Pauline Johnson”Polly”Hanst, a former West Virginia University Extension Service agent, 4-H camp leader and volunteer, will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Friday, April 4, at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md.
Hanst, 96, is being honored for contributing more than 70 years of professional and volunteer service to the 4-H program. She is planning to attend the ceremony. She will also be among the first members of the new West Virginia 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, May 31, at WVU Jacksons Mill Center for Lifelong Learning, near Weston.
After serving as an Extension agent in Ritchie County, Hanst became the state 4-H girlsclub agent in 1932 and helped lead the state girls4-H camp. In 1944, she helped found the West Virginia 4-H Older MembersConference, which focuses on leadership development. She has been a volunteer leader at nearly every OMC since.
In 1953, she was one of the first two West Virginians honored with the National 4-H Alumni Award. She has also been inducted into WVU s Order of Vandalia, which recognizes state citizens for their service to the school and the state.
“We are pleased to share in this national recognition of one of our states outstanding 4-H youth leaders,”said Larry Cote, WVU associate provost for Extension and Public Service.”Pollys contributions have provided thousands of West Virginia youths with a solid foundation to build outstanding leadership and character.”
In addition to working for Extension, Hanst wrote a column for the first womens section in Farm Journal magazine, which focused on the needs and concerns of farm women and their families.
A Braxton County native, Hanst now lives in an assisted-living facility in Grantsville, Md. She is the widow of George Hanst, who published The Oakland (Md.) Republican. She is the mother of two sons (one deceased) and a daughter.
The WVU Extension Service operates the state 4-H youth program in all 55 counties, reaching 56,000 youths and 7,200 adult volunteer leaders.
The National 4-H Hall of Fame, now in its second year, is coordinated by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. The 2003 induction celebration will be held during the National 4-H Conference.