Carone, Perez honored by 4-H

SANTA ROSA – The New Mexico State University Guadalupe County Cooperative Extension Service has announced that two Guadalupe County residents were recognized by NMSU State 4-H on July 11 in Las Cruces.
Leslie Perez of Vaughn was recognized as a 2024 state “Friend of 4-H” and Alex Carone, outgoing president of Singleton Ranches, was named a “Honorary 4-H Member” by the statewide club.
Both Perez and Carone were honored and presented with their awards in a ceremony during the NMSU Extension State 4-H Conference in Las Cruces.

Leslie Perez
The Friend of 4-H award is given to an Extension employee or a 4-H Club leader, program leader or other volunteer that is extraordinarily supportive of the 4-H Youth Development Program. Perez became a 4-H volunteer in Guadalupe County over 17 years ago, when her eldest son became interested in the club. There was not a 4-H Club in the Vaughn/Encino area at that time, so Perez started the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, acting as Club Leader ever since.
In addition to her longstanding leadership and service to 4-H, Perez eventually became involved with the Guadalupe County Fair Board, serving as a livestock superintendent for many years – a position she still holds, even though her children are no longer active in 4-H.
Perez has taken up various roles on the Fair Board, up to and including the presidency in 2022-23. Although she says the role of president was not a good role for her, the county fair thrived under her leadership. She makes it a point to know every kid in every club in the county. She is known to epitomize “Making the Best Better” in her passion and commitment to the clubs, community, organization and the kids.
Perez also supports the agricultural youth of Guadalupe County as a teacher and FFA advisor in the Vaughn School District. She not only has ensured that the 4-H program is connected to the school and is well known, but has been instrumental in helping NMSU Guadalupe County Extension Service develop and deliver a formal 4-H-in-school program in Vaughn. She is now working with Newt McCartney on implementing the Aggie Next Steps program in the school as well.
“The Soaring Eagles 4-H Club in Vaughn, as well as 4-H members across Guadalupe County have a deep appreciation for [Mrs. Perez’s] leadership, friendship and commitment. There is no one better suited to receive this award than Mrs. Leslie Perez, a true friend of 4-H,” said Susann Mikkelson, NMSU Guadalupe County Cooperative Extension agent.

Alex Carone
Carone has represented Singleton Ranches and the Singleton Family Foundation in Guadalupe County and the northeastern region of New Mexico for almost 20 years. Through the Foundation and Singleton Ranches, he has supported the Guadalupe County Extension Service and 4-H program in a multitude of philanthropic acts, from providing in-kind and cash support for activities to matching fundraising totals for the NMSU Guadalupe County 4-H Plant Sale to being honored as the top buyer of livestock at the Guadalupe County Fair for many years running.
In addition, Singleton Ranches, under Carone’s representation, has supported the NM State 4-H Conference, NM State Horse Show program, NM Youth Ranch Management Camp and the District Agent awards.
In addition to Carone’s consistent philanthropic support through Singleton Ranches, he and his wife, Marla Carone, have been strong advocates of the 4-H program and financial supporters of 4-H Youth on a personal level. Carone has demonstrated a personal connection, kindness and enthusiasm for the 4-H program and the youth who participate, making a special effort to be acquainted with 4-H youth. Many of them know him by first name and trust him as a supporter and friend.
Carone will soon leave his ranch management role in Guadalupe County later after more than 50 years of dedication. He will remain active with the Singleton Family Foundation and will still serve the Singleton Family and, undoubtedly, still support 4-H.
“The [NMSU Guadalupe County] Extension Office, the Guadalupe County Fair Board and our 4-H families are thankful for the time and resources [Mr. Carone] has dedicated to ensuring the success of our county fair, our local clubs and individual 4-H members in their project endeavors and pursuits,” said Mikkelson. “We wish him the very best in his new home, but hope he knows he and [his wife] are always appreciated and welcomed home to New Mexico and Guadalupe County.