Photo by Marya Barlow for Virginia Tech
Glenda Snyder of Buchanan, 4-H Extension agent emerita in Botetourt County, has been honored as one of 16 inductees in this year’s National 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifelong contributions to youth development.
Snyder, a dedicated Virginia 4-H leader and volunteer for more than four decades, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Oct. 27 in Atlanta, Ga. The honor recognizes her lifelong commitment to youth development, leadership, and civic engagement.
The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, National 4-H Council, and 4-H National Headquarters to honor individuals who have made a significant impact on 4-H at the local, state, or national level. Snyder joins approximately 500 inductees who have earned the organization’s highest honor.
“I’m deeply honored to be part of this year’s Hall of Fame class,” Snyder said. “4-H has influenced my life in so many ways — as a youth member, an agent, and a volunteer. It’s been a privilege to help young people discover their strengths and grow into leaders who care about their communities and the world around them. To be recognized for a lifetime spent doing work I love, alongside people who share the same passion and purpose, is an incredible honor.”
Snyder’s journey with 4-H began in Halifax County, where she first learned the values of responsibility, leadership, service, and citizenship as a youth member. She later served as an International 4-H Youth Exchange delegate to Barbados, an experience that deepened her lifelong commitment to global engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
She earned both her bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise and her master’s degree in career and technical education with a specialization in youth development from Virginia Tech.
Over the course of 31 years as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent in Botetourt County, Snyder developed innovative youth programs that emphasized leadership, life skills, and character education. She was recognized with the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Extension Excellence, the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach, and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Meritorious Service Award.
Upon retirement in 2010, she was named senior Extension agent emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
After retiring, Snyder continued to shape Virginia 4-H for another decade, leading development and implementation of the state’s New 4-H Agent Training Program. Drawing on her experience as an educator and mentor, she guided dozens of new agents across Virginia, helping them build strong local programs and establish rewarding careers in Extension.
Her dedication to international outreach continued well beyond retirement. As a national trainer for the CHARACTER COUNTS! program, Snyder led workshops across Brazil for over 4,150 educators, community leaders, and judges who went on to implement the program. Her efforts helped embed CHARACTER COUNTS! in Brazilian schools and communities, where it has improved student behavior for more than two decades and positively impacted nearly 1 million people. More recently, she helped establish a Virginia 4-H exchange with Chile, expanding opportunities for youth to learn through international collaboration.
Snyder’s civic leadership extended across the Commonwealth and beyond. She coordinated Virginia 4-H Day at the Capitol, organized civic education sessions with 4-H staff such as “How a Bill Becomes a Law,” and served as advisor to the State 4-H Cabinet. She also held leadership roles as president of the Virginia Association of Extension 4-H Agents, and the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, as well as service on the Virginia Partners of the Americas Board.
Today, Snyder remains dedicated to Virginia 4-H and continues providing guidance to the Virginia 4-H All Stars, working to strengthen their foundation and foster a positive, service-driven environment for both youth and adult members across the state.
“Glenda has dedicated her life to 4-H,” said Jeremy Johnson, state 4-H leader and Extension associate director. “She’s mentored agents, inspired young people, and built connections that stretch from local communities here in Virginia to partners around the world. This honor recognizes what so many of us already know — her influence has shaped generations and will continue to ripple through 4-H for years to come.”
~ Submitted by Marya Barlow,
Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
