Childers inducted into 4-H Wall of Fame
Mike Childers, a 4-H alumnus and Morgan County 4-H resource volunteer, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame May 13 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana.
He was one of 12 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environ-mental Science Education Center. Childers was nominated by Morgan County 4-H and Extension.
The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment “to make the best better.”
Childers has been involved in 4-H since he was in high school where he graduated in 1966. As a 4-H’er, he showed cattle in local and regional shows where he always was a winner in one way or another. After Childers was married, he and his wife, Cheryl, managed a cattle ranch in Centre for 10 years. Then they moved to their present home near Hartselle.
The Childers’ have three sons. As soon as they were old enough, the children began 4-H and continued showing cattle through their high school years. After his sons graduated, Childers continued to be involved in 4-H. He donated money and time in coordinating and participating in the Morgan County Fair 4-H Steer and Lamb Show until it was discontinued in 2011.
Childers has three grandsons and a granddaughter. They will continue the legacy when they reach 4-H age.
According to Ronald W. Britnell, county Extension coordinator, “Mike has always been a leader in his community, church and farm organizations, such as the Morgan County Farmer Federation. He is always quick to vote to sponsor any Extension program especially when it comes to supporting the youth of the county.”
Britnell enrolled Childers’ three sons in 4-H. “They were the glue that held the Morgan County livestock program in place for so many years,” he said.