(Des Moines) Linda and the late Larry Shafer of Cass County were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21. Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 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, Julie McGonagle, and State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler, as they were introduced on stage.
Linda and the late Larry Shafer have been supporters of the Cass County 4-H Program and Cass County Fair for many years, having daughters Jennifer and Amy in fair in 4-H and FFA. Linda was the Grove Township contact for food stand donations from 1998 to 2012 and 2015 to 2019. She donated her time calling township citizens for food donations to help keep the food stand stocked. Most recently, Linda has helped daughter Jenny in the static exhibit area on judging day. Linda says the fair week is one of the best weeks of the year. She enjoys seeing friends and watching Cass County’s youth learn so much through the opportunities and fun available to them through 4-H and FFA.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Katie Bateman, Cass County Youth Coordinator. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County council members, county youth council members, honest judges, financial supporters, chaperones, or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members.
“We are honored to recognize these special individuals for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Emily Saveraid.
“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.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was displayed at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. 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 county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”
