For 54 years, Carolyn Davis of Fountain County has dedicated skills and heart to the Indiana 4-H youth development program as a volunteer. Davis is Purdue Extension’s 2022 Friend of Extension award winner, presented at the annual Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference this past Thursday (Dec. 8).
A 4-H’er herself, Davis’ enrollment in 4-H cooking and sewing projects inspired her to earn a home economics teaching degree from Purdue University. She proceeded to become the Family and Consumer Science teacher at Covington High School and immediately also became a Fountain County 4-H volunteer.
Adam Tyler, Purdue Extension Fountain County director and 4-H and agriculture and natural resources educator, feels fortunate to have Davis as a volunteer in the county. He’s witnessed Davis’ impact on youth through the clubs she’s led, as a judge at county fairs and the Indiana State Fair, and as a helper at 4-H camps at Purdue.
“Carolyn is so kind to everyone she meets and to see her enthusiasm along with the dedication she puts forth each and every day is a gift. I’ve experienced the honor of seeing multiple generations come forward with excitement to tell her thank you,” added Tyler.
Davis served as Indiana 4-H Round-Up Dean of Women for 40 years, just recently turning over this responsibility. Davis has also been an invaluable member of the team of adults supporting and chaperoning youth attendees at 4-H Academy for the last several years. Her positive attitude, friendly manner, and sense of humor have endeared her to both youth and adults.
Tyler says whether it’s in the classroom or 4-H, Davis is always putting the kids’ needs first, making her a “true friend of Extension!”
