4-H Hall of Fame

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Donald & Cooky Dean

Nominated by: Mindy Turner

Inducted in: 2005

The Deans are prime examples of 4-H leadership in Eddy County. As leaders for the Standpipe 4-H club for more than 15 years, they assisted kids with projects ranging from baking, and sewing to livestock and leadership. They encouraged many 4-H members to compete at county and state levels. They believed that 4-H is more than just clipping a goat or hemming a skirt; it is about teaching kids and sharing ethics. They helped with the county fair for more than 20 years, not only with indoor exhibits and livestock but also with clean-up before and after the fair. The Deans led by example, chaperoning trips to Las Cruces and going out of their way to pick up members for club meetings. They continue to serve 4-H by judging at county fairs, supporting Scott Able 4-H Camp, and promoting the good name of 4-H.

Sue Decker

Nominated by: San Juan 4-H Council

Inducted in: 2005

Sue has been a volunteer 4-H leader in San Juan County for 18 years and raised her three children in the program. She was an adviser for the county 4-H council for many years and encouraged county officers to run for ambassador, diplomat, and state 4-H officer positions. One of Sue's specialties is the beef project. She has her own purebred Hereford herd she shows throughout the region. She helped develop the breeding beef show at the county fair. Sue is also a professional artist and cake decorator. Each summer, her two-day cake decoration workshop fills to capacity. For the past 10 years, Sue has been the organizational leader for the La Plata Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, spearheading many community service projects. She served on the Extension advisory committee, provided livestock, and served as a modeling instructor, contest superintendent, and coach at county contests. This year she helped form the San Juan County Leaders Association and became the founding president. Sue is a well-rounded leader who is always willing to assist 4-H.

Jeanette Dickerson

Nominated by: Martha Anderson - Dona Ana County

Inducted in: 2004

Darlene Dickson

Nominated by: NMAE4-HA

Inducted in: 2004

Billy Dictson

Nominated by: 4-H Agents Association

Inducted in: 2002

Billy Dictson has been involved with 4-H since 1952 as a member, leader, county agent, and Extension Director. It's no surprise that when he retired this year he said his most satisfying experiences were working with 4-H'ers and watching them grow. His own three kids were raised in 4-H. He is a member of the New Mexico State 4-H Foundation Board, Extension Support Council, and State 4-H Advisory Committee. He has received the New Mexico 4-H Foundation Friend of 4-H and Meritorious Service to 4-H awards.

Bobby Ann Dictson

Nominated by: New Mexico State 4-H Office

Inducted in: 2005

Growing up with a 4-H Extension agent as a father, marrying an Extension agent, and raising three kids in the program, Bobby Ann Dictson has strong 4-H connections. She served many years as a 4-H leader and supported her husband, Billy, in his Extension career. After retiring, Bobby and Billy accepted positions on the New Mexico 4-H Foundation Board. While Bobby has been the chair for the Jesse Holloway golf scramble, participation has grown considerably. She has established a scholarship in honor of her father, Willie Glen Vinzant, to be awarded to deserving members. Those around her know Bobby as a hardworking and encouraging leader. She has a well-deserved reputation for going above and beyond because she cares and believes in 4-H.

Robert (Pete) Dodson

Nominated by: Eddy County

Inducted in: 2002

Instead of getting into trouble to escape an unhappy home life, Pete Dodson got into 4-H. He says he hates to think what might have happened without the encouragement of his mother, brother, 4-H leaders, and Eddy County Extension agent Paul Hay. He was a member, officer, and junior leader for several years in New Mexico. In Texas, he judged livestock and showed grand and reserve champion steers and hogs. Professionally, he has managed and owned feedlots, served as a seed company district sales manager, and partnered in an agricultural spray business. He retired, but still enjoys gardening and singing the praises of 4-H at home in Slaton, Texas.

Ralph Dunlap

Nominated by: Lincoln County Extension Office

Inducted in: 2003

Fern Dunn

Nominated by: Scott & April Davis of Moriarty, NM

Inducted in: 2003

James Duffey

James Duffey of Chaves County

Inducted in: 2007

James Duffey bleeds green. Growing up in Lea County, Mr. Duffey has been involved with the 4-H Program since he was nine years old. After graduating from NMSU, he served as 4-H agent in Quay County before moving to Chaves County where he served as the 4-H Agent for 22 years and the County Director for 8 years. Mr. Duffey devoted endless hours to working with youth in the areas of leadership, agriculture, and personal growth. He also recruits and trains youth and adult volunteer leaders to conduct learning experiences for 4-H youth around the state. Mr. Duffey has impacted the lives of not only 4-Hers, but many residents of Chaves County. He continues to serve as a 4-H volunteer in whatever capacity necessary with a willing heart. Thank you and Congratulations, Mr. Duffey.

Sam Dunlap

Sam Dunlap of Quay County

Inducted in: 2007

Sam Dunlap has worn many hats during his lifetime. The experience from each has helped him to contribute to youth development programs in Quay County. While a 4-H member, Sam learned hard work and dedication would get a person where he needs to be in life. This philosophy not only made Mr. Dunlap a success as a Brand Inspector but as a 4-H volunteer. Mr. Dunlap served as the County 4-H Rodeo Secretary for 17 years and currently sits on the State 4-H Rodeo Board. He cares deeply for the sport of rodeo, but more so for the youth who compete. He works diligently throughout the summer, not only for the local rodeo but for all the rodeos on the 4-H circuit. Quay County 4-H members are blessed to have a volunteer such as Mr. Dunlap. Thank you and Congratulations, Mr. Dunlap.

Marjorie Dunsworth

Marjorie Dunsworth of Roosevelt County

Inducted in: 2007

Mr. & Mrs. Ance Dunsworth moved to Bethel Community in Roosevelt County in 1945 where they raised five children as 4-H members. Mrs. Dunsworth was a leader from 1947 to 1970 and assisted approximately 640 boys and girls in her local club, plus short-term clubs and county or state workshops. Being very community-minded, Mrs. Dunsworth made sure her club was active in community service, including working with the March of Dimes during the polio crisis. She had members collect dimes and tape them to the sidewalks to see how many "blocks" they could collect in a day. She stressed hard work and honesty in everything, including keeping records, resulting in youth receiving trips and over 20 scholarships. Mrs. Dunsworth passed away in 1990 at the age of 78, but her contributions to the 4-H Program will long be remembered.