Vance Dalton is deserving of the 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award for his career-long dedication to developing young leaders and strengthening agricultural communities. His commitment began with his roots on a North Carolina farm and was formalized during his four years as a Livestock Agent with NC State Extension. This foundational experience allowed him to witness firsthand the positive impact of Extension and 4-H on youth, inspiring his future endeavors. As President and CEO of AgSouth Farm Credit, Dalton has extended this legacy of leadership development, aspiring to leave a legacy of growing leaders. He actively served on the NC 4-H Development Fund, a position that allowed him to secure the program’s financial future. Under his direction, the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina became instrumental partners, leading the fundraising charge for significant renovations at the historic Millstone 4-H Camp. Furthermore, he championed the Pull for Youth event, which consistently raises funds for both 4-H and FFA. Dalton’s leadership philosophy, a steadfast focus on people and empowerment, is a true reflection of the 4-H mission, demonstrating a profound influence that has shaped the next generation of agriculture leaders across North Carolina.

Robert Mowrey is a retired professor and the former Extension horse commodity coordinator at North Carolina State University. He was born in Sybertsville, Pennsylvania and was raised on a family farm where horses were a way of life. He earned his B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Industry from the Pennsylvania State University. Following his academic preparation, Robert joined the faculty at North Carolina State University in 1981 as Extension horse specialist. He provided leadership to the horse extension programs in the Department of Animal Science from 1981 until his recent retirement in 2012.

His primary extension responsibilities included the organization and orchestration of the North Carolina 4-H Horse Program and Adult Horse Extension Educational Programs. During his tenure at North Carolina State University, Dr. Mowrey was instrumental in the development of a program called REINS (Regional Equine Information Network System), designed to educate adults on livestock assistance. “Without a doubt my involvement with 4-H youth has been the most special to me,” Robert notes. During his leadership, NC 4-H Horse Program participation increased from 6,005 projects in 1982 to 13,526 projects in 2012. North Carolina currently ranks second nationally in total 4-H horse program numbers.

Dr. Bob, as he is affectionately called by many current and former 4-H members, has coached North Carolina 4-H Horse Judging teams to a multitude of contest wins at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Eastern National 4-H Roundup, American Quarter Horse Youth World Championships, Region 12 Arabian Youth Championships, and the Southern Regional 4-H Championships.

Robert and his wife, Peggy, reside at Peacemaker Farm in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where they raise Quarter Horses and beef cattle in addition to running an antiques business.

The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program and Extension horse husbandry will forever be proud of the accomplishments of their former program leader and innovator and strive to continue the legacy that he created during his tenure at NC State.

Susan Coleman Kay and her husband leased roughly four acres at 123 Treasure Point Road in Camden County in 1984 to the 4-H Clubs for use as the Treasure Point 4-H Camp. The property was officially deeded to the Camden County 4-H and Youth Foundation by the Colemans’ daughter, Susan Coleman Kay, in 2017. In 2022, the land was transferred to Camden County to pursue a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant. The goal is to build a new 4,700-square-foot facility, which will include a demonstration kitchen, extension employee offices, and a large meeting space for various programs.

This new facility will provide a dedicated space, allowing Camden County Extension to significantly expand services and program offerings. The Treasure Point 4-H Camp’s central location will have a major impact on the entire community and advance Camden County’s 4-H mission by providing valuable resources like outdoor education, leadership training for teens, and cooking demonstrations. Thanks to Susan’s generosity, the Treasure Point 4-H Camp, which has served the community for over 41 years, will continue to do so for many more to come.

Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is an unparalleled partner, demonstrating a deep, consistent commitment that makes them a clear recipient for the NC 4-H Partners Award. Their support is fundamentally rooted in an annual, high-impact fundraising strategy designed to ensure Edgecombe County 4-H members access crucial leadership and skill-building conferences and competitions.

For several years, Edgecombe-Martin EMC has diligently organized annual 4-H Golf Tournaments, providing a reliable financial foundation for the program. EMC innovatively expanded their commitment four years ago by launching the 4-H/EMC Sporting Clay Tournament. This addition has been tremendously successful, resulting in a marked increase in funds dedicated to the program annually. This consistent growth in fundraising capacity directly translates into greater opportunities—sending more members to life-changing events where they cultivate essential skills and has now established county 4-H scholarships for higher-learning opportunities. EMC’s dedication to organizing these impactful events annually confirms their status as an invaluable and committed partner to Edgecombe County 4-H and we are forever grateful for their selfless acts of service to their community and commitment to the program.

The Nance Family continues to display a profound and sustained commitment to developing young leaders through the 4-H Program. Their legacy is formally recognized through the establishment of the Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Endowment. The Nance family’s involvement is personal and generational. Billy “Buddy” and Tabbie Nance were leaders in the 4-H Program for many years, supporting their daughters, Miriam Lewis and Tabbie Ann Nance, and their grandchildren, Redden Lewis, Billy Lewis and Milo Lewis Ferrell, who were also outstanding 4-H members. The gift was established to honor their daughters and grandchildren. This multi-generational dedication ensures that today’s youth in the Meat Goat Leadership Institute are equipped with the tools necessary to become effective leaders, continuing the family’s tradition of shaping the future of agriculture.

Travis Burke has dedicated his career to serving the people of North Carolina through the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the North Carolina 4-H. Beginning his career as a 4-H and Livestock Agent, Travis quickly established himself as a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for youth development, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong commitment to service.

Throughout his distinguished career, Travis served in numerous leadership roles within Extension, ultimately becoming Interim Associate Dean and Director of the NC Cooperative Extension Service and currently serving as Assistant Dean and Program Leader at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Yet, his commitment to NC and 4-H has remained a constant thread throughout his professional journey.

From coaching dozens of state champion livestock judging teams and national teams to leading statewide 4-H initiatives and serving in numerous state, regional, and national leadership roles, Travis has devoted his life as a servant leader. He was a founding member of several state and national initiatives that continue to prosper. Those include the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Center, National 4-H Hall of Fame as well as National Urban Extension Leadership (NUEL) initiative.

One of his greatest achievements is seeing many of his former 4-H’ers become members of the Extension family as well as leaders in other roles in communities around the country. His legacy is one of leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to empowering future generations.

April (Bullin) Dillon is a 4-H alumnus from Yadkin County, where she was a member of Boonville’s Best 4-H Club for eight years. Her major 4-H projects included Clothing, Health and Safety,  and Citizenship and Community Service. She was inducted into the NC 4-H Honor Club in 1988. As a 4-H member she participated in residential 4-H camping at Swannanoa, Betsy-Jeff Penn, Sertoma, and Mitchell 4-H Camps. She held the position of Secretary for the Northwest District, was a member of the NC 4-H State Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) Team, and among the first NC 4-H Ambassadors. She attended National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus.

April started her 4-H Agent career in Lee County on May 1, 1996, transferred to Mitchell County on May 1, 2000, and transferred to Lincoln County on February 1, 2003. On May 1, 2019, she started in the position as Area 4-H Agent, West Region, from which she retired on January 1, 2024.

April and her family volunteer with the Appalachian Aces 4-H Club in Caldwell County, and enjoy helping young 4-H animal science enthusiasts across the state.

Walter Earle began his career with the NC Cooperative Extension Service in 1989 as a Livestock Agent in Wilson County. He was appointed County Extension Director in 1998 and served in that role until his retirement in 2016. Walter devoted himself to the citizens of Wilson County, livestock producers, and youth. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty to make a lasting impact on their lives and businesses.

Many of Walter’s most notable programs centered around 4-H youth development. He coached numerous award-winning 4-H livestock judging and skillathon teams that excelled in statewide competitions. Wilson County’s Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale flourished under his leadership and is now recognized as one of the premier youth livestock programs in North Carolina. During Walter’s tenure, the sale generated millions of dollars in income for participating youth. He also secured a $395,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to construct a new multipurpose building at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, providing a home for the Livestock Show as well as other community events.

Following his retirement, the Walter Earle 4-H Youth Scholarship was established to benefit participants of the Show and Sale, ensuring his legacy of service continues for future generations.

Wilma King Means has served as club leader since 1993 for a variety of clubs, which have always been focused on empowering underrepresented youth. Under her leadership, her current club, Carolina Co-Ed 4-H Club club has grown into a supportive and inspiring space where young people can develop their skills in college readiness, citizenship, public speaking, and meaningful community engagement.

Over the years, Wilma has truly done it all in 4-H. From taking youth to 4-H Congress and camp, to mentoring countless young people as they explored their potential. Going beyond activities and events — Wilma is ever-present, seeking new ways to support and uplift youth. Her passion for their success inspires them to give back to their community, continuing the cycle of service and leadership that she began.

Wilma is a legend in the community whose impact can be seen in the lives and achievements of the young people impacted. Her unwavering dedication and her selfless spirit continue to lift up those around her.

Claudette Smith, a native of Brunswick County, North Carolina, serves as the Associate Administrator for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Cooperative Extension. She began her 47-year Extension career as an agent serving both rural and urban counties in Virginia, where she designed and implemented 4-H programs in consumer education and clothing.

Her N.C. A&T tenure includes guiding 4-H programming as the 4-H Youth Development Program Leader, where she addressed challenges, strengthened programming and enhanced youth experiences. Her 4-H accomplishments include winning the 2010 National 4-H Youth Science Day competition, developing the If Not You, Who? Taking a Stand for Youth in Your Community program, creating the Love for Life 4-H Nutrition Experience and leading the development of the 4-H Speedway to Healthy Exhibit, which was visited by thousands of the state’s schoolchildren. This exhibit also earned the Outstanding Subject Matter Program by a Team Award from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Special Association.

Claudette has also served as a member and Chair of the Southern Region Program Leaders Network 4-H Committee, a member of the National 4-H Brand Advisory Team and on the National 4-H SET Team, which worked to increase 4-H’s visibility as a STEM skill-building organization. She earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s from Cornell University and a doctorate from the Ohio State University.

Lesa Walton is a lifelong 4-H’er from Union County. Under the mentoring leadership of Sharon Runion-Rowland, her 4-H Agent, she experienced a world of overwhelming opportunities to which she attributes her decision to become a 4-H agent. In 1983, Lesa joined Edgecombe County Cooperative Extension, where she served as the 4-H Agent for 33 years.

Lesa’s unwavering dedication and passion to provide exceptional lifelong learning experiences for her 4-H’ers reflects her profound love for 4-H and the accomplishments her 4-H’ers reaped through their participation. During Lesa’s tenure she mentored countless 4-H’ers, securing numerous National, State, Regional, and District accolades across multiple 4-H program areas.

Lesa was instrumental in the building of the Eastern Carolina Livestock and Agricultural Arena. Today, the facility continues to provide classroom learning and hands-on training, and hosts livestock shows and sales. Lesa continues to support the 4-H livestock program with her time, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts through the Edgecombe County Livestock Alumni. What makes Lesa smile when she visits the arena is seeing the new generations of 4-H youth and families that were a part of her 4-H livestock programming endeavors.

Lesa is most proud of her dedication to her 4-H youth and the resources and talents she discovered that helped her 4-H’ers develop leadership, citizenship, and communication skills. Today, she believes her 4-H program created many youth who are living positive and productive lives as exemplary citizens.

Lesa acknowledges that her successful 4-H Youth Development career would not have been possible without the love, devotion, and tremendous support from her husband Johnie and son John Roland. She considers them her “4-H Family Team,” helping her “MAKE the BEST BETTER” for 4-H.

Elaine and Russell Wood have built a successful swine and beef operation while raising their family in the McGee’s Crossroads community of Johnston County. They introduced their two young sons to the show ring with hogs through the Johnston County Youth Livestock Show. When their seven grandchildren were old enough to show, Elaine chartered the McGee’s Crossroads 4-H Club in 2011 with 25 members at the Wood family farm. The excitement of the show ring was shared by many of the club members. Elaine and Russell’s energy and enthusiasm inspired several volunteers who poured their hearts into building a model 4-H club that was fun, educational, and focused on developing life skills. Russell and Elaine made participation in livestock shows possible at every level by hauling animals to events and guiding youth through the responsibilities of caring for their animals and the rigors of the show ring.

Russell and Elaine have been active members of numerous Johnston County and North Carolina organizations. Elaine was recognized with the 4-H Legacy Award in 2023 for more than 15 years of service as a 4-H leader. She served on the Johnston County 4-H Alumni Association Board of Directors and the 4-H Youth Livestock Advisory Board. Russell served on the Johnston County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors and led the association as president for two years. Both were active in the North Carolina Pork Producers Association and the North Carolina Angus Association.

Together, they served as advisors for the North Carolina Junior Angus Association. The Woods were inducted together into the Johnston County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2017. Their farming operation was recognized by the Johnston County Farm-City Week Committee in 2018. They also became the first couple to be inducted together into the North Carolina State Fair Hall of Fame in 2001. The McGee’s 4-H Club continues to meet at the barn under the watchful eye of Mrs. Elaine and Mr.  Russell, along with two new leaders and another generation of enthusiastic 4-H’ers. Six of the grandchildren have gone on to college and careers in agriculture in other states, following in the footsteps of Grandmother and Granddaddy Wood.

Chad Holloman exemplifies the spirit of 4-H through his unwavering dedication and service to the Johnston County Batten Farm 4-H Club. Chad was a member and served as an officer in the club during his 4-H years, and now has led the club for five years as a Club Leader. Chad’s commitment is rooted in personal experience and a passion for youth development, as he has an undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University. His leadership roles as Vice President, President, and Past President of the Johnston County 4-H Alumni, along with his active participation on the Youth Livestock and 4-H Advisory committees, showcase his profound impact on the community. Chad’s tireless efforts inspire the next generation of 4-H members.

Katie Haynes is the inspiring Founder and CEO of Smiling While Sending Hope, a nonprofit supporting individuals with chronic illnesses and special needs. What began as her 4-H project has grown into a nationwide mission of compassion and inclusion. A proud 4-H alumna, Katie has gone from active member to dedicated volunteer and served five years on the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club Board, continuing to lead with the 4-H values of service and leadership. Living with multiple chronic illnesses, Katie uses her story to advocate, educate, and show that strength, kindness, and hope can shine through every challenge.

Cassandra D. Caldwell has devoted time, talent, and resources to advancing equity, education and philanthropy. From her 4-H roots to founding endowed scholarships for first-generation college students, she worked to create opportunities for others. Through leadership roles in government, higher education and global service, she championed inclusion and lifelong learning. She mentored youth, supported nonprofits and served on boards committed to justice and empowerment. She has an unwavering commitment to service, leadership and civic responsibility in her community, country and world.