|
Advocate for Kansas' kids earns state 4-H awardKansas Marilyn Pence Galle is capable of wearing many hats--her teaching career has spanned 30 years and she also has worked to develop a successful business. Galle is a wife and mother, with a strong sense of community. She believes it is important to volunteer to improve one's community. Throughout her life, no matter which hat she was wearing at the time, she has volunteered as an advocate for 4-H youth development, said Gary Gerhard, speaking on behalf of Kansas 4-H. That organization is honoring Galle with a 2008 Distinguished Service Award. The honor recognizes exemplary service to 4-H youth development in providing growth and development opportunities for youth and the volunteers who work with them, he said. The award is one of only two given in the state this year, and it was presented at Friends of 4-H Day at the Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, Kan., June 13, said Gerhard, who is a professor of 4-H youth development at Kansas State University and chair of the Kansas 4-H awards program. Galle has first-hand experience with the power of youth development, Gerhard said. She grew up on a diversified farm in Shawnee County, Kan., and was attending a one-room school when she joined Kansas 4-H. "4-H offered educational experiences that weren't available in the classroom," said Galle, who embraced the opportunities to practice leadership and citizenship that 4-H programs offered. During her 4-H career, she earned the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress (in Chicago) and would later meet her future husband, Nelson Galle, while attending a 4-H conference at K-State. Galle considered studying agriculture at K-State, but was encouraged instead to choose elementary education. In addition to a teaching career, she worked with her husband and family to build a successful agribusiness--the Central Kansas Turkey Hatchery in Moundridge, Kan. "The business, which hatched four million turkeys annually, was the only one of its kind in Kansas," said Galle, whose responsibilities included serving as chief financial officer for the corporation. In speaking about her 4-H experiences and involvement as a 4-H volunteer and parent, Galle said: "I think 4-H taught us to work together as a family. We've built a relationship while helping each other that's made us closer--and stronger. Family involvement is a unique part of 4-H that I think is important." Galle has served as a 4-H leader for 19 years, as a member and chairperson of the executive committee of the McPherson County Extension Council, and as a member of the Kansas 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. "Marilyn Pence Galle has provided dedicated leadership to 4-H youth development in many capacities," said Gordon Hibbard, president of the Kansas 4-H Foundation. He noted that Galle served four years as the board chair and led several special and standing committees for the foundation during her tenure. "Marilyn is able to speak with clarity--and sincerity--about the vision and the power of 4-H youth development," Hibbard said. "She has played a valuable role in mentoring and encouraging others, including new trustees, friends of 4-H, prospective volunteers and donors who share her desire to enhance opportunities for youth." Marilyn Pence Galle and her husband, Nelson Galle, a retired educator and agribusiness professional who recently chaired the Kansas Board of Regents, are parents to three grown sons: Russell, Randall and Ronald. The family was previously honored as the Kansas 4-H Family of the Year. For more information on Kansas 4-H Youth Development, contact a county or district K-State Research and Extension Office or check the 4-H Web site: www.kansas4h.org.
Date: 7/17/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
