Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association

Etta Louise "Weeji" Belden Niswonger

Faulkner County

Outstanding Arkansas 4-H Alumna, 2006

Weeji was an official 4-Her from 9 to 19. However, since her mother was a leader, she feels she was born a member and, since 4-H never leaves your heart, will be one all her life. She served as State Secretary 1992-93 and was inducted into the state Hall of Fame in 1993.

Weeji's main project was Citizenship for which she was 1992 State and Regional winner, attending National Congress in Chicago. Other trips were Kansas City Conference, Citizenship … Washington Focus, and National Conference as well as numerous state competitions, workshops, and camps as member and counselor. Other projects included crafts, photography, food and nutrition, and dairy cattle.

Weeji graduated from the University of Central Arkansas as a member of the Honors College, majoring in Biology, with a double minor in Physical Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, and teaches science at Conway Junior High School where she was chosen Teacher of the Year in 2009 and 2011.

4-H gave me communication skills and self-confidence, Weeji said. Who would have thought filling out all those forms would come in so handy for scholarship and job applications? Weeji was named an Alumni of the Year in 2006 and is current Treasurer of the Alumni Association.

I am married to a wonderful man named Craig, she says. We met at Honors College. They have a daughter, Katie, and a son, Earl.