May 21, 2002

LINCOLN, Neb. — Harold Stevens, whose 60 years of 4-H work included everything from taking 4-H'ers to see the Great Wall of China to mentoring a youth who later became U.S. secretary of agriculture, is Nebraska's first inductee into the new National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Stevens, who retired as a University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension agent in Dawson County in 1987, is among the first 100 inductees into the hall of fame, created this year to celebrate 4-H's centennial. At least one person was selected from each state for the group. Stevens was the only person selected from Nebraska.

Stevens said he felt honored to receive the award, but shared the credit with others.

"If it wasn't for the people and 4-H'ers I have had the opportunity to work with I wouldn't have received this honor or a lot of other honors," he said.

A ceremony last month in Washington, D.C., honored the 4-H hall-of-famers. Stevens was unable to attend, but he will be honored Aug. 31 at the Nebraska State Fair in conjunction with other 4-H activities.

His appointment to the hall of fame will come as no surprise to those familiar with Stevens' track record.

During his 42 years as extension agent in Dawson County, Stevens led numerous youth teams to national 4-H competitions.

He said the best part of the work was "to see these boys and girls develop."

Stevens' son, James, agreed.

"He pretty much dedicated his life to helping kids and loved every minute of it," he said.

Stevens is especially proud of one of his early 4-H participants, Clayton Yeutter. After some encouragement and training from Stevens, Yeutter attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a double-doctorate in law and economics. Yeutter served as secretary of agriculture for two years during the George Bush administration. He also served as U.S. trade representative and chairman of the National Republican Committee.

Yeutter said 4-H helped broaden his horizons as a youth, and he described Stevens as "the most outstanding county extension agent that I have ever observed."

"I think he was certainly one of the most influential people in my life. He is an incredible person," Yeutter said. "I think it was more than appropriate that he was named to the 4-H hall of fame."

Stevens first got involved in 4-H in the 1930s as one of four Nebraska delegates attending a 4-H camp in Washington, D.C., in 1939. With encouragement from his extension agent, he pursued a degree at UNL in vocational agriculture and animal science and, again with some encouragement from an extension agent, he took a job as Dawson County extension agent in 1945, a position he held until his retirement in 1987.

As an extension agent, he chaperoned 4-H trips to China, Europe, Russia, as well as the eastern United States. He said it is important youth not only hear about historic locations, but see them. Since retirement, Stevens has remained an advocate of 4-H.

"Seeing is believing. When you see something that means a lot more to you," he said. He has taken over 400 people to see China in the past six years.

Stevens also has continued to conduct 12-hour tours of Nebraska's water ways, which he began in 1960. The trips teach how the state's irrigation system works. On May 23 he will give his 100th tour.

Dawson County earlier honored Stevens by naming the arena at the county fairgrounds after him.

In another 4-H honor, Margaret Piper of Brock received the state Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award.

Piper has been involved with 4-H for 50 years, including 18 years as program assistant in Nemaha County.

"I can think of no one more qualified than Margaret for this award," said Janet Fox, extension youth development specialist, in a letter of recommendation for Piper. "She truly values youth as resources and provides youth the opportunities to be empowered."

05/21/02-DR

Trish K. Spencer
4-H Youth Development
Communications Associate
(402)472-9016

Dan Moser
IANR News & Photography Coordinator
(402) 472-3007

Department: 4-H Youth Development