Pemberton honored for dedication to 4-H program

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

If you have been to a 4-H event in Noble County, it is a sure bet you have seen Barbara Pemberton there, too.

For more than 22 years, Pemberton has volunteered her time to the Noble County 4-H program. Her dedication was recognized recently when she was presented with the State Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer of the Year award. She received this award during the 2017 4-H Parent/Volunteer Conference on the Oklahoma State University campus.

She also was recognized as the Northwest District Lifetime Volunteer of the Year, as well as the Noble County Lifetime Volunteer of the Year. This state award is presented to a volunteer who has 10 or more years of service to the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program.

Taylor Harbuck, OSU Cooperative Extension 4-H educator in Noble County, said Pemberton has a vast knowledge of the 4-H program.

“She is one of the best supports of youth and the 4-H program in this county,” Harbuck said. “She shows amazing character and exemplifies our motto, ‘To Make the Best Better.’”

Pemberton is credited with increasing local 4-H club participation by working with members and families in the county. She fosters a school-based 4-H program through Billings Public Schools to provide youth with a wide variety of 4-H opportunities.

Community service has long been a part of 4-H programming, and Pemberton works hard to get club members involved. Some of her community service projects include Relay for Life, Kids Helping Kids Campaign, March of Dimes and the Crayon Initiative.

Jaclyn McCormick, Noble County 4-H’er, said Pemberton has been a great role model for her during her 10-year 4-H career.

“Barbara always is willing to assist any 4-H’er with their individual projects and helps 4-H’ers come up with wonderful projects to help complete their 4-H record books,” McCormick said. “She also makes every effort to assist 4-H’ers with summer camps, too. She makes everyone feel welcome at any 4-H event.”

Former 4-H leader Marie Holba, said Pemberton is an excellent choice for this award because Pemberton has experienced just how 4-H can influence a person’s life.

“She has been involved in 4-H since she was 9 years old and participated in all the 4-H events. She also won several 4-H trips,” Holba said. “Her two sons were in 4-H and while she helped them with projects, she always was available to help other children at the same time. It takes a very special person to be a volunteer and I believe Barbara has these special qualities.”

Pemberton can be found volunteering with the Billings and Frontier 4-H Clubs, as well as serving on the Noble County Parent Volunteer Association. She also has served as Noble County Fair assistant superintendent.

As a member of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education group in Noble County, Pemberton has been instrumental in partnering with OHCE to help provide funding for awards and scholarships that benefit 4-H members.

“Her service to the 4-H program, as well as our youth, speaks for itself. She willingly gives her time and everyone involved in Noble County 4-H knows how lucky we are to have her in the program,” Harbuck said.