David Pyle

4-H Activities:
Ohio 4-H member 11 years. Introduced "Recognition for Excellence Program" in Illinois that shifted 4-H from a competitive model to more standards-based, individual-achievement model emphasizing life skills. This has become the standard nationwide. A computerized enrollment management system was developed that was a model for other states. ‘4-Million for 4-H’ raised funds for 4-H grants and programs.

Honors:
National Winner, Beef; attended National 4-H Congress, 1959; Delegate Program Committee Chair, 1981. President, IN 4-H Agents Association; NAE4-HA Distinguished Service Award, 1982. Administrative Advisor, 1984 NAE4-H Conference in Chicago. Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, 2006.

Dave was an 11-year 4-H member in Highland Co., OH with focus on beef project and 4-H camping. As a teen he was a camp counselor, recreation leader and president of the Jr. Fair Board. Dave's 34-year extension career included County 4-H Agent to three IN counties; state 4-H program specialist in FL; 4-H Program Leader, SC; and, Assistant Director, 4-H in Illinois. As Illinois's longest-tenured 4-H leader, the program grew to record highs in virtually every enrollment category. In tribute to 4-H and the impact on his life, Pyle created three endowed funds to support National 4-H Council, the University of Illinois 4-H Foundation and The Ohio State University supporting 4-H volunteer training in Highland County.

Over the years, Dave has conducted research projects that contributed to the international body of youth development knowledge, and he has taught credit courses for North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, and University of Illinois. Since his "retirement," he's served on The Ohio State University Leadership Center Advisory Board, and conducted the North-Central Regional 4-H Leader Forum study. He has continued to serve as a volunteer with organizations including Columbus Ohio's largest food pantry, the Central Ohio Better Business Bureau, Ohio 4-H Sea Camp, and the West Virginia New River Regional Volunteer Initiative.

"In 1958, I wrote in my Ohio 4-H Report Form, "I am proud to be a part of 4-H today and hope that in the future I may serve 4-H in some capacity". The next year, I attended National 4-H Congress and was named National Beef winner. Following Congress, A.B. Graham, founder of 4-H, sent me a hand-written letter of congratulations which he concluded by writing, "The sun never sets on 4-H Club work. Be proud you are one of the many millions." I am proud of the journey, and honored to be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame."