Fifteen Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals were awarded at a banquet dinner at 4-H Canada’s Annual General Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland in June.
Of the 60,000 medals designated for Canadians, 33 were given to the Canadian 4-H Council to honour the significant contribution of individuals to the 4-H movement in Canada, with 13 to be presented nationally and 20 provincially.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, administered by the office of the Governor General, was created in celebration of Her Majesty’s 60th anniversary of accession to the throne as Queen of Canada.
The national medal commemorates Canadians who have positively impacted their community and distinguished themselves as leaders.
Local recipients included:
– Rob Black, president, Canadian 4-H Council, from Fergus;
– Judy Shaw, former president, Canadian 4-H Council, from Guelph; and
– Bertram (Bert) Stewart, former president, Canadian 4-H Council, Elora.
“The presentation in St. John’s, amongst long-time 4-H volunteers and supporters was wonderful,” said Erin Brophy, communications and marketing manager at 4-H Canada.
“This medal recognizes the dedication, commitment and passion for 4-H in Canada of individuals who are striving to make 4-H the best youth organization in Canada.”
Celebrating his 80th birthday in August, Stewart has a lifetime of contribution to youth and agriculture behind him.
Stewart’s volunteer career began in Peel County with 4-H Ontario; he became involved in the program as a member and transitioned to a volunteer after his member tenure.
“I had good coaches when I was a member and really benefited from their guidance. I got involved in 4-H because of that experience and then just couldn’t get out,” Stewart joked.
Stewart later moved to Halton County where he was a 4-H club leader for 43 years.
“Bert has been a constant presence, help and support during my long and rewarding 4-H career,” said Halton 4-H alumni Jessica Lutes. “Lessons in judgment, maturity, Sportsmanship and teamwork that one learns from Bert last a lifetime.”
In addition to his work with 4-H Ontario at the local level, Stewart also served as the President of the Canadian 4-H Council from 2005 to 2006 where he directed the vision of the national organization. Stewart continues to contribute annually to the Canadian 4-H Council as a member.
Stewart’s hard work and dedication to youth development and agriculture has not gone unnoticed.
In 1988 he received the Centennial Award from Jack Riddell, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for outstanding service to agriculture.
In 2002 Stewart was presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his many years of community service, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Stewart is also an Honorary Life Governor of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Stewart now lives in Elora, and was married to his wife Hazel for 56 years before her passing last year. They have four children and seven grandchildren who were all involved in the 4-H program.
He continues to be active in 4-H as a volunteer trustee on the Ontario 4-H Foundation where he contributes to the long-term sustainability of 4-H.
Fergus’ Rob Black now enters his second term as president of the Canadian 4-H Council, and will act as co-chair of the national 100th anniversary celebrations in 2013.
For Black, the award is significant. “It was an honour. I was a little overwhelmed,” he said. “I’m not in 4-H to be recognized. I’m involved to give back to the community.”
Black is grateful to the organization for the impact it had in shaping his life. “It had a big impact on my life, as a member, a leader and an employee. I’ve had the ability to have experiences and make connections across the country.”
For the youth involved in the club programs, Black believes the rewards are plentiful. “You learn so much: self-confidence, self-worth and things such as communication skills.”
But he adds the leaders who volunteer their time to guide these clubs benefit too.
“As a volunteer you get so much out of it, in experience and opportunities.”
Eager to begin planning for the 2013 events, Black hopes it will bring attention and new members to 4-H groups across Canada, and here at home.
“4-H is a great program. It provides an opportunity for well-rounded experience. It’s the best kept secret in rural Ontario. Our goal is to raise that profile.”
More than 8,000 trained volunteer leaders help more than 26,000 4-H members develop self-confidence and learn a wide variety of skills through hands-on project work.
For more information about 4-H in Canada and the 100th anniversary, visit www.4-h-canada.ca.
