COLUMBUS, Ohio — Travis West, Ohio State University Extension educator for Ohio 4-H youth development in Vinton County, was the recipient of the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award at the 2024 OSU Extension conference. Named in honor of and sponsored by the former state 4-H leader, the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award is presented annually to an Ohio 4-H educator who has demonstrated exceptional achievements in their career and has made a major contribution to 4-H programs.
West has done just that, impacting the lives of thousands of youths through community clubs, SPIN clubs, school programs and camps.
A Vinton County 4-H volunteer commented, “Over my years of involvement with the 4-H program, one thing has remained the same: Travis’ determination to provide quality programming and endless opportunities for the youth and adults in our county.”
Working in a rural, low-income county where barriers such as transportation impact 4-H involvement, West focuses on providing opportunities for positive youth development through in-school and after-school programs. Thanks to his efforts, more than 60% of the eligible youth in Vinton County are connected to 4-H each year.
Throughout his nearly 20 years as a 4-H educator, West has also made strides in growing teen opportunities in Vinton County. Under his leadership, the Junior Fair Board has grown to include 20 youth leaders each year, and he has cultivated an active residential camping program that boasts more than 25 teen counselors annually.
West also works with local schools to host a teen leadership retreat each year, coordinates a student-led peer prevention program at the high school and middle school levels, and works with the county workforce development initiative to organize and facilitate a nine-weeklong program for middle school students that teaches life and career skills.
“Travis is a tremendous 4-H educator,” said Hannah Epley, associate state 4-H leader. “He continually seeks ways to better himself as a professional and assists his colleagues in the process. We are fortunate to have him in this capacity, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the 4-H program.”
Outside of his work with teen 4-H members, West provides expertise in animal sciences, with a particular focus on rabbits. He has developed curriculum that has been shared statewide on the Ten Good Production Practices for Livestock and has addressed how these practices can best be applied to rabbits.
“He serves as an excellent role model to fellow colleagues, demonstrating how to balance his work in his local communities with his involvement at the state and national level,” said a fellow 4-H professional. “Travis is willing to share his successes, just as easily his struggles, and never holds back in order to assist another. He is an exemplary professional, investing in his community, supporting his colleagues, and making a lasting, positive impact in this world.”
— Ohio State University CFAES
