Clearwater County 4-H leaders inducted into Idaho 4-H Hall of Fame

During the 2014 Idaho State Leaders Forum in Lewiston Nov. 7-9, three Clearwater County 4-H leaders were inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Oreta Stuart, who has been a leader for 43 years, was recognized for her time as a volunteer in the Idaho 4-H program.

Over a span of 43 years, Oreta Stuart has made her mark on the Clearwater County 4-H program.

Like many other Clearwater County youth, Oreta’s three children participated in the 4-H program. After taking 4-H cake decorating projects, one of her daughters actually became an employee of Wilton, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, giving cake decorating classes.

Oreta has been a project leader in art and leather craft for twenty-four years, and sewing for thirty years. She has helped members in completing their projects by scheduling time for them and at times providing necessary materials needed for completion.

Oreta’s commitment to the county 4-H program includes serving as community club leader for the Weippe Good Luck Club for eleven years and for Fraser Boosters for ten years, in addition to her project leadership in the two community clubs. In her role as community club leader, she oversaw leaders and their projects, worked with youth in organizing and completing community service projects, and encouraged youth to be the best that they could be. Additionally, she served on the fair board for 24 years. In 1986, Oreta received the Distinguished Service Award for Northern District I.

At the state level, Oreta participated in planning state leaders forums when Northern District I hosted, and she has also been a district representative to the State Leaders Association where she served three years.

Billie, a former 4-H member who spent six years in the sewing project under Oreta said, “Oreta is compassionate with the youth she works with. She took time away from her family to help 4-H members learn. She was a very positive person who made sewing fun.”

Laura Bell and Lawrence Judd were also recognized for their efforts in bringing 4-H to Clearwater County. Don and Larry Judd accept the service award on behalf of the Judd family. The following was shared about Laura Bell and Lawrence.

The life enriching 4-H program was established in Clearwater County by the efforts of Lawrence and Bell Judd.

Because of Bell Judd’s involvement in 4-H while growing up in Washington state, the Judd’s recognized and valued the experience that 4-H offers. Lawrence Judd, then a county commissioner, approached the University of Idaho about establishing a Community Extension Club, now known as 4-H, in Clearwater County. The Community Extension Club was established in 1936.

Bell Judd was one of the first leaders of the first Community Extension Club in the Clearwater County with her children Claude, Marie, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002 and recognized for 50 years of volunteer service, Harry, who became an extension educator, Clarabell, and Verla along with neighboring youth being members. A granddaughter also became an extension agent because of her 4-H involvement.

Bell Judd led the clothing, canning, and sewing in the community club. Bell Judd continued to lead and instill the life skills that 4-H is known to produce. Lawrence lent support and assisted with non-home economic projects. This leadership continued into the next generation of their family and other youth in the county resulting in 40 years of volunteer leadership. In the forty years of leadership, Lawrence and Bell helped youth attend regional and national 4-H events and be the best that they could be.

The marriage of Lawrence Judd and Laura Bell Reed established a family whose combined family participation in 4-H spans over 450 years. The impact of their efforts through time and monies expended continue today as Clearwater County continues offering the 4-H Youth Development program to youth throughout the county.