EJ Lueder recognized in Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Hall of Fame

Published on by jackie.askins

EJ LuederThe University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand-new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, November 15. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, according to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Program Director Dale Leidheiser.

“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser says.

Wisconsin 4-H is proud to be represented by EJ Lueder in the 4-H Hall of Fame. The Ozaukee County native spent his career developing leadership skills of youth, volunteers, and staff. He served as 4-H agent in Sauk and Kenosha Counties before joining the state 4-H Youth Development staff.

EJ’s style was to quietly work behind the scenes to empower others to be in the spotlight, as they grew more confident. He advised the state Youth and Adult Leader Councils as they planned and conducted conferences, made advisory input into policy, and advocated for 4-H Youth Development program support with statewide and national stakeholders.

EJ led the staff team that developed and implemented the youth leadership curriculum that focused on encouraging youth at young ages to assume leadership roles in their clubs. Youth were encouraged to expand their leadership beyond the club with camp counselor, county 4-H committees and organization involvement and leadership.

EJ also contributed his wisdom, knowledge, and skills to his church and as a member of the Madison West Kiwanis Club. EJ’s leadership lives on in the generations of people whose lives he has touched.

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame website to learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders.