Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, August 28, 2014

Cheryl Whittingham (center) and Cindy Schlapia were inducted recently into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. They are pictured with Albert Gruneald, interim executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Two Ringgold County residents were honored by induction into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at ceremonies held during the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 17.

Cindy Schlapia and Cheryl Whittington were among 4-H leaders and volunteers from 82 counties presented with Hall of Fame certificates from the Iowa 4-H Foundation in recognition for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.

According to information appearing on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, "Cindy Schlapia and Cheryl Whittington have devoted over 25 years enhancing the lives of 4-H members in Ringgold County. The educational experiences, positive role modeling, youth led activities, community service and hands on in the community and fair will forever impact the young people in all they do and in their areas of success.

"The variety of activities the club has undertaken have made a positive difference in the communities of Diagonal and Mount Ayr. A terrific 'garden' has been developed at the fairgrounds serving as a gathering place for the club members and others who need to meet up with parents or their club. It is permanent and yearly it expands and gets better. Many of the projects in Diagonal have had a lasting impact and certainly cause the adults to respect and admire the youth.

"Cindy and Cheryl always have time for the club members and their needs. By allowing them to practice leadership skills, many have served in a variety of capacities to serve their club, community and country following in their club leaders' shoes. some are 4-H leaders at the present time or serving their community in a variety of other capacities."

Inductees are selected for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents, fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones, Iowa 4-H Foundation Trustees or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of fame was established in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees are also available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation's website.

Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2014

Cindy Schlapia and Cheryl Whittington have devoted over 25 years enhancing the lives of 4-H members in Ringgold County. The educational experiences, positive role modeling, youth led activities, community service, and hands on in the community and fair will forever impact the young people in all they do and in their areas of success.

The variety of activities the club has undertaken have made a positive difference in the communities of Diagonal and Mt. Ayr. A terrific “garden” has been developed at the fairgrounds serving as a gathering place for the club members and others who need to meet up with parents or their club. It is permanent and yearly it expands and gets better. Many of the projects in Diagonal have had a lasting impact and certainly cause the adults to respect and admire the youth.

Cindy and Cheryl always have time for the club members and their needs. By allowing them to practice leadership skills, many have served in a variety of capacities to serve their club, community, and country following in their club leaders’ shoes. Some are 4H leaders at the present time or serving their community in a variety of other capacities.

SOURCE: iowa4hfoundation.org/index.cfm/30678/12890/2014_ringgold_county__cindy_schlapia_and_cheryl_whittington
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2015