Outstanding Arkansas 4-H Alumna, 2008
Judy Grabher Martin, of Morrilton, has devoted 37 years of her life to being involved in 4-H. She and her husband Junior Martin have raised three children of their own and been active in the lives of their grandchildren.
Judy owned and managed a sporting good store for 7 years, worked as an elementary school teacher’s aide for 26 years, and has worked at the Conway County Extension Service for the past 3 years as a resource person.
As a young person Judy was active in 4-H in Conway County. She was a county winner in Beef competition and also took home awards in Sewing at the state level. Judy held many offices as a 4-H’er and learned leadership skills that she has used all her life.
Judy was born the only child of a row-crop farmer during the Great Depression and learned at an early age that nothing comes easy. Judy has been an active leader in her family farming operation, could operate farm equipment, keep financial records and still have time to raise a big garden. She and her family were named county and district Farm Family of the year in 1981.She works with the Conway County Fair Board, and in very involved in her church. She has taught Senior High Classes there, Ladies Bible Study, worked in nursery and with toddlers, and has served as her church’s Sunday School Superintendent.
She has served at PTA president, as Homeroom Mother and as a cheerleading supporter.
Judy was raised in a generation that knew what it meant to be an American and be proud of it. She has been very active in her community and involved in the governmental structure. Judy continues to meet life with enthusiasm and her no-nonsense attitude allows her to face new challenges head-on.
Judy never does less than her best, never gives less than her all, and never quits before the job is done. Her focus in life has been teaching ethics to children, in her home, her church, in 4-H and in public education.
In her own words:
Sixty years after I first recited the 4-H pledge, I still recall what it means to dedicate my head, heart, hands and health to my community,” Judy said. “After having my family in 4-H for three generations the ideals that are there as just as fresh as they were in the beginning. Leadership skills and good values never go out of style, no matter how old you are.
4-H is something you can depend on,” She said. “It is a sound program and brings out the best in people. I am pleased to be a part of it all, the past and the present.
