Grammy Award-winning artist and Sugarland band founder Jennifer Nettles was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.
Nominated by the National 4-H Council, Nettles was one of 13 honored at the Grand Wyndham Pittsburgh Downtown ceremony on Monday.
The National 4-H Hall of Fame laureates are nominated for their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels by their home states, the National 4-H Council, the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, or 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Nettles is best known for her successful career as a singer/songwriter, founding member of the musical group Sugarland, Broadway performer, movie actor, and television star. The recipient of three Grammy Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, and an American Music Award, she has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, and John Legend.
Nettles started her 4-H journey at age 10 in Coffee County, Georgia. She was active in state and county programs, serving as an officer, Rock Eagle camp counselor, and Georgia 4-H’s Clovers & Company performing arts group member. She credits Clovers & Company for preparing her to perform in front of nearly one million people at President Obama’s inauguration.
As an active alumna, Nettles is a National 4-H Luminary and donates to state and national 4-H programs annually. In 2012, the National 4-H Council awarded her with the Distinguished 4-H Alumni Medallion, an honor bestowed on alumni who embody the 4-H pledge through significant professional accomplishments. Nettles generously volunteers her time to 4-H by performing at major fundraisers like the National 4-H Council’s Legacy Awards and by mentoring young 4-H artists.
“Jennifer is a true Hall of Famer. She is generous with her time, committed to helping others, and incredibly talented,” said Dr. Bo Ryles, former Georgia State 4-H Leader and Clovers & Company Director. “This beautiful person serves as an inspiration for 4-H’ers and leaders everywhere.”
Honorees were presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque, and memory book during the ceremony. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.
“We are proud to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals who are the Class of 2023 Laureates for the National 4-H Hall of Fame. These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation,” said Pamela Van Horn, chair of the National 4-H Hall of Fame.
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