Waller Retires From Leading MoCo 4-H

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Longtime Montgomery County 4-H Program Assistant Julie Waller has officially hung up her hat as the county’s “4-H lady,” as she has retired from leading the program after 18 years.

“They say retirement is a new beginning, and I plan to start mine with a grateful heart. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful organization whose main priority is to empower our young people through hands-on education, mentorship, and community-focused development. As I hang my hat up as ‘the 4-H lady,’ I can’t wait to see what these young leaders do next,” she emphasized.

Throughout her career, Waller has balanced being a mother to her own stepson and daughter with being a mother figure to several children in the community. Her stepson Kash Waller, who is in middle school, and daughter Braylie Davis, who is currently a freshman at the University of Georgia, spent many days with Waller and their fellow 4-H’ers, as the siblings often attended camps, competitions, volunteer opportunities, and more alongside their mother, as Braylie even became a teen leader within the program before graduating. Waller’s retirement comes as a decision to step away from the workforce and enjoy more time with her family.

After announcing her decision to retire, Waller reflected on her almost two decades of experience with the organization. “I love how family oriented 4-H is. Everyone’s kids truly become your kids, and it is so much fun to be able to be involved in their lives and watch them grow up. Also, working with [Montgomery County Extension Office Administrative Assistant] LeAnna [Connell] all of these years has been amazing – she truly became my best friend. So, it has been amazing to go to work and be surrounded by people that you love,” she emphasized. “When you have a job that you enjoy, it’s not work at all.”

She reminisced about some of her favorite memories, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, when several members of the 4-H Club began having “family time,” during which they would hang out together and do several activities, enjoying each other’s company. Ultimately, several 4-H’ers – including Waller’s daughter Braylie – continued “family time” until they graduated, and still enjoy getting together and catching up whenever everyone is in town.

Another memory on which Waller looks back fondly is when the club competed in the District Project Achievement event at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. “Although it is a competition, it is almost like a mini camp. We went during the summer that year, and took every class possible – archery, canoeing, wildlife, etc. We couldn’t mingle like normal with the other 4-H Clubs, so we did everything together and really bonded. It was amazing to see kids that didn’t normally go to summer camp get to experience all of the things summer camp had to offer,” she recalled.

That camaraderie and bond created in moments like those are what Waller says she will miss most from her time in 4-H. “I will miss getting to know the kids and watching them grow up. I love seeing how far they have come and being a part of their growth. Even though these kids may grow up and leave, they always come back, whether it’s as a volunteer or just to say ‘hi’ or even to rent an apartment [from her husband’s business Waller Properties]. A lot of the kids I had in my program have grown up and have babies and jobs now, and I am so proud of them,” she emphasized.

She continued, “I will also miss the coworkers and volunteers who became family and the teachers and administrators who became friends. I have been blessed beyond measure, and I will cherish the memories I’ve made over the past 18 years forever.”

Montgomery County Extension Office Administrative Assistant LeAnna Connell – who worked with Waller for the entirety of her career with 4-H – spoke on her friend’s retirement. “Julie was the backbone of Montgomery County 4-H. Even though she was ‘just a program assistant,’ she toted the program single handedly for years when we had no agent in our office, and even when we did have an agent, she continued to go above and beyond,” she remarked. “We’ve worked together for so long, I don’t know what to do without her. She will definitely be missed.”

Connell shared numerous stories of the fun and laughter which Waller brought to the program, as she credited her with creating the “best game ever,” the balloon game.

Montgomery County Extension Agent Lauren Stanley also spoke on Waller’s retirement. “Julie Waller has been a fixture of the Montgomery County 4-H program for 18 years. Affectionately known as the ‘4-H Lady,’ I remember we always looked forward to her visits to our middle and high school classrooms. Her positive, upbeat attitude, love for 4-H and its mission, passion for serving the community, smile, and sense of humor were infectious- and still are. She makes sure each 4-H’er she comes in contact with feels seen, loved, and accepted. The last few years that I’ve had the pleasure of working with ‘the 4-H Lady’ have taught me countless lessons and I’ve acquired some ‘Julie-isms’ along the way. LeAnna, myself, and our volunteers and 4-H’ers will miss her immensely, but look forward to adding her to our active volunteer roster and continuing our relationship in that way- I know her 4-H green and white will never fade! We appreciate Julie and her contributions and impact over the last 18 years,” Stanley said.

Waller shared her gratitude to everyone who had supported her throughout her career, but especially, the families. “Thank you to all of the families that have allowed me into their lives over the years. Your kids became my kids and I have loved them all. I will truly miss all of you and your families,” she commented. “Last but definitely not least, thank you to my husband, who retired me so I get to live this motherhood life. I am trading one legacy for another.”

Waller’s last day as the Montgomery County 4-H Program Assistant was Friday, April 3. She promised to always support the program, and assured she was already working on her paperwork to become a 4-H volunteer. “My 4-H green will never fade!” she concluded.

FAMILY TIME – One of retired Montgomery County 4-H Program Assistant Julie Waller’s favorite memories is the creation of “family time,” during which she and several former 4-H members spent quality time together. L to R: Max Barrow, Paris Ann Thornton, Julie Waller, Braylie Davis, Bray Williamson, Alex Autry, Eric White Jr.