BOONE, Iowa—Volunteers are the backbone of the Boone County 4-H program.  Adult 4-H volunteers were recognized at 4-H Awards Day held on Sunday, November 13th at the Community Building at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Kathy Toms was the recipient of the 4-H Alumni Award. Kathy Toms was a member of the Boone County 4-H Club the Colfax Happy Hustlers. This year marks Kathy’s 25th year of volunteering with the 4-H program.  While her kids where in 4-H, she volunteered as a club leader of the Luther Livewires.  She has also served two four year terms on the Youth Committee.

You might recognize Kathy from Fashion Day where she has served as Fashion Day Superintendent for the last 10 years.  Kathy is a very passionate volunteer that always ensures that all members are enjoying their 4-H experience.  She has a big heart and encourages members to give back to others in a variety of ways.

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Donna Monson.    For the past 16 years, Donna Monson has served the 4-H program from behind the scenes as an elected official on the Boone County Extension Council.  The Boone County Extension Council is the governing body that oversees Boone County 4-H.   Donna Monson has served as chair for her entire 16 years of service.  She is very dedicated, reliable and engaged in the world of 4-H and Youth Development.  Youth staff appreciate that she is always available to help work through situations or sign the huge stack of new member certificates each year.  She also volunteers her time to the 4-H Foodstand each year and helps with the after fair clean up process.  The impact that Donna has had on Boone County 4-H cannot be measured but is very much appreciated.

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Tim & Vicki Heiller.  You might recognize the smiling faces of Tim and Vicki Heiller from the 4-H Foodstand this past fair.  The 4-H Foodstand is Boone County 4-H’s biggest fundraiser that raises funds to send youth to many educational events including conferences and camps, funds to provide educational workshops, club supplies and much more.  Under Tim & Vicki’s leadership the 4-H Foodstand saw the highest income on record.

Before this year though, Tim and Vicki were also involved in many aspects of the 4-H program at the state and local levels.  Tim and Vicki served as club leaders of the Luther Livewires for a number of years.  Vicki also served on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board including as board chair.

The Meritorious Service to 4-H Award was presented to United Bank of Iowa. United Bank of Iowa opened a branch in Boone in 2019 and since then they have given a lot to 4-H’ers and to the 4-H program.  Over the last four years, United Bank of Iowa has been a big Market Livestock Auction Supporter, donating funds to both the Auction Supporters Fund and directly to the 4-H’ers themselves.  In March and November, you can find Andy helping serve omelets or burritos to raise money for 4-H scholarships.  United Bank of Iowa is also a sponsor of the Boone County Fair.

A highlight of the 4-H Awards Day program is the presentation of the Fran Thompson Memorial Outstanding Leader Award.  This year’s recipient was Sara Bryan.  Sara Bryan has served as a club leader for Westside Hustlers 4-H Club for the last eight years.  During her time as club leader, the Westside Hustlers 4-H Club has grown to be the largest club in Boone County.  Sara does a great job of making everyone feel welcome and valued.

Sara is passionate about giving back to the community and you will often see her volunteering at community and school events.  You will also see her cheering on members at school  and sporting events as well as at the county and state fair.  Sara is always encouraging club members to have fun and be involved in the many activities 4-H has to offer.

During the awards ceremony the Award of the Clover pins were awarded to ten 4-H volunteers.  One forty year 5-point Diamond pin was awarded to Peg King.  Two twenty five year Emerald pins were awarded to Barb Clawson and Kathy Toms.    Two fifteen year pearl pin were awarded to Danette Garcia and Nicole Jonas.  Three ten year gold pins were awarded to Jennifer Derry, Kevin Meier and Stacy Walters.  Twofive year silver pins were awarded to Rachael Beckett and Rus Schmidt.

During the Awards Day program, members of the Boone County 4-H Recordkeeping and Recognition Taskforce presented 4-H member awards as well and recognized 4-H club leaders. Seventeen youth were installed as members of the 2022 – 2022 County 4-H Council.

If you are interested in learning more about how to volunteer with the 4-H program, please contact the Boone County ISU Extension & Outreach office at (515) 432-3882.

 

Outstanding 4-H Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Award of the Clover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alumi Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friend of 4-H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meritorious Service to 4-H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(contributed article and photos, Boone County 4-H)