What is the Celebration of Excellence?

In 2010, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation began a new tradition when it hosted the very first Celebration of Excellence Dinner. The event was created to raise awareness about 4-H in Arkansas and much needed funds to grow and strengthen Arkansas 4-H. However, the Foundation also wanted to recognize those in our state that have displayed the character and leadership that is developed through 4-H and so the Celebration of Excellence Award was born.

Following the characteristics described in the official mission of 4-H, “to provide opportunities for youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society,” the Foundation does not take the selection of awardees lightly. Awardees are recognized by their upstanding character and their devotion to the community of Arkansas.

The Celebration of Excellence Award is not just to represent what an individual has done in the past, but also what they will continue to do in the future, ultimately making the best better.
 

2011 Celebration of Excellence honored P. Allen Smith

The Arkansas 4-H Foundation was proud to honor P. Allen Smith with the 2011 Celebration of Excellence Award. 

October 11, 2011 was an enchanted evening full of 4-H pride and spirit as the Arkansas 4-H Foundation hosted the second Celebration of Excellence Dinner at the beautiful Peabody Hotel. The Grand Ballroom was bustling with youth and adults all gathered to honor the great organization, 4-H, and one of its most successful members, P. Allen Smith.

Allen comes from a long line of southern farmers. He became a 4-H member at age eight; showing livestock at the county fair and enjoying 4-H camps during the summer. Today P. Allen farms an 1840 farmstead, Moss Mountain Farm, overlooking the Arkansas River Valley just northwest of Little Rock. He is well known for his popular garden shows, delicious recipes and his expertise in garden design.  

In honor of our agricultural roots for the first time ever the Peabody allowed animals, other than those famous ducks, to be present at the hotel. A parade of farm animals welcomed us all to the program and the beautiful chickens clucked their support for Allen and 4-H. Event Chair, Herren Hickingbotham, and Master of Ceremony, Pat Bradley, topped off the night with their wonderful speeches and gracious support.    

The Arkansas 4-H Foundation would like to thank all of the attendees and supporters for coming together and celebrating P. Allen Smith and Arkansas 4-H.

For more pictures click here!