(Des Moines) Jacque Wickey was inducted into the 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 17. Ninety-two Iowa counties participated this year and selected 122 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 President, Don Timmins, and State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.
According to the press release, Jacque participated in 4-H from 1964 to 1972 and belonged to the Massena Champions, Massena Merry Maids, and the Massena Merry Maids/Victoria Volunteers. She was also a member of the “Boys” Club, so she could show livestock, where she showed cattle and horses. Other memories include building a Cass County team and attending the State Fair and AKSARBEN livestock shows. She always enjoyed dressing in the calves for shows. She even got her start as a beautician at the rear end of a steer. She could make the tails bigger and fluffier than anyone else. Skills learned there have yielded her career as a licensed Cosmetologist for 50 years now. Other 4-H member activities include being a Jr Leader, Jr Superintendent, and holding all offices in her club. She attended the State Conference and Camps at the Iowa 4-H Camp, in addition to the State Fair and the AKSARBEN event. After graduation, she volunteered to chaperone at the Girls’ Dormitory at the State Fair. He allowed her to help out and stay connected with the people from Cass Co. Upon moving back to Cass County, she served as Secretary of the YAC committee in the early 2000s, in addition to helping Great Nieces learn to sew or sitting in the stand cheering them on. She is deeply involved in her community and church and is always willing to plan and volunteer for events. She is a pretty amazing aunt and a friend to everyone.
Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, County council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones, or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have consistently demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers over the years.
“We are honored to recognize these special individuals for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.
Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is also available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do,” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.” Cass County 4-H Hall of Fame past recipient list can be found at https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/what-we-do/recognizing-service/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame/iowa-4-h-hall-of-fame-inductees/categories/cass
