Delaware 4-H Hall of Fame
In 2002, the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, National 4-H Council and 4-H National Headquarters partnered to create the National 4-H Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, Extension professionals, staff employees, donors and others who made a significant impact on 4-H at the local, state or national level. This event is sponsored by the Delaware 4-H Foundation.
Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award
The Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award recognizes outstanding individuals who exhibit enthusiasm, dedication and exemplify 4-H spirit and values. The award is named in memory of 4-H state program leader Joy Sparks, who died Feb. 17, 2009.
Kent County Winners
2023 – Susan Eliason
2022 – Sandy Reynolds
2021 – Joanne Carter
2020 – Mary Jane Zeitler
2019 – Connie Harrington
2018- Heather Crouse
2017 – Elaine Webb
2016- Rhonda Martell
2015- Carole Fleming
2014 – Karen Crouse
2013 – Charymayne Busker
2012 – Robert Messick
2011 – The Earl and Fran Clinton Family
2010 – Sally Moller
2009 – Ruth Ann Messick
4-H Salute to Excellence Awards
Each year, state 4-H programs nominate two outstanding individual volunteers through the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards.* The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is given to an individual who has spent 10 or more years as a 4-H volunteer, while the Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has volunteered for 4-H less than 10 years.
| Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer |
Volunteer of the Year |
| 2023 – Ben Coverdale | 2023 – Krista Gallo |
| 2022 – Tammy Geidel | 2022- Adrienne Yourek |
| 2021- Kevin Hay | 2021 – Gary Utley |
| 2020 – Kay Betts | 2020 – Lisa Collison |
| 2019 – Mary Jane Zeitler | 2019 – Kim Gaines |
| 2018 – Dana Sharpe | 2018 – Diane O’Hara |
| 2017 – Wayne Moore | 2017 – Sharon Little |
| 2016- Kay Kemp | 2016 – Jennifer Menard |
| 2015- Peggy Spence | 2015 – Paula Wood |
| 2014 – Joanne Carter | 2014 – Elaine Webb |
| 2013 – Connie Harrington | 2013 – Lynn Wilkins |
| 2012 – Charmayne Busker | 2012 – Heather Crouse |
| 2011 – Karen Crouse | 2011- Cindy Dempsey |
| 2010 – Robert Messick | 2010 – Joelle Vincent |
| 2009 – John Tigner | 2009 – Kaye Kemp |
| 2008 – Sandy Reynolds | 2008 – Patrick Sullivan |
| 2007 – BJ Van Kavelaar | 2007- Carole Fleming |
| 2006- Cathy Martin | 2006 – Linda Sullivan |
| 2005 – Sally Moller | 2005 – Laura Blacksten |
| 2004 – Dicky and Mary Brown | 2004 – Sandy Urian |
| 2003 – Brenda Ebling | 2003 – Linda Sullivan |
| 2002 – Ruth Ann Messick | 2002 – Kay Stout |
