Each year, the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award honors an Ohio 4-H Educator who demonstrates outstanding achievement and innovation. Sponsored by former state 4-H leader Charles W. Lifer, the award recognizes educators nominated by peers for significant contributions to the Ohio 4-H program. This year’s recipient is Laryssa Hook, Delaware County 4-H Educator.
Throughout her career, Hook has impacted thousands of youth—not only in Delaware County but also across Ohio and nationally.
One nominator shared, “Laryssa Hook has made a major contribution to 4-H programs with new and innovative offerings and efforts that improve existing programs in her county. You can see from these examples that Laryssa not only does innovative work in Delaware County, she also goes beyond to bring this work to the state and national levels.”
Hook supports nearly 300 volunteers and more than 1,000 youth annually through clubs, school programs, ChickQuest, CARTEENS, and camps. For over 25 years, she has prioritized volunteer development with required annual training, offering fresh presentations each year. As community needs evolve, Hook adapts—providing advanced training on the 4-H Thriving Model and creating resources to help volunteers support youth in mental health crises.
Each summer, Hook leads Junior and Teen Camps and trains nearly 40 camp counselors. She also advises the State 4-H Fashion Board, a role she has held for nearly a decade, supporting its efforts year-round—including at the Ohio State Fair.
Since 2013, Hook has served on the Ohio 4-H Healthy Living Design Team, chairing the Accommodating Disabilities Subcommittee for more than a decade. In this role, she has been a key champion in increasing awareness and knowledge of the Winning 4-H Plan. She has authored fact sheets and training programs, presented at state and national conferences, and become a trusted resource for peers working to create inclusive, belonging-focused opportunities for young people.
In addition to her programming and resource work, Hook actively promotes mental health education. In 2024, the Relationships 101 project book was launched, and Hook contributed to its writing and development. In its first year at the Ohio State Fair, 26 4-H members exhibited this project. She also created a wallet card featuring practical tips for supporting individuals in distress.
Another nominator praised her “leadership in a diverse, changing county,” noting her multigenerational impact and lasting example for Ohio 4-H growth.
Hook’s work goes beyond programming—she champions volunteers, supports youth mental health, and represents Ohio 4-H nationally. Her career reflects innovation, dedication, and a commitment to excellence—just as the Charles W. Lifer Excellence in 4-H Award describes its recipients.