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Kansas 4-H leader tapped for National Hall of FameA. Lois Redman, a former Kansas state 4-H specialist, who chose to focus her career on creating opportunities for youth and the adult volunteers who serve them, has been selected as a member of the National 4-H Hall of Fame, Class of 2009. At the induction ceremony, Oct. 9, at the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C., Redman credited a 4-H project judge with inspiring her career. "When I was a 12-year-old 4-H member, I made and entered a dresser scarf at the county fair. I thought it was blue-ribbon quality, but the judge didn't agree," Redman said. The scarf earned a red ribbon, and, though disappointed, I had the opportunity to speak with the judge, who praised my handwork, but offered suggestions for improvement, she said. "The judge's comments motivated me to strive to improve my sewing skills and, later, to seek a career in Extension," she said. "I wanted to be like the judge. I wanted to work with youth and help them be successful in their personal and professional lives and in their communities." The 4-H honoree resides in Manhattan, Kan. She grew up in Missouri, and, after earning a degree in home economics from the University of Missouri, began working as a County Home Demonstration Extension Agent in Missouri. Early in her career, Redman earned a one-year National 4-H Fellowship in Washington, D.C., before accepting a position as a 4-H specialist with the Oregon Extension Service. While working in Oregon, she sought a sabbatical and used the educational opportunity to travel to explore opportunities for youth in other countries, including Sweden, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The initial international experience--and subsequent travels--expanded Redman's world, and served as the foundation for her work to support educational international travel programs for youth, including the International 4-H Youth Exchange, Japan 4-H Exchange and 4-H Labo/Lex exchange. She also has worked to develop an Extension Exchange Program with Paraguay. During her career, Redman has invested her energies in developing training opportunities for 4-H judges and volunteer leaders, and created learn-by-doing leadership opportunities for youth in Oregon and Kansas. She also has been instrumental in creating summer educational opportunities for youth in a Summer School program in Oregon and Kansas 4-H Discovery Days (formerly called the 4-H Round-Up), which provides opportunities for students ages 13 and up to try out college life. Redman has previously been tapped as an honoree of the Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame, and has earned numerous awards, including an International Service Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (the national Extension organization); a National IFYE Certificate of Commendation; Kansas Friend of IFYE Award; National Association of Extension 4-H Agents American Spirit Award, and Partners of the America's Youth Programs Award. As a career educator and champion for youth, Redman also has established scholarships at the University of Missouri, Oregon State University and Kansas State University. For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame, go to: www.nae4ha.org/hof/. More information about the award and Kansas 4-H is available from Pam Van Horn, K-State Research and Extension 4-H youth development specialist, at 785-532-5800.
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