Madison County 4-H Volunteer
Inducted May 14, 2009
Betty H. Duncan is a SPACE Teacher at the Academy of Science and Foreign Language (ASFL) in Huntsville. She has been instrumental in conducting 4-H in her classes for the past 12 years. She had to receive special training to be allowed to conduct 4-H as part of the curriculum at ASFL, receiving certification through the University of Alabama and utilizing the researched-based 4-H curriculum.
With childhood obesity on the rise among young people, Duncan used the 4-H Healthy Living program to instruct the 4-H class on the value and importance of healthy and nutritious food. As part of the class, 4-H’ers prepare a dish and present a demonstration of the nutritional value.
Duncan recently visited with a student from one of her first classes. The student shared with Duncan that the information she learned in 4-H Healthy Living has helped her to lose a tremendous amount of weight and that her doctors have taken her off cholesterol medication and that her blood pressure is better. The hands-on philosophy of this class inspired this student to pursue a career as a certified dietician.
Duncan received the 2007 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award along with a $2,500 gift for supplies for her classes. She received this honor based on her commitment to youth, and she continues to serve Madison County 4-H.
Nominated by Wanda Pharris
