Local extension agent, Ruth Wallace has been working with area youth for 25 years. She started her career with Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4-H in 1994, serving the counties of Buckingham and Prince Edward.

4-H has always been a way of life for Wallace. As a youth, she was very actively involved in 4-H in Albemarle County. She was part of the Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club and served on summer staff at Holiday Lake 4-H Center for three years during college.

From 1994-2000, Wallace managed the 4-H program in Buckingham and Prince Edward, involving youth in a variety of camps, contests, school enrichment and after-school programs. In January 2001, she was able to devote her full attention to the youth and families of Buckingham County where she has grown a robust program.

The 4-H youth enjoy many opportunities to build leadership, citizenship and communication skills, develop self-confidence, learn new information and have exciting experiences. When asked what her favorite part of working with 4-H is, Wallace responded, “I enjoy working with the kids and watching them discover new things. Watching a young person grow through the program starting as a Cloverbud and developing into a strong leader as a teenager is very rewarding. I love seeing the difference 4-H is making in the lives of our youth, and that makes me feel good about what I do.”

Join youth and adults throughout the area in celebrating Wallace’s 25th year with 4-H. Consider making a donation in her honor to support Buckingham 4-H. Donations should be made payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation (memo Buckingham 4-H) and mailed to the Buckingham Extension Office at P.O. Box 227, Buckingham, VA 23921.