Norma PittsNorma Pitts spent 10 years in the Madison County Ohio 4-H program, completing clothing projects that taught her all about sewing construction, garment fit, and design—skills that would prove to be invaluable while she served as the state clothing specialist for OSU Extension.
Ohio 4-H not only taught Pitts the skills needed to be successful in her future career, but the program also made it possible for her to go to college. “I was able to attend The Ohio State University because of a scholarship I received, and I got a job providing alteration services at JCPenney. It helped me pay for college thanks to the skills I learned through my 4-H projects,” said Pitts.
After graduation, Pitts taught in the South- Western City School District for seven years. During four of those years, she spent summers in school to earn her master’s degree in textiles and clothing. Pitts went on to apply for a position with OSU Cooperative Extension after obtaining her master’s and worked as the clothing specialist for 25 years.
“In this role, I contributed to the Ohio 4-H clothing program by writing and revising 4-H clothing project books, leading trainings for advisors and judges, and helping conduct the State 4-H Fashion revues and evaluations at the Ohio State Fair,” she said. Pitts helped with practice and commentary at the revue for over 40 years—first in her professional role, then as a volunteer. “It was always enjoyable to see the 4-H members’ hard work, especially during the first year of a new project,” she said.
Pitts (front row, third from right) attending a scholarship dinner with the Kroger Company in a wool dress she made.
