It’s hard to imagine anyone in Iowa who doesn’t know a bit about 4-H. It has been more than a century since 4-H got its start in Iowa in 1901. Today it is the largest youth-development program in the Hawkeye State. About one-quarter of the state’s young folks are involved in 4-H. Those 125,000 youthful participants from all 99 of the state’s counties are supported in their activities by more than 11,000 adult volunteers.

The underlying theme of 4-H is captured succinctly in the organization’s motto: “Make the best better.” Growth through learning, teamwork and communication is at the very core of 21st-century 4-H.

Adults who volunteer time to help this important program succeed make a crucial contribution to its success. That’s why the Iowa 4-H Foundation conducts an annual ceremony at the Iowa State Fair to induct into the 4-H Hall of Fame “caring adults who are committed to the program.” That event was held Aug. 19.

This year’s inductees from our circulation area include:

– JoAnn Lennon, Webster County

– Dawn Clark, Calhoun County

– Marilyn Middleton, Hamilton County

– Clarence and Bernice Norman, Humboldt County

– Faye Kuhlmann, Kossuth County

– Clyde Johnson, Palo Alto County

– Judy Krips, Pocahontas County

– Rich and Jan Mason, Sac County

– Doug Helgevold, Wright County

Farm News congratulates and salutes these exceptional volunteer leaders. Their investment of time and energy in 4-H have helped and will continue to benefit the many young people who participate in 4-H in the communities they call home. The tireless work by these volunteers should inspire other adults to explore how they too can be of assistance to this immensely worthwhile program.