Warrick County 4-H leader chosen as Friend of Extension

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - 4-H leader Jim Williams of Warrick County has been honored as the 2012 Friend of Extension for his work spanning more than three decades in helping to shape the lives of young people.

The award by the Indiana Extension Educators Association was given Thursday (Nov. 8) during a luncheon at Extension's annual conference.

Williams of Newburgh, Ind., is a Warrick County 4-H alumnus and has served as president of the Warrick County 4-H Council, 4-H Center board and the Extension Board. He also has been the Wagner 4-H club leader and a 4-H camp volunteer for 35 years.

"Jimmy truly is the face of 4-H in Warrick County," a group of Extension educators stated in a nominating letter.

Williams has served several terms as president of the county 4-H Council, which plans and implements programming for 4-H members and raises funds to maintain and expand opportunities for young people. He has provided leadership to the county's 4-H pork chop supper, which generates $10,000 each year and sends 25 4-H members on state and national trips annually.

Williams started a farm toy scene and Americana 4-H projects and serves as the superintendent for these projects. 

As a member of the 4-H Center board, Williams assisted in the management of the Warrick County 4-H Center on the county fairgrounds. He and his family also donate and generate funds for equipment and material needs at the fairgrounds.

As a 4-H club leader, Williams has mentored hundreds of 4-H members and was instrumental in starting a 4-H softball tournament and a Fun Night competition.

Williams is a member of the 4-H camp committee, which oversees activities for 200 campers. He has led camp counselor training and assisted Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development with camp contract negotiations.

During his tenure on the Extension board, Williams served in all of its offices and in PCARET, the Purdue branch of the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching.

Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu

Source: Jim Mintert, interim associate dean of the College of Agriculture and interim Extension director, 765-494-8489, jmintert@purdue.edu

Note to journalists: Photos of the award recipients will be available at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/awards/

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page