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DuPont and 4-H share the belief that the power of the work we do today, will transform tomorrow.

In 1990, 4-H's heritage of hands-on, agricultural science programming led to a strong partnership with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. The alliance with Pioneer supported 4-H Ag science throughout the decade, until DuPont acquired the company in 1998. But, DuPont also shared a common mission and vision with 4-H, which allowed the two organizations to continue their strong partnership to this day. DuPont/Pioneer has been a proud supporter of 4-H for the past 22 years, which is why we are proud to be honoring them with the 2012 4-H Corporate Leadership Award. DuPont’s mission to be the world's most dynamic science company, creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, and healthier life for people everywhere has allowed them to be involved in a diverse range of fields since 1802. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative, science-based solutions to leading global challenges including, food security, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting people and the environment through their collaboration with customers, governments, NGOs, and other thought leaders. This shared focus and commitment to scientific innovation makes the DuPont/4-H partnership a natural fit.

A key factor in the strength of the partnership has been the passion of committed leaders. James C. Borel, Executive Vice President at DuPont, has served on the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees since 2004, as a Board member, as chair of the Resource Development Committee, and, since 2008, as Board Chair. His leadership and vision for the DuPont/4-H partnership has contributed to vast growth in the resources Council has been able to make available to the 4-H movement in the US, and to recent efforts to develop a coordinated 4-H movement globally.

In 2010, DuPont was one of the five founding partners supporting the launch of 4-H's global network initiative, contributing initial capital and momentum to begin to bring together 4-H programs all across the globe. In October 2011, DuPont and National 4-H Council announced an expansion of the partnership to strengthen youth development in rural communities within five African nations. DuPont’s commitment of $2 million over the next two years will allow the global 4-H network to help African youth create sustainable livelihoods and improve household and national food security for people all across the continent.

The farmers and agronomists who will feed the world tomorrow are in fact, today’s young people. DuPont’s commitment will prepare them for the future through the support and positive youth development they experience in 4-H.

  

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Jennifer Nettles, lead vocalist for international super duo Sugarland, has become one of the most popular singer-songwriters in music today. 

Since Sugarland exploded onto the music scene in ’04 they have sold over nine million records, achieved eight No. 1 singles and have won numerous awards including trophies from the Grammys, AMAs, ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and CMA Awards. Nettles has won five ASCAP awards for her songwriting abilities, and in 2008 individually received a Grammy Award, ACM Award and CMA Award for penning the emotionally charged, platinum-selling No. 1 hit “Stay.” At the 2009 ACM Awards, Nettles was honored with the “Crystal Milestone Award” for being the first woman to be the solo songwriter on an ACM “Song of the Year” winner since 1972.

Nettles has been seen all over the media spectrum, with performances ranging from President Barack Obama’s inauguration celebration to Oprah, Good Morning America, Ellen, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and CNN Heroes, among others. Her fans have grown to expect Nettles to deliver memorable, heartfelt performances both individually and with surprise duet partners: At the 2007 AMAs, Beyonce joined Sugarland on stage for a countrified version of her hit single “Irreplaceable.” Two years later, at The Kennedy Center Honors, Nettles paid tribute to icon Bruce Springsteen, covering “Glory Days” and “I’m On Fire” with Ben Harper. In 2010, Nettles, Katy Perry and Keri Hilson opened VH1 Divas: Salute The Troops with a playful and sexy reprise of the WWII-era hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and most recently Nettles treated fans to a show-stopping performance of “California King Bed” with Rihanna at the 2011 ACM Awards.

Nettles and Bush have performed in numerous European countries and headlined multiple U.S. tours, including their current two-year run on the Incredible Machine Tour, which continues to sell out venues across the country.

During her tenure in 4-H, Jennifer was a member of Clovers & Company, Georgia's official 4-H performing arts group, for seven years. Her participation in the group is remembered for remarkable performances, including "Break It To Me Gently" in the 1990-91 show and in addition, Jennifer performed at National 4-H Congress in Chicago and National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC.

Jennifer Nettles grew up as a member of Coffee County, Georgia 4-H. In addition to serving on the Junior and Senior State Boards, Jennifer won Georgia State 4-H Congress honors for her Performing Arts project. She also served as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center from 1993-1995.

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Nate Seese is an active 15-year-old who found a way to make a difference in his East Lansing, Michigan, community through 4-H.   

When he joined the organization five years ago, he was able to combine his passion for raising livestock and his commitment to serving those in need.  During his time in Byron Center Busy Workers 4-H Club, he raised market lambs and hogs, and showed his projects at the Kent County Youth Fair.

But there was something more he wanted to do. Something that could reach beyond the applause for a profitable auction of his livestock.

Nate saw hunger was a problem in his community when he volunteered at the local food pantry.  There, he says, it was "flooded with people who needed help."

He coordinated with local businesses and found a way to donate meat from his 4-H projects to local Byron Center's food pantry.  In two years, he's provided 1,000 lbs of meat.

When he is not working on his 4-H projects, the high school freshman is active in the jazz band and his local church.  He also volunteers with a number of local organizations, including serving dinners and lending a hand at the Buist Community Assistance Center.

Nate plans to attend college after high school, and is considering studying Food Sciences or Pharmacy.

Celebrity Chef and Host of the ABC daytime show, The Chew

Carla Hall discovered her love for food while modeling in Europe. After graduating L’Academie de Cuisine, Carla worked as sous chef at the Henley Park Hotel, and Executive Chef at both The State Plaza Hotel and The Washington Club. America fell in love with Carla’s heart‐felt approach as she cooked her way into the finals on season five of the award‐ winning Bravo show, Top Chef, and again in season eight on Top Chef All-Stars. Today, Carla continues to cook from the heart, and balances her Southern traditions, classic French training, and holistic approach to food as one of five hosts on ABC’s newest daytime talk show, The Chew, and as the creator and owner of Alchemy by Carla Hall, an artisan cookie company, headquartered in Washington, DC. 

Carla, a Tennessee 4-H alumna, credits her 4-H experience with helping to build her confidence, self-esteem and the competitive spirit that propels her forward today. First attracted to 4-H through her interest in performance and art, Carla was particularly engaged in 4-H poster art programs where her drawings often brought home winning ribbons. Carla also was an active participant in Tennessee 4-H camp.