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Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees from Wright County, Iowa The
Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction
ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Counties nominate volunteers,
community leaders, and Extension staff members who have exemplified
outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their
county. Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each
year. Inductees can be recognized posthumously. The
Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as 4-H celebrated 100
years of a program dedicated to teaching youth life skills. During
those 100 years, it became evident that one of the essential elements
of the 4-H program was the caring adults who were committed to the
program. Inductees
into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame represent the many people in Iowa who
have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program. They
work tirelessly to see that Iowa's youth have a great learning
experience in a safe and fun environment. These adults have modeled
volunteer ism, community service, integrity, and leadership to Iowa's
youth. Their legacy is the young people they have
mentored who will in turn support the continuation of a 4-H program
that builds Iowa's leaders. Abstracted from: https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/recognition/iowa_4h_hall_of_fame/
2025 - Kevin Hadley
Wright County proudly nominates Kevin Hadley for the 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to agriculture, youth development, and community service. A resident of Wright County for 70 years, Kevin has worked as a farmer and Pioneer Seed Sales Representative, continuing his family’s legacy since 1983. Kevin’s 4-H journey began in 1960 with the Iowa Hawkeye 4-H Club, where he showed dairy cattle and participated in demonstrations—one of which was even televised. A favorite memory was a 4-H award trip to Chicago, made unforgettable by a stalled train over the Mississippi River. The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” has guided Kevin throughout his life. He attended the State 4-H Conference in Ames and later served as a 4-H leader, sheep superintendent, Wright County Fair Board member, and currently serves on the Wright County Extension Council and 4-H Endowment Committee as treasurer. Beyond 4-H, Kevin has served on the Dows-Rowan Coop Board, USDA-FSA County Board, and Rowan Library Board, and is active in the Rowan Methodist Church. He also ran the kids’ pedal pull at the fair for many years, bringing joy to young fairgoers. Kevin and his wife, Betty, have four children—Kyle, Wyatt, Cherish, and Melissa. Kyle and Wyatt were both nine-year 4-H members, continuing the family’s strong 4-H tradition. Betty has been a constant supporter of Kevin’s work and a beloved figure in the 4-H community. Kevin encourages today’s youth to embrace every opportunity 4-H offers—a message he’s lived by for decades.
2024 - Bryan and Allison Whaley
Allison Steen Whaley and Bryan Whaley have been involved with 4-H since they were ten years old. As a fourth grader, Allison joined the Howard Center Stars 4-H Club at Lime Springs and the Flying Hoofs 4-H Club. She entered exhibits at the county and state fairs in almost every static project area and showed Morgan horses. Her leadership and citizenship projects around her horses led to her being selected as the State Horse Project winner and a delegate to the 1991 National 4-H Congress in Chicago. She was also a member of the Howard County Council and the State 4-H Council. Allison graduated from ISU with a degree in animal science. She has led the 4-H Horse Club and the Wright Warriors 4-H Club for fifteen years. Today, Allison is the secretary of the Wright County Fair Board and superintendent of the horse show. Bryan was a ten-year member of the Wolf Creek Whirlwinds 4-H Club of Gladbrook. He carried out numerous 4-H projects, including sheep, beef, swine, and static projects. Bryan served on the Tama County Council and the State 4-H Council. Like Allison, he was a delegate to the National 4-H Congress in 1991 as a winner in the sheep project. It was there where they first met. Bryan graduated from Simpson College with a degree in education and later received his master’s in agriculture education from ISU. He started his extension career as a part-time youth program specialist in Wright and Humboldt counties. He later accepted the role as the 4-H Shooting Sports state coordinator. Eventually, he added Webster and Hamilton counties to his YPS duties before leaving that position to become a regional director. He served in this role for over seven years before becoming the director of field operations–north for ISU Extension and Outreach. In December 2023, he was hired as the Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association. Bryan and Allison are the parents of two children, Shea and Quinn, who have been outstanding 4-H members of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club.
2023 - Stu Swanson
It was inevitable that Stuart Swanson was going to be active in 4-H. From a young age, Stuart witnessed his parents (Ronald and Florine Swanson) be actively involved in the local 4-H program and beyond. He was eager to begin his 4-H career at the age of 10 and joined the Lincoln Leaders 4-H club where he was a member for 10 years. As Stuart got older, he was also a member of the Wright County Teen Council and State 4-H Council, and National 4-H Congress. His major projects were showing pigs as well as welding, food and nutrition, fishery and wildlife, and leadership project areas. Stuart began farming in Wright County shortly after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Business. He has made service to the agricultural community an integral part of his career. Stuart has served as a 4-H leader for the Wright County Pork Interest Group (which he was the founder of), for 14+ years. Aside from his leadership in the 4-H community, Stuart has served on the Iowa Corn Growers Association Board, District 2 Iowa Corn Board, Iowa Corn Animal Ag in the Environment Committee, Iowa Pork Committee, US Grains Council Western Hemisphere Committee, Wright County FSA Committee Chairman, North Central Coop Board, and much more. Stuart and his wife, Lori, have 4 daughters who were all active members in Wright County 4-H and had Stuart as their 4-H leader for most of their tenure. His children’s favorite project group was swine and he enjoyed helping his girls get their swine projects ready for fair. He continues to be an active volunteer for the 4-H organization and volunteers at the Wright County fair even after his stint as a 4-H leader, specifically with the swine weigh in and swine show. Stuart hopes that he instilled the importance of 4-H and service to the agricultural industry in his children and others and is excited to see them prosper in this industry and organization.
2022 - Mike Marshall
Mike provides leadership to others while enjoying retirement. He was a 4-H leader for his local club in the 80s. In the years since he continued to work for the benefit of the youth and the community. He is a member of the Wright County Extension Council. The Hall of Famer is also active when it comes to the Wright County Fair every year. He helps with the livestock in varying capacities. Marshall assists in the pig ring and weighing livestock beforehand. Perhaps more than any other activity, Marshall is known in Wright County for the support and involvement with 4-Hers that show bottle calves. Every year, he houses several calves at his farm that will eventually make it to the county fair. From start to finish, he involves young people and gives them the opportunity to show bottle calves which would not be possible without him. Marshall welcomes kids and families to his farm for these activities. “I think it teaches the kids responsibility and good teamwork,” he said. “They take turns doing the chores at my place and doing the tasks like washing and walking the calves.” He noted that some kids who have had calves at his farm now have children themselves who have animals out there. 4-H leader and mom Jenny Smith describes how instrumental Marshall has been to her daughter. “My daughter Ashlynn has been showing bottle calves since kindergarten. If it wasn’t for Mike, she would have never had this opportunity.” Smith went on to say that Marshall also helped Ashlynn with showing a market steer the last few years out of the county. “The opportunities that Mike has given Ashlynn have more importantly sparked an interest in her to have a desire to pursue Animal Science in the future. As a parent and a 4-H leader myself that makes me extremely proud.” Smith went on to say that Marshall’s volunteerism and support for youth go way beyond just her daughter. “He would do anything for kids. If he had a kid show up at his barn and said they wanted to start showing chickens, he would figure out a way to make it happen. It has never been about the money, who you are, or where you live. Mike Marshall’s barn door is always open to kids who have an interest in showing.” “He is overall an outstanding Wright County Community member and instills core values to the youth he works with,” said county officials. “He is truly an inspiration to the Wright County 4-H Family.”
2021 - Brian and Joni Worden
Brian Worden grew up in Dows, joining the Morgan Merrymakers 4-H Club for nine years. His favorite project areas were Beef, Swine, and Woodworking, winning the State Woodworking Award in 1979. Joni was a member of the Belmond Pleasant Peppy Pals 4-H Club for nine years. Her favorite project areas were Home Improvement, Food and Nutrition, Clothing, and Fashion Review! Joni had projects advance to the State Fair every year. Her fondest memories were being on County Council, being a camp counselor, and the amazing friends she met. One of the biggest impacts Joni had was being awarded the Main Street Grant to have the Santa House built in Belmond. She has also taken photos of every aspect of the fair for years! Brian’s involvement in 4-H and FFA led him to a career in Agriculture. While obtaining his Animal Science degree at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, he met Joni. After graduating in 1981, the couple married and lived in Dows for a short period. In 1988, they moved to a farm in Wright County where they both joined Joni’s families printing company, Printing Services Inc. (PSI). The couple has raised five children. All kids were enrolled in 4-H, where Joni served as a 4-H Volunteer and was on the 4-H and Youth Committee for 24 years! During Brian’s 24 years on the Wright County Fair Board, he oversaw many improvements including expansion of the Cattle Barn, blacktop sidewalks, handicapped-accessible restrooms, Fair office, and continuous fencing. In 2013, the Board completed a successful $600,000 capital campaign to build a 100’ x 200’ Steel-framed structure becoming the new Show Arena, Swine Barn, Sheep Barn, gating and bleacher. Brian also served as Poultry Assistant, Horse Assistant, Beef Assistant and Swine Superintendent. “Our feeling is if someone is on a board that means the whole family is on the board when help is needed,” said the Wordens. The couple has been active in the community for 40 years, volunteering on as Belmond Township Trustee, BK FFA Advisory Committee, BK Wrestling/Football Boosters, Gridiron, PSI Chairman of the Cheer Fund, and UMC Sunday /Bible School teacher. The Wordens have held state and national leadership positions on the Iowa Jr. Maine-Anjou Association where they were Iowa Jr Advisors for over 25 years, and American Jr. Maine-Anjou Association, named Maine Couple of the Year, and Brian Maine Man of the Year. Joni was awarded the American Junior Helper Award. The Wordens are still active in the swine industry sponsoring the Iowa Swine Jackpot Series and Verified Iowa Purebred program. The Wordens have made a positive impact on Wright County 4-H members with their dedication to Making the Best Better making them Wright County’s 4-H Hall of Fame
2020 - Marcie and Bill Brodersen
Bill and Marcie Brodersen have been chosen as this year’s Wright County 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. Marcie joined 4-H in the fourth grade as part of the Lincoln Lassie’s League. She showed horses for one year, cattle, and entered numerous static entries - home improvement and food and nutrition were her favorite project areas. She was part of an active 4-H family. Marcie and her five sisters belonged to the local club, her mother was their leader while her dad led a boys’ 4-H group. Later, two of Marcie’s sisters also served as leaders. In 2000, Marcie and her husband, Bill (originally from Nebraska), moved from Des Moines back to the Clarion area. “We wanted to raise our kids in a small town,” Marcie said. In 2007, Marcie found her way back into the 4-H program, taking over both the 4-H Food Stand and the pop stand at the Wright County Fair. “Bill just kind of got drug along for all of this,” she said lightheartedly. Anyone who has ever eaten at the food stand can tell you that one of the most sought-after items on the menu is the pie...because it’s homemade by Marcie. Each year she makes, from scratch, 120 pies (that started with her sister’s recipe). She starts them on Memorial Day weekend by preparing the dough. While Bill doesn’t bake the pies, he sure is good at selling them. When you go through the 4-H Food Stand line, you’re almost always greeted by Bill and his smiling face saying “What can I get for you?” “Bill loves seeing all the kids and families come through...and meeting all the people,” commented Marcie. In 2008, the couple became 4-H parents when their oldest daughter, Kelsie joined the Dayton Lake Club followed soon after by their second daughter, Chloe. Marcie has been their club’s leader for the last seven years. Despite all she and Bill have done in 4-H, Marcie was humbled to win this award. “I was shocked. My first thought was ‘Isn’t there somebody else who is more deserving?” she admitted. “This award is super sweet. We love (4-H). We’ve had so much fun over the years.” So, what’s their favorite part of 4-H and the Wright County Fair? “The chaos,” Marcie said with a little chuckle. “It’s fun to see the Eagle Grove and Belmond kids we don’t get to see all the time because we live in Clarion.” Watching their own family members is enjoyed as well. There have been nine grandkids involved with 4-H and one great grandchild.... with more to follow. Their family motto – “Once a 4-Her...Always a 4-Her.”
2019 - Richard and Sue Hammen
Richard (Rick) and Sue Hammen of Clarion were not youth members of 4-H, but their contributions to 4-H and the club in adulthood reach far and wide, and that's why they have been selected as Wright County's 2019 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. When Sue (who grew up in Belmond) and Rick (who grew up in Clarion) had their two daughters - Kelly and Katie, they quickly discovered 4-H would be a great opportunity for them to get involved. They loved living on the farm, working with the animals, and growing food from the land. "When the girls were small, we did the Farmer's Market in Clarion," said Sue. "It was a great learning experience. They learned how to prepare vegetables;talk about produce; and how to make change." When the girls were old enough the girls joined the Lake Clovers 4-H club in Wright County. Sue and Rick became actively involved - behind the scenes, and they've stayed that way for the last 31 years. The very first year, Rick (who was then and today continues to be on the Wright County Cattlemen's Board) volunteered to be part of the 4-H food stand at the Wright County Fair. After the first year, Rick started the campaign that raised the money to build the food stand we all know, love and appreciate today. Sue became the assistant 4-H leader of the Lake Clovers. One might think after their kids became adults themselves, Sue and Rick would turn their 4-H reigns over to the next generation, but they haven't. Why? Because they truly love it. Because of this, in 2004 Rick was presented with the Wright County Honorary 4-H Award. Sue received the same recognition in 2009. Today, they both remain actively involved. Sue serves as part of the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows 4-H/FFA Buying Group. Rick and Sue together conduct the interviews for the Bucket Bottle Calf program. This year, that interview process will be even more enjoyable as their first granddaughter will be participating in the event - and there are more 'grands' coming up. But Sue and Rick agreed, saying, "Our favorite part of the Wright County Fair is watching all the kids grow and develop over the years." Sue and Rick have sponsored the Rate of Gain for Beef Trophy, and one of their most memorable times stems from that. One year, a young man who competed all over the county and won many trophies came up to them after winning at the Wright County Fair and said, "Of all the trophies I've won, this one means the most." When they asked him why, he simply said, "because I know the people who gave it to me." It left a lasting impression with the Hammens. Knowing they are appreciated is all the thanks they have ever, or will ever need. They are happy making the 4-H Program and its Wright County participants successful behind the scenes. In fact, they honestly did not know why they had received the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recognition and were humbled by the nomination. "it's all for the kids," said Rick of why they continue to be so involved. "We are overwhelmed," added Sue. "We don't feel we have done anything special to be recognized."
2018 - Dr. Doug Helgevold
Dr.Doug Helgevold, lives on the Eagle Township family farm in Wright County where he was born and raised and actively participated in 4-H. Although he couldn'tt recall the name of the club at the time he was a member (he said they have changed since he was a kid), he could recollect many of the memories he made as part of the group. One of his first comments was “I had a lot of fun being involved in 4-H.. His main involvement was showing cattle, but he also had a lot of fun playing on the 4-H softball team. andI learned about good sportsmanship, he said. Dr.Doug and his wife, Carolyn, had two children. Dr. Helgevold is proud to say they were both involved in Wright County 4-H as well. Since their dad was a veterinarian at the Goldfield Veterinarian Clinic since 1977, it's no wonder they also showed a lot of livestock at the Wright County Fair over the years. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Helgevold bought Goldfield Veterinary Clinic from Dr. Stoakes. In 1990, he began serving as the Wright County Fair veterinarian. A duty which he is still proud to be fulfilling today. He said the job consists of checking all the animals the kids bring to the fair to make sure they are healthy, and treating any animals if needed during the fair. Two years after taking on the responsibilities of animal health at the Wright County Fair, Dr. Helgevold agreed to make a difference in the lives of the people who attended the county event as well. From 1992 - 1998 he served as a member of the Fair Board and was the Sheep Show Superintendent. “I've always enjoyed the fair and wanted to support it, he said. He added the thing he enjoys most about being involved in the Wright County Fair is the kids. While Dr. Helgevold is very honored to have been named the 2018 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee from Wright County, he said “I really don't feel like I've done anything special to deserve this recognition, but it's quite an honor. I've always enjoyed the fair and I've always enjoyed 4-H, said Dr. Helgevold. 2017 -Leroy Jensen
Leroy
Jensen has been a teacher, a farmer, and the Wright County Extension
Education Director over the years, but he's been a lifelong 4-Her. For
that, he has been selected as this year's Wright County inductee to the
Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Jensen's 4-H journey began when he was 10 years
old. Showing hogs and market beef kept him busy, and it fueled his passion for 4-H and FFA. Leroy and his wife, Mariam have two children, Troy and Melanie, who became heavily involved in the Emmet County 4-H program. They earned trips to the Iowa State Fair with their 4-H projects. Throughout
their children's 4-H careers, Leroy and Miriam took on the roles of
more than just 4-H parents; the couple served on 4-H committees and as
4-H leaders. Leroy also served on the swine committee. In 2000, Leroy and Miriam moved to Clarion where Leroy began working as the Wright County Extension Education Director. Leroy
enjoyed this job for nine years. He coordinated workshops and programs,
chaperoned camps, and was available for questions at judging day at the
Wright County Fair. In 2000 he was instrumental in starting the county livestock judging contest. In 2006 he helped organize a local event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 4-H emblem birthplace. After retiring in 2009, some might have expected him to take a step back from 4-H. On the contrary. He still remains an active participant and supporter of 4-H and FFA. He is part of the Clarion Community Buying Group. They purchase livestock from area 4-H youth at the end of the fair. The
money these kids get from the sale of their animals helps offset the
costs of raising the animal or goes towards purchasing a project for
next year. Leroy would also like to stress that showing livestock isn't just for farm kids. He
feels so strongly that city kids also have the opportunity to show
livestock, if they so desire. He has helped find farms to raise animals
for those city kids wishing to do so. He matched a brother and sister with an area farmer so they could raise hogs. Those kids have entered swine at the Wright County Fair for the past three or four years. Leroy said he is willing to help make those connections if there are kids interested. Beef is hard to do, but swine and sheep are a real possibility. Seeing the 4-H projects, and the youth looking at each other's projects are what I love most about the fair, he said. The fact they would consider me for this honor...it's very humbling and rewarding. There are a lot of people who have done many great things, said Leroy. 2016 - Duane Asbe
Duane
Asbe was a 4-H Leader that made a positive impact in many young lives
by his qualities of integrity, honesty, trust and being a leader in the
community. Duane
Asbe was a highly qualified leader. He was a strong mentor with
his positive attitude and desire to share his God-given talents, gifts
and experiences with his 4-H members, developing them into productive
young people. Craig Christians, a former 4-H member says, “I
contribute a part of my success today to being involved in the 4-H
program and the influence by example that my 4-H leaders made in my
life as a young member and My 4-H Leader Duane Asbe was a positive
example, leader & mentor that I am blessed to still call my friend
today. He has been a great contributor and supporter of the 4-H program. Duane has made many contributions to the 4-H program in Wright County.
Duane continues to bring value to his community in his leadership role in the Clarion Iowa community.
2015 Wright County- Rita Mersch
Rita
Mersch was a 4-H leader of the Eagle Red Peppers for 20 years from
1964-1984. Sadly, Rita passed away in 2002. She became a leader
when her oldest daughter, had been a 4-H member for approximately three
years. She was a 4-H leader for all three of her daughters. She
officially resigned as the leader a year after a daughter graduated
from high school. Rita
treated all of the 4-H girls as her own. She taught them
personally how to sew, bake and refinish furniture. She often
involved community members to teach skills that she did not have like
knitting and crocheting. Her focus was to push each girl to learn
these basic skills to carry on to adulthood. However, her impact
on each of these girls went much further. Through her leadership,
the 4-H members learned how to speak in public, be responsible,
respectful, and compassionate. They learned the true meaning of caring
about their club and community. Rita saw something special in
each 4-H girl. Through, Rita's nurturing and guidance, the girl
accomplished a challenge she had not thought possible. Rita
was a role model to these girls that went well beyond the walls of the
4-H meeting room. The following is a quote from Carol Hamilton Frakes,
a former member: “Mrs. Rita Mersch was an exceptional 4-H leader. She
possessed the traits that make a great leader which included patience
and knowledge. There were many evenings when my mother or I would
call Rita with a question or concern. Her phone line was buzzing before
fair time! She made 4-H fun and one of my best childhood experiences. Rita
was a woman who touched the lives of the hundreds of girls who were
members of the Eagle Red Peppers 4-H Club over the 20 years she was a
leader. She did this quietly and without expecting recognition for her
contributions to their lives. In fact, she didn't want the recognition.
She sincerely and unconditionally wanted to help these girls learn
basic life. Countless times a former 4-H member has mentioned to the
family the impact Rita had and continues to have on their lives. Angela
Nelson Wesselink, a former 4-H member says, “I don't know if I can
put into words how much Rita Mersch made a difference in my life during
a time when I desperately needed someone. Rita was my 4-H leader
for six years. She was so much more than just a leader. She
taught me how to sew, cook, clean, make crafts, how to complete my
record book and be a responsible citizen. She also was there for
me when my mother suddenly died. Rita was a big support for me
and my sister, who found ourselves lost without our mom. She went
over and above the duties of a 4-H leader. When I look back on my
life, Rita's name is one of the first that comes to mind when I think
of people whom I respect and admire. Rita
Mersch, did not make money or win state and national awards by being a
4-H leader. What she did was touch the hearts of hundreds
of young 4-H girls. The impact of her leadership is being felt
well beyond the 20 years she was a 4-H leader. . 2014 Wright County - Dale Haugland
Dale
Haugland began his 4-H volunteer career while working at the local
photography studio. Wright County Extension staff stopped in the studio
and asked if someone could do a workshop on photography for the
4-H'ers. Dale was sent to do his first photography workshop and from
that day on led many workshops in the North Central area. After leading
workshops the next step for him was to judge at the county fair.
Judging was fun for him, his favorite part was working with the kids
and watching them grow. There were times when Dale led a workshop and
then was the photography judge, and he could see what the kids really
learned at his workshops. Dale
volunteered as the Wright County Photography project leader &
Photography judge for over 40 years. When asking Dale what his favorite
part of volunteering with the 4-H program was, he answered, The kids,
they are the best bunch of kids. When they come to a workshop they are
not messing around and they listen and ask good questions. Like all
great volunteers, Dale liked to share his knowledge with the youth.
Over the years as a 4-H volunteer he learned a lot from the kids,
especially now with the digital era. Dale enjoyed his years judging 4-H
fairs because 4-H is based on the 4-H'ers own goal and growth. Ask
Dale to share a memory he has as a judge and he will share the same
story. As a judge kids came to him with their photos and many times do
not talk. Dale relates telling a first year 4-H member that if she did
not start talking he was not going to give her a ribbon. Well, she
really opened up and started talking. Then he had a hard time getting
her to stop all of her chatting. Now since this trick worked to get
kids talking, Dale continued to use it during his years of judging. Everyone
can be in 4-H because there is something for everyone, and he is glad
that his boss sent him to do that first photography workshop with the
Wright County 4-H'ers. Dale feels being involved with 4-H is one of the
best experiences of his life, never a dull moment. You
will still find Dale at many 4-H events and fairs. Once 4-H is in your
blood it's hard to let it all go. Congratulations to 2014 Wright County
4-H Hall of Fame inductee Dale Haugland. 2013 Wright County - Larry and Karla Pals
Larry and Karla Pals live in Belmond and have been dedicated to the 4-H program for many years. Karla
followed in her mother's footsteps by not only being an active 4-H mom
but also becoming a 4-H leader. She has been the leader of the Iowa
Hawkeyes 4-H club since 2001. Karla is an actively involved leader
providing the club members with great learning opportunities. Larry
was not involved in 4-H growing up, but became involved with the 4-H
program when their three kids, Kristopher, Sara, and Dustin started
participating. He helped them with all their livestock projects
which included cattle, sheep, turkeys, and ducks. Along with being a
busy 4-H parent, Larry has been an active member of the Wright county
fair board since 2002. Larry
and Karla have seen firsthand the importance 4-H plays in the lives of
the young people involved. This is why they continue to volunteer their
time in Wright County as a leader and fair board member. They look at
their involvement with the 4-H program not as something they have to do, rather something they get to do. 2012 Wright County- Shirley Lager
Shirley
Lager joined 4-H when she was 10 years old. At that time the kids could
enroll in three project areas: food and nutrition, clothing and home
improvement. Every month they met at someone's home for a meeting
and demonstration. Shirley
did lots of cooking and sewing. One of her favorite things was playing
the piano for the 4-H chorus and for the Fun Nite skits. She loved
Rally Day, when the Clarion school gym was full of kids as there were
16 clubs in the county back then. She
married the Fun Nite king and they had 6 daughters who were all in 4-H.
She was a leader for the Lincoln Lassies League for 25 years. She
helped with workshops, bake sales, gone to camps and on trips, donated
to 4-H 400 and helped all her girls with projects and now is helping
her grandchildren with projects. She
continues to attend several 4-H events and still is the number one
helper along with her husband Johnny at the 4-H food stand at the
Wright County Fair. 2011 Wright County - Larry and Shorty Anderson
Based
on their dedicated involvement with the Wright County 4-H program, you
would never guess Larry and Shorty Anderson of Clarion had limited 4-H
experience in their youth. All
three of their children were active in a variety of project areas and
leadership roles. Their involvement and support of the program far
exceeds their children's involvement. Larry and Shorty have been
volunteers in Wright County over 30 years. The
majority of their involvement is linked to their livelihood of running
a cow-calf operation. The couple played a role in the county beef
project area for many years. Throughout that time they have served as
the Beef Project Leaders, hosted exhibitor clinics and fair orientation
meetings at their farm, helped individual 4-Hers locate animals for
purchase, been donors for fair awards and scholarships, and volunteered
numerous hours to help with the shows at the fair. When the Wright
County Farm Bureau initiated the bucket-bottle calf program, Larry and
Shorty saw the importance of this program to attract new youth into the
beef project area and have been helping with the program throughout its
seventeen years. The couple helped conduct the exhibitor interviews,
hosted the fair preparation workshop at their farm, matched potential
exhibitors up with calves for a project, and helped with the
organization and awards for the show. Larry served as the state advisor
to the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds for several years and played a major
role in the institution of sanctioning shows and growing the awards
program. He has also served as a judge at numerous county fairs and
local shows throughout the state. In
addition to their beef project involvement, Larry and Shorty have both
assumed leadership responsibility within Wright County's extension
system. Both Larry and Shorty have served on the Wright County District
Junior Fair Board. Larry served on the board for six years and served
as the Superintendent for the Livestock Sale. Shorty is in her
seventeenth year of serving on the fair board; she is Superintendent of
the Open Arts and Crafts and also serves on the committee for Horse and
Beef. Shorty also served on the Wright County Extension Council for six
years prior to her involvement with the fair board. Larry was the Wall
Lake Wee Women 4-H club's softball coach for two summers which included
a season championship for which he is quite proud. The
Andersons are tremendous volunteers in the Wright County 4-H Program
and are true examples of selfless individuals that would do anything to
better the life experience of our youth. They are loyal donors of their
time, talent, and resources. They live out the quote “service is the
rent we pay for living and ask for nothing in return. 2010 Wright County - Gary and Sally Woodley
Gary
Woodley was a nine year member of the Lincoln Leaders 4-H Club in
Wright County. Some of Gary's projects were beef, horticulture,
woodworking, communications, citizenship, and leadership.
Following his high school graduation, he participated in a
People-to-People exchange to Europe. After
his 4-H career, Gary served as a 4-H club leader and softball coach,
county computer project leader, and chairman of the Wright County
Extension Council. Some other 4-H related activities Gary has
helped with include work at the Wright County Fairgrounds, work during
the fair, securing funding for fairground improvements, 4-H Fun-Nite,
record book workshops and evaluations. Sally
Derscheid Woodley was a nine year member of the Dayton Dandies 4-H Club
of Wright County. She enrolled in the project areas of Food and
Nutrition, Home Improvement, Clothing, and Junior Leadership. As
a 4-H'er, Sally was active in her local club participating in the
Better Grooming contest, giving presentations and talks, serving as an
officer for six years, serving at the Clarion Flight Breakfast, and
helping at the Labor Day week-end Rest Stop. For Fun Nite, she acted
in, organized and directed the club skits, helped with the cake walk,
and was a queen candidate. She also served as a county
officer, was active in Older 4-H Youth, worked at the 4-H Food Stand at
the county fair, attended district camp and winter camp, state
conference and served as a camp counselor. As
a college student, Sally worked as the summer 4-H aide for Wright
County one year. She has served as a local club leader or county
clothing leader for 35 years and helps with county record book
evaluations. Each year she sews blocks for the county fair
fund-raising quilt. Sally has been a judge for local achievement shows,
county fairs for home improvement, clothing, visual arts, fashion
revue, child development, presentations, and Share-the-Fun. At
the State Fair, Sally has judged or critiqued exhibits, working
exhibits, and Share-the-Fun. 4-H
was very important to Gary's and Sally's development as productive
citizens, and they want to be certain the youth of today have the
opportunities for self-improvement and advancement they did. 2009 Wright County - Ron Swanson
Ronald
Swanson was a member of the Lincoln Leader's 4-H Club in Wright County
for nine years including serving as County President of Boy's 4-H and
Wright County 4-H Fun Night King. His major project was showing
Holstein dairy cattle.
2008 Wright County - Evelyn and Dean Grandgeorge
Evelyn
Grandgeorge has been very supportive and active in the Wright County
4-H program. She has served on the Extension Council and 4-H and
youth committee. During one summer she was an aid at the
Extension office. She is an honorary 4-H member, was on the
Wright County fair board for fifteen years, and was manager for the 4-H
food stand at the Wright County Fair for four years. She has
served on the ASCS (now FSA) committee, the Wright County Planning and
Zoning committee, and the Foundation for the Future of Eagle
Grove. Evelyn met her husband, Dean, when he was showing cattle
in 4-H. 2007 Wright County - Phyllis Stoakes
Because
of her experiences in 4-H Phyllis realized how important her 4-H
leaders were to her by giving time and talent and how that had
benefited her as a person. She wanted and did give back to 4-H
what it had given her. She constantly reminded youth and others
about the opportunities of meeting “wonderful people� and having
“great experiences� through 4-H. She credited 4-H for the
development of communication, leadership, volunteerism and other life
skills. As a 4-H leader she then enjoyed watching her club
members develop and progress in the same ways. 2006 Wright County - Judy Kirstein
Judy Kirstein has been very active in the 4-H program as both a member and a volunteer. As
a volunteer, Judy served 15 years a club leader, 6 years on the County
Youth Committee, 7 years on the Wright County Extension Council, and 9
years as a superintendent's assistant at the Wright County Fair. Wright County is very appreciative of all she has done to support 4-H in the county. 2005 Wright County - Gene Ryerson
Gene
Ryerson was a 9 year 4-H member in Wright County where he served as a
club and county officer. He won the Chicago Award trip and many
livestock awards at the county and state level. He was also an
active FFA member and officer receiving the Iowa, Star and American
Farmer degrees. Following high school Gene attended Iowa State
University Farm Operations program. He and his wife Delores have
lived and farmed southwest of Eagle Grove since 1960. They raised and
showed registered sheep for many years. His son has taken over
that operation and now Gene's grandchildren are showing the prized
lambs as 4-H and FFA projects in Wright County and the Iowa State Fair.
2004 Wright County - John Hagie
John
Hagie was a 9 year member of the Dayton Dynamiters 4-H club in Wright
County. He later was a 4-H leader, beef superintendent at the Wright
County District Junior Fair, and for many years served on the Wright
County Fair board. John has always been a very strong supporter of both
the Wright County District Junior Fair and the Iowa State Fair. He
continues that interest by supporting and helping his grandsons with
their beef projects as they show at the county and state level. He was
the superintendent of the Iowa State Fair Shorthorn show for a number
of years. John
is a past recipient of the Friend of Extension award. In 1995, Hagie,
as president of Hagie Manufacturing Company, made a donation of $10,000
to the Iowa 4-H Foundation to establish the Wright County Endowment
fund. Wright County citizens were challenged to match or exceed the
Hagie's donation. The citizen, 4-H member and families responded by
exceeding the expectation. Revenue from the Wright Count Endowment is
used to enhance the Wright County program, helping 4-H members attain
their goals. 2003 Wright County - Alvina Sellers
Alvina
Ruth Tesdahl Sellers joined her local 4-H club in Norway Township,
Wright County, Iowa at the age of twelve, in 1927. Because her mother
had been killed by a tornado when Alvina was eleven years old, she
helped raise her two sisters and one brother, helping and encouraging
them with their 4-H projects, as well as completing her own. In
1950 Alvina and her husband, L.S. Sellers, together with their
daughter, Sandra, and son, James, moved to the Frye family farm in Wall
Lake Township, south of Clarion, Iowa. There she co-founded a 4-H club
for girls, the Wall Lake Wee Women. She served as a 4-H leader for the
next fifteen years. In addition, she helped guide both of her children
as they participated in 4-H club activities, completed 4-H projects and
presented 4-H demonstrations, both at the Wright County Fair and the
Iowa State Fair. Alvina served as a judge for many Wright county 4-H
girls' clubs' achievement shows and as county fair secretary for the
girl's exhibits.
Alvina
was chairperson of the Wright County 4-H Youth Committee for four years
and served as a 4-H County Committee woman for twenty years. In 1975
she was awarded the Wright County 4-H Alumni Award. Alvina and L.W.
were members of the 4-H 400 Club in recognition of their monetary
contributions to the 4-H programs. Alvina believed fully in the value
of the 4-H and the opportunity it provides young people as they learn
to pledge their heads to greater knowledge, their hands to greater
service and their hearts to greater loyalty. 2002 Wright County - Robert F. Bernhardt
Bob Bernhardt began his 4-H career as a 4-H member in Sac County, IA. As a young man he started a 4-H club in Fillmore County, MN and led it for 8 years. He attended Iowa State, earning a degree in Dairy Science. Robert was the 4-H Extension Youth Assistant in Grundy County for two years, then farmed for 11 years. In
January of 1962, bob and his family came to Clarion in Wright County,
where he was the youth assistant until the death of Aaron Bowman,
Wright County director. Robert served as the Wright County CEED from 1965 until his retirement in 1988. Robert then served as Fair Board secretary for three years, still maintaining his interest in the 4-H program and young people. Robert has been active in St. John's Catholic Church and the Clarion Lions Club. He
served on the Ag committee of the Clarion Chamber of Commerce, served
on the Library Board, and helped to found the Clarion Youth Center. Robert was chair of the committee that was successful in passing the Extension Referendum in Wright County. 2005 State of Iowa Recognition - Florine Swanson
Florine
(Schulte) Swanson grew up in Norway, Iowa, where she joined 4-H at the
age of ten. One of her fondest memories as a young member was traveling
by bus to the 4-H Center near Madrid for three days of summer camp.
Highlights of her 4-H career included a trip to National 4-H Conference
in 1961 and to Germany in 1963 as an International Four-H Youth
Exchange (IFYE) representative. After
graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics
Education, Florine married Ron Swanson and moved to Wright County where
she was a librarian at Clarion High School, the first administrator and
teacher of a community nursery school, and director of the religious
education program at St. John's Catholic Church. A mother of three
boys, all enrolled in 4-H, Florine served as a 4-H volunteer in Wright
County for 15 years. In
1974, Florine joined the board of trustees for the Iowa 4-H Foundation,
and in 1983 was elected the first president of the Iowa 4-H Foundation,
a position formerly held only by the president of Iowa State (College)
University. Florine came back to Iowa State University in 1986 to work
as a program assistant for the Women in Science and Engineering
program. She developed the very first "Taking the Road Less Traveled"
career day for girls at Iowa State, a program that continues today
under the same name and format. Florine
was hired in 1987 as the executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation,
a position she held for nearly 18 years until her retirement on June
30, 2005. Florine's legacy to Iowa 4-H as executive director speaks for
itself. Under her leadership, the Foundation's total assets grew from
$750,000 to more than $6 million. During her tenure, the number of
college scholarships grew from six to more than 100; donor recognition
clubs expanded to include the 4-H 2,000, 4,000 and 10,000 levels as
well as a planned giving club called the Emerald Circle; and the county
endowment program was created with 57 counties now participating. Florine
oversaw many major improvements at the Iowa 4-H Center, including the
additions of a new handicapped-accessible bath house for the pool, a
new central kitchen and dining hall, and a new paved road to the camp
entrance. In 1996, Florine and the board completed a successful
three-year, $2.5 million capital campaign and six years later raised
$1.5 million in private support for the new Extension 4-H Youth
Building on the campus of Iowa State University. Nationally,
Florine is well respected by foundation directors in other states and
is often called upon to share her expertise. She represented state 4-H
foundations on the National 4-H Strategic Directions Team and the
National 4-H Leadership Trust. In 2002, Florine traveled to Armenia to
evaluate the prospect of establishing a foundation for their rural
youth program. Wherever
she traveled, around the state or around the world, Florine represented
Iowa 4-H by sharing the positive impact the program has in the lives of
Iowa's youth, their families, and communities. Living the 4-H motto, To
Make the Best Better, Florine continually put her best foot forward to
find the financial resources that help young people reach their full
potential and live healthy and productive lives. During
retirement, Florine will continue to be involved in 4-H through
volunteer assignments and her grandchildren who are getting their start
in 4-H. Florine also is working on an Iowa 4-H history book that will
feature notable people and events from every county. Source: https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/recognition/iowa_4h_hall_of_fame/iowa_4h_hall_of_fame_inductees/?action=search&category=wright
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