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Kansan among national 4-H honoreesKansas A dedicated advocate for youth--Cecil L. Eyestone of Manhattan, Kan.--has been tapped to join distinguished leaders in the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Eyestone dedicated his career efforts to Kansas 4-H programs and to creating educational opportunities for the state's youth, said Pam Van Horn, Kansas State University Research and Extension 4-H youth development specialist. Van Horn was involved in the nomination process. Eyestone was one of only 17 people this year inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame Oct. 10, she said. He grew up in Lansing, Kan., and joined a local 4-H club as a 13-year-old. Eyestone earned a degree in agricultural economics in Kansas State University's College of Agriculture in 1944, and chose youth development as the focus of his career. He believes in teaching by example, and has employed the educational philosophy throughout his career, which included 12 years as a K-State Research and Extension 4-H agent in Montgomery County and 19 years as a state 4-H specialist. While based in Manhattan, Eyestone was assigned first to the southeast Extension area in the state and, later, to the southwest area. Though relatively new to 4-H programs at the time, Eyestone proved a staunch advocate for leadership and community service as key components in positive youth development, Van Horn said. He introduced the Junior Leadership Club concept in Montgomery County, and worked to provide opportunities for youth to build leadership skills while contributing to the community. The leadership concept was picked up by a majority of Kansas' counties, as Eyestone worked to create the next step--an annual statewide leadership camp for youth. As a state 4-H specialist, he also provided leadership for 4-H animal science projects and was instrumental in developing the companion animal projects. The 4-H horse, dog and rabbit projects are examples. Those projects have continued to grow in popularity with Kansas 4-H members. During his 4-H Extension career, Eyestone also coached 10 state championship judging teams--three in livestock, five in poultry, and one each in dairy and crops--and advised student members of K-State's Collegiate 4-H Club for 16 years. Eyestone recognized the leadership opportunities for students in the Collegiate 4-H Club and reached out to other colleges and universities in the state to help organize eight more Collegiate 4-H Clubs. He has taught a leadership course at Kansas State University and, for 24 years, joined his brother, Merle Eyestone, in sponsoring a 4-H scholarship to fund post-secondary education. For Eyestone, leadership seemed to come naturally--as a grade school student, he was able to lead activities on the playground. And, during his military training and service, able to build on those skills, he said. While the 4-H honor is gratifying, it is not the first for Eyestone, who has received numerous awards, including a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. Though now retired, the former Extension agent and specialist continues to be active in the community and state, often in a leadership role. The National 4-H Hall of Fame concept was introduced in 2002 as part of the national 4-H Centennial celebration. Nominations for the Hall of Fame are submitted annually by state 4-H offices, Van Horn said. More information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame and the youth development professionals designated as honorees is available at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents' website: www.NAE4HA.org and click on "Directories" then Hall of Fame. More information about 4-H educational opportunities available to youth is available at any county or district K-State Research and Extension office or on the Kansas 4-H website: www.Kansas4-H.org. 10/27/08 Date: 10/23/08
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