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Reed Recognized For Youth Leadership
REED AWARD
Pictured, longtime 4-H leader and area educator Joyce Reed, who was recently honored by the county for her 45 years of youth leadership. Photo Courtesy Of Nicole Reed Gray

Celebrate 4-H Milestones was the theme of the 2016 Stanislaus County 4-H Leaders Recognition dinner. Joyce Reed, Orange Blossom club, was honored by the county with 45 years of youth leadership. She received the Emerald Clover pin and many gifts, flowers, and honors, for her dedication to the youth of the county and state. Several Congressional representatives were present to assist with the awards and certificates. There are over 500 adult leaders in Stanislaus County and over 1400 youth in various projects. Of the 58 counties in the state, Stanislaus has the largest and most active group of youth and leaders in California. 4-H is a national and International organization.

Reed has served in various leadership positions in the local club since 1970 as well as county level. She is a Key Resource leader, VIP (volunteers in partnership), County Sponsoring Committee and Citizenship. She was the State Diamond Star Advisor (now called State ambassadors). These selected 4-H youth who have excelled in the areas of leadership and community service and represents the pinnacle of 4-H achievement. She served many years on the state level in the Citizenship Service Learning Advisory Council. She took youth to Sacramento numerous times for the Cal Focus program, learning State history and government. Washington Focus is a program in which she trained, educated and traveled to Washington, D.C. with the top California youth. They interacted with youth from all over the USA as well as learning firsthand about our nation’s history and experience government in action. She was selected by the State to lead a group of 17 college youth to D.C. to be ambassadors to the Organization of American States as a model program.

Reed received the Outstanding Woman in Stanislaus County in 2007, and was recognized as a vivacious, exceptional educator, leader and friend. She focused her work for 24 years at Oakdale Jr. High as a teacher of various subjects. She believes that the early teens are the years of greatest need for direction and support. She taught youth ministry at River Oak Church for nine years, after retiring from Jr. High.

Reed graduated from college in Los Angeles. She and her late husband Steve moved to the Oakdale area. They raised their six children in this area. Their three girls and three boys were involved with the 4-H program, and FFA raising many animals and were Fair winners.

She is involved in many organizations in the community and county. She continues to teach youth Public Speaking in her home once a week. Other projects are Teen Etiquette and Citizenship. The 4-H pledge is: I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, my Health for better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world. Each 4-H leader and member lives by the motto: To make the best better. Invest in our youth, they are our future.