Lynne Ford Receives Outstanding 4-H Leader Award

At the Leaders' Symposium held in February at the Indiana Holiday Inn, several 4-H leaders from the region were honored for their outstanding service to the county 4-H program. Lynne Ford was the Allegheny County leader to receive the honor of Outstanding Leader. Four other leaders from North Ridge Riders were on hand to see Lynne receive her award.

A part of the state 4-H centennial year, the theme of the Leaders' Symposium was "Let's Celebrate 100 Years of PA 4-H". The capnote speaker was Carol Schurman, 4-H Educator in Indiana County, with a presentation on Pennsylvania 4-H history.

At the closing awards program, this citation was read about Lynne: "Allegheny County 4-H would like to recognize Lynne Ford as our outstanding leader for 2012. Lynne has been an organizational leader for the North Ridge Riders for over twenty years. She has also served as chair of the Allegheny County Horse Show Committee and the District 11 Horse Show. She is the “go to person” when you want something done for the horse program.

Lynne has been involved in all phases of the horse program – planning horse shows and clinics, getting equipment, soliciting donations, scoring project books, and most importantly sharing her knowledge with others. A young member in her club proudly told me she improved her score in grooming and showmanship from eighth place to fifth place because Lynne worked with her. Lynne has a gentle way of working with all the young riders in our program that encourages them to do their personal best. Last year we had two new horse clubs form in our county and Lynne provided guidance for those new leaders and helped make them a part of the county horse program.

Lynne has a long list of accomplishments, but the most notable thing about her is the high regard that we all have for her. For example, when I told another leader in her club that she was going to receive this award, five other leaders decided to come to the symposium to honor Lynne and her accomplishments. Thank you Lynne for your contributions to the Allegheny County horse program. May we enjoy many more years of your leadership."