March 28, 2024

2014 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame Honorees celebrated at the Iowa State Fair

AMES – Eighty-two counties and two state level Iowa 4-H volunteers were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during the 2014 ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair Sunday, Aug. 17.

Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage. A reception, sponsored by donors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation, was held shortly after each of the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame presentations.

County honorees were selected by their respected counties for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H, while the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Iowa 4-H Programs office nominated two honorees this year for their service to Iowa 4-H and beyond.

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 inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for county and state 4-H volunteers and 4-H staff to recognized and celebrated for their outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Albert Grunenwald, interim executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

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 — https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/recognition/iowa_4h_hall_of_fame/.

This year’s honoree was Joyce Branson. Branson has been a lifelong supporter of 4-H both personally and professionally.

She was a 4-H member for nine years and continued her passion for 4-H as the office assistant at Clarke County Extension office for 29 years. Since retiring in 2010, Joyce spends her time reading, making crafts and working in the yard. Her dedication to 4-H has contributed to the success of the Clarke County 4-H program.