| | November 1, 2006
Edmonton... Two Albertans, Bernie and Colleen Prefontaine, each with more than a decade of volunteer service in the 4-H program as well as Alberta’s agriculture industry, are the 2006 inductees into the Alberta 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Doug Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development announced the names in conjunction with National 4-H Month. “This outstanding pair is a perfect example of the core values 4-H encourages in Alberta youth – leadership, creativity, and community-spirit,” said Horner. “Together, the Prefontaines have dedicated more than 20 years to 4-H, working with youth in our province to ensure they’re ready to face the future with confidence and skill. Their recognition is well deserved.”
Colleen Prefontaine has served more than 10 years as a leader in 4-H and more than eight years as a committee member of the Provincial 4-H Beef Heifer Show. Her role in 4-H has taken her across North America as a volunteer on 4-H member exchanges and to leaders’ conferences. She served the Sturgeon District as its 4-H key leader for four years and the Northwest Regional Council as its president for three years. She also represented 4-H in Alberta’s 2005 centennial celebration during the Queen’s visit to Alberta.
Bernie Prefontaine has been a leader with the Bon Accord 4-H Beef Club since 1996. He has played an integral role in organizing numerous club, district and regional 4-H events and has hosted 4-H exchange delegates from around the world. His dedication and service to 4-H includes involvement in the Provincial 4-H Judging Competition, 4-H concert series, Canadian Western Agribition Judging Competition and National Western 4-H Roundup.
The Prefontaines were the Northlands Park Farm Family Award winners in 2000 and have a long and active history of volunteer service both in their community of Legal, Alberta, and at all levels of 4-H. As a couple, they join 63 Alberta volunteers inducted to the 4-H Hall of Fame since it began in 1971. Each inductee made outstanding contributions to the 4-H program development. The Prefontaines will be officially honoured at the annual Alberta 4-H Leaders’ Conference in Nisku, January 13, 2007.
- 30 -
Backgrounder Attached
For further information contact:
Marguerite Stark
Head, 4-H Branch
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
(403) 948-8510 | Alberta Ag Media Line
(780) 422-1005 |
Dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Backgrounder
November 1, 2006
Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame
Created in 1971, the 4-H Hall of Fame has recognized 63 men and women of Alberta who significantly contributed to Alberta’s rural youth and agriculture. Each inductee has been an active 4-H leader at the local, regional, provincial, and at times, national level. They demonstrate outstanding leadership in the program promoting the 4-H motto of ‘Learn to do by doing’ tand live out the 4-H pledge of service and commitment to club, community and country through all activities and levels of the organization.
Individuals outside the candidate’s immediate family may submit a nomination to the 4-H Hall of Fame. A member or leader from the local club may nominate a candidate and nominations require supporting letters from representatives of the 4-H district and regional councils. Additional community references must be included. A selection committee, consisting of key leaders of the provincial 4-H council, the 4-H Foundation and representatives from Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s 4-H Branch, evaluates each submission based on the candidate’s personal qualities as well as their significant contributions to 4-H, agriculture and rural life.
4-H Hall of Fame inductions take place at an official ceremony at the annual Alberta 4-H Leaders’ Conference. This year’s inductees will be honoured on January 13, 2007 in Nisku.
For more information about the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame, visit the website at www.4h.ab.ca.
- 30 -
For further information contact:
Marguerite Stark
Head, 4-H Branch
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
(403) 948-8510 |  |
Dial 310-0000 for toll-free access outside Edmonton |
|