Contacts: Julie Christensen, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, reuve007@umn.edu
Juanita Reed-Boniface, (763) 753-4636, agriFolks@gmail.com

National 4-H Hall of Fame inducts Minnesotan, Reed-Boniface

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Minn. (10/29/2007)-- Juanita Reed-Boniface, a long-time University of Minnesota Extension educator in 4-H youth development, was recently inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.

Reed-Boniface was recognized for her contributions to 4-H during more than 40 years of service to the organization as a volunteer, Extension professional and agri-business partner. Part of her legacy is the Minnesota 4-H Ambassador Program, which celebrates its 40th year in 2008.

“This year’s National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates have impacted millions of 4-H youth, leading by example with their passion, dedication and creativity, and helping to build strong leaders and citizens,” said Clyde Jackson, president of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA).

After joining the University of Minnesota Extension faculty in 1963, Reed-Boniface served on numerous national committees, co-authored 4-H curriculum, led leader and staff training workshops across the state and nation, and was superintendent of the 4-H Department at the Minnesota State Fair.

“4-H is in the people building business -- helping people become the best that they can be,” said Reed-Boniface. “Throughout my life, I have had mentors who lived that motto, and I have tried to follow their example. I am proud to have served the 4-H program.”

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, she began her career in Otoe County, Nebraska. She was a 4-H club member in Brown and Wayne counties, Neb., where she was named an Ak-Sar-Ben Outstanding 4-H member and was awarded a trip to National 4-H Congress. She was named University of Nebraska Cather Circle Alumna of the Year in 2007, and was inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame in 2004, along with her husband, Dick Boniface.

Reed-Boniface is a member of the Anoka County Extension Committee and serves as a program coordinator for the Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 2002 as a 4-H Centennial project, to recognize and celebrate those people who have had a significant impact on 4-H and its millions of members.

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