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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Faces of Ohio 4-H

Young Kirk Bloir with a dairy goat.

Each month we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum. They have amazing stories to share, from their personal experience in 4-H to how they have given back to the program. This month we feature Dr. Kirk Bloir, the Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development for Ohio State University Extension and Williams County 4-H alumnus.

Kirk joined his first 4-H club in Williams County in third grade, after being inspired by high school students who came to speak to his class about 4-H. After starting with his first goat, Freckles, he went on to complete many more dairy goat and miscellaneous projects. Kirk joined Junior Leaders and served as a camp counselor and on the junior fair board. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in adolescent development, master’s degree in human development and family science, and PhD in Extension education from The Ohio State University.Kirk with a map tiled "How's Your Global IQ? Improve it through 4-H!"Kirk at Citizenship Washington Focus.

Kirk shared the impact 4-H had on his life and career. “4-H has taught me patience, persistence, and perseverance; the importance of being a humble winner and a gracious loser; and that when we work together we can achieve amazing things for ourselves, our clubs, our communities, and our world.”  

He continued, “I have so many favorite 4-H memories, I can’t pick just one!  I was in a very active 4-H club and we did lots of group activities and outings—being a part of the annual Kunkle Fourth of July parade, fall family pot luck and hay ride, field trips that helped us dig deeper into our club project, community service projects, and supporting each other during the county fair. My club advisors and other parents made sure we all were safe, felt welcomed, and were empowered to do our best.” 

Jane Rath, Kirk Bloir, and Junior Rath at the 2016 Ohio 4-H Conference. Jane and Junior are Kirk's former 4-H advisors.Kirk suggested new 4-H members should explore the vast array of opportunities 4-H offers to find their spark. “Stretch yourself, grow your skills, and share your voice through projects, clubs, camps, demonstration contests, junior leaders, junior fair board, awards, scholarships, international exchange experiences, and all that 4-H offers.” He concluded, “I’m so incredibly honored and truly blessed to be able to give back while also paying it forward, so that 4-H continues to grow our future generations of true leaders.” Kirk won the Williams County Fair Showmanship Sweepstakes.Kirk showing a dairy goat at the Williams County Fair.