Paul Benneche receives Emerald Clover Award for decades of dedication to 4-H marksmanship education

For more than 40 years, Paul Benneche has helped young people across Virginia learn discipline, confidence, and focus one shot at a time.

Benneche, a longtime 4-H shooting education volunteer from Albemarle County, was honored with the 2026 Emerald Clover Award at the annual Evening with Virginia 4-H event in Richmond on Jan. 23. The award recognizes outstanding and sustained service to the growth and success of Virginia 4-H youth programs. 

Though never a 4-H member himself, Benneche was instrumental in launching Virginia’s 4-H shooting education program in 1980. He’s since served at every level of the program, from local club leader to chairman of the Virginia 4-H Shooting Education Committee, and helped shape it into one of the state’s most respected youth development offerings.

“We had to convince people that shooting was a mechanism for youth development, as opposed to just a recreational activity,” Benneche said. “It teaches discipline, self-control, and motivation — all things we would like our young people to learn.” 

As a competitive shooter since childhood and coach of the shooting teams at the University of Virginia since 1975, Benneche brought lived expertise to the program. He’s also been actively involved in improving training standards and ensuring safety across all 4-H shooting disciplines. 

Sarah Brown, a 4-H Extension Educator with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Albemarle, has worked closely with Benneche over the years. 

“His impact is truly multigenerational,” Brown said. “Some current 4-H volunteers were once his own 4-H members. He’s emphasized safety and skill development throughout, helping thousands of youth grow through high-quality experiences.”

Benneche’s leadership helped revitalize the Blue Ridge Shooting Club after the pandemic. He helped recruit new volunteers from the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club, helping rebuild capacity and expand the club’s offerings. Thanks to his efforts, more than eight new volunteers have been trained, and the club is growing under new leadership. 

“The renewed leadership and capacity he helped build allowed the club to expand its programming to include air rifle and soon shotgun education, in addition to its established riflery and archery offerings,” Brown said.

His influence extends beyond Albemarle. At Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, he served on the board for 25 years, championing expanded shooting facilities and serving in leadership roles, including on the executive committee. In 2021, he also provided financial support to establish a half-time, state-level 4-H shooting education coordinator — a position now funded by Virginia Cooperative Extension. 

“Over the years, the role was always handled by a volunteer that was in VCE,” Benneche said. “I wanted to prove the position was needed, so I told them, ‘I’ll fund it for the first three years. If it’s worth keeping, you take it from there.’ And they did.” 

Benneche isn’t finished. He has also committed his estate to support the Virginia 4-H Shooting Education program, Charlottesville/Albemarle 4-H, and the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center — continuing his legacy of service for generations to come.

According to Brown, there are few people who deserve to be recognized as much as Benneche.  

“Paul’s unwavering commitment to youth development over more than 40 years makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition,” Brown said.

For Benneche, the recognition is meaningful, but he hopes it sparks something bigger. 

“I never sought out awards,” he said. “I just hope it encourages others to step up and volunteer. It takes adults to help lead the way for the next generation, so I'm just hopeful that people try to find a few hours in their week to help set them on the right path.”