Though Dick Martin is most deserving of his induction in the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame, he’d rather have the
spotlight directed elsewhere.
When he learned of the honor, he said his first reaction was surprise.
"There are a whole lot of other people more deserving," Martin said. "It’s a fine honor
and one that I’ll never forget."
Martin was enshrined on March 10 at the Convention Center in Columbus.
He has been involved in the 4-H program at almost every level, from being a club member and later
adviser, up to the state organization in his service as a district specialist and supervisor.
As a 4-H leader, he has never taken the responsibility lightly, always focusing on the youth.
"You’re at camp with 200 kids and you don’t realize what impact you may have," Martin said.
"You really have a tremendous positive impact on the kids."
His nomination for the award was prepared by Jayne Roth and Jenny Morlock, both of the Wood County 4-H
program at Ohio State University Extension.
The form highlights his 38 years in the 4-H program.
"There is no one person who has made a greater impact on the 4-H youth in Ohio," than Dick
Martin. "His enthusiasm and continued dedication and volunteerism make him a priceless 4-H
supporter across the state."
Roth and Morlock said of Martin, "4-H Camp continues to hold a soft spot in his heart."
They also referenced the move to Camp Palmer which allowed another 100 campers to attend.
"That change energized a camping program that continues today," continued the nomination noting
the 250 campers annually is the largest camp at 4-H Camp Palmer.
They also credited his "unselfish personality," "creative teaching style and "knack
for working with a variety of audiences" as reasons why he stays busy . "Dick continues to be
a constant figure in Extension and Ohio 4-H since his retirement. Each day he continues to build strong
leaders and lives the motto "To Make the Best Better."
During his 4-H agent days in Wood County he was instrumental in developing the county 4-H endowment fund
program in association with the Ohio State University Development Fund. Since 1984, countless youth and
adults have benefited from the dollars raised from this endeavor.
Martin counts that among his greatest accomplishments with 4-H.
"It’s really grown over the years," he said of the various endowments including the one for
Wood County.
He is also proud of the decision to join Camp Palmer, which was made when he was involved in the county
program.
"Dick’s name is synonymous with leadership in Extension. A passion during his career with Extension
was developing strong leaders," read his nomination.
Morlock and Roth summarized, "Quite simply, Dick enjoys working with youth and adults and will do
anything in his power to provide wholesome 4-H programs for them. He is a brilliant example of what is
good about 4-H. Dick truly is a treasure to the Ohio State University Extension."
Martin becomes the fifth person from Wood County to earn the honor. He joins Carroll Frank, inducted in
1981; Bob Bradley, 1986; Bill Buchman, 2004 and Doug Michaelis, 2007.
Martin’s picture now joins other Hall of Fame members on the walls at the state offices. With only a
maximum of four inductees each year, he is quite proud to be part of the elite group.
"I’ve walked by those pictures for years and never dreamed I’d be up there," he said.