Sticklands inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at State Fair
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story was submitted by the Montgomery County Iowa State Extension Office.
Lee and LaVern Strickland of Montgomery County, were inducted into the 2012 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 19.
Eighty-seven Iowa counties participated this year and selected 114 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage.
The Strickland’s received this award because of their love and dedication to the youth of their county and the 4-H organization. Both Lee and LaVern were 4-H members as youth. Lee was a county officer while in 4-H. Later, Lee became a 4-H leader. They have worked with the Montgomery County 4-H static superintendents for many years.
Lee has served the Montgomery County Fairboard as a director, secretary, vice president, and president. Lee has also served as vice-presidenet of the 5th district of the Iowa Fair Association of Fairs for four years. Lee has been very instrumental in making many improvements on the county fairgrounds.
They have both served the youth and the county fair for more than 40 years. Their children and grandchildren have been involved in 4-H and exhibited at the county fair. They have helped make the county fair a great event for everyone.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Margee Swanson, County Youth Coordinator.
Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension staff members.
The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Chuck Morris, 4-H Youth Development program director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”