4-H Hall of Fame
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Lorene Lee
Nominated by: San Juan County
Inducted in: 2002
The late Lorene C. Lee formed a 4-H club on the Navajo Reservation near Farmington 25 years ago. She influenced many young people throughout the years, teaching them that they could succeed in anything they set their minds to. She motivated and encouraged members of her Upper Fruitland club to participate in 4-H activities and to try new and different projects. She leaves a legacy of 4-H leaders well-versed in the 4-H motto and creed.
Ray and Betty Lou Leeson
Nominated by: Rio Arriba County
Inducted in: 2002
Rio Arriba County residents are well aware of the many contributions Betty Lou Leeson and her late husband, Ray, have made to 4-H over the past four decades. They include leading the Lindrith Roadrunners 4-H Club, organizing three nearby 4-H clubs and initiating what would become the Sandoval County Fair. Advocates of holistic range management, the couple were also active proponents for wise use of our natural resources.
Don Leonard
Nominated by: Steve Lucero
Inducted in: 2006
"Don Leonard of Sandoval County County Commissioner Don Leonard has had a tremendous influence on 4-H in Sandoval and Bernalillo Counties. He has also impacted the New Mexico State Fair. With over 20 years of service and support, Commissioner Leonard has been instrumental in recruiting buyers to the county livestock sales in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties as well as serving as a junior livestock buyer himself. Commissioner Leonard also sponsors 4-H events by giving of his time and providing financial support. He has served on the livestock rules committee for six years and the Sandoval County Fairboard for 10 years. In his position as County Commissioner, Mr. Leonard has been instrumental in securing funds to improve 4-H facilities and fairgrounds. Improvements such as a new livestock barn, pens, wash bays and rodeo arena lights have become a reality due to Commissioner Leonard’s efforts. Thank you, Commissioner Leonard.
Dee Ann Leyba
Nominated by: McKinley County Extension Office
Inducted in: 2003
Dan & Mary Liesner
Nominated by: Mindy Turner
Inducted in: 2005
The Liesners have set an example for members, leaders and agents across the state. Dan served as county program director and Extension agent in Lincoln, Otero, and Eddy counties before becoming the Southwest District Extension director. He trained 4-H faculty and supported 4-H at the county, district and state levels. Even after retiring in 2004, Dan is still advising, teaching not only how to do things but why it is important to do them. In addition to being the wife of an agent, a 4-H mom and a teacher, Mary served as a club and 4-H leader for more than 20 years. She has helped numerous 4-H'ers through college by getting them scholarships and giving them encouragement. She has taught young people about record keeping, leadership and citizenship and served as a trip chaperone. Dan and Mary have contributed to 4-H in time, resources and money. Both continue to do so by serving on the New Mexico 4-H Foundation Board.
Ray & Joyce Litherland
Nominated by: Jeannie McKinley & Patrick Padilla
Inducted in: 2005
Ray and Joyce Litherland have been longtime contributors and supporters of the San Miguel County 4-H program. In just five years, the Litherlands have contributed close to $100,000 to 4-H youth, the county fair and other events. They have supported San Miguel County for more than 25 years. They work with individuals and organizations to help improve the lives of others, supporting 4-H programming and members with donations and grants. Many young people from San Miguel County have attended NMSU as a result of their generosity. Their giving spirit has vastly improved the quality of the San Miguel 4-H program and the lives of many people.
June & Gene Locknane
Nominated by: The Dictson's
Inducted in: 2006
"W.E. and June Locknane of Curry County June and Gene Locknane were some of the most dedicated 4-H leaders Curry County has ever known. With a combined service of 57 years, the Locknanes provided guidance and encouragement to the members of the Blacktower 4-H Club. Whether it was writing skits or teaching members to sew on a button, which Mrs. Locknane did at the beginning of each 4-H year, this couple motivated youth to achieve their goals and help them acquire skills that would last throughout a lifetime. Mr. Locknane helped them learn to buy, care for, feed and groom their animals. Mrs. Locknane encouraged public speaking through club demonstrations. Mr. and Mrs. Locknane worked endless hours supporting the 4-H program over a 30 year span. Their achievement can be measured in the youth they encouraged to complete record books, serve on State Leadership Teams and become successful men and women. Thank you, Mrs.Locknane.
Gary and Beverly Lockmiller
Gary and Beverly Lockmiller of Curry County
Inducted in: 2007
Gary and Beverly Lockmiller exemplify leadership and volunteerism in its purest and most beneficial form. They served as leaders for the Ranchvale 4-H Club, Mrs. Lockmiller for 16 years and Mr. Lockmiller for seven. They were active in county activities, involving their three children as well as other Curry County youth in many projects. The Lockmillers donated livestock for practices and contests, worked concession stands and volunteered at rodeos and in between found time to provide transportation to county, district and state events for 4-H youth. They are strong supporters of the Curry County Fair. Volunteers are considered the heart of any 4-H program and for many years, the Lockmillers kept Curry County’s program beating. Thank you and congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Lockmiller.