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See photos of recipients from Warren County at the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame website.
2002 Warren County – Clarence MoffittClarence Moffitt was a charter member of the Be-Square 4-H Club formed in January 1932. He previously belonged to the Purebred Beef Heifer Club. As a 4-H’er he participated in State Fair six years, Boys Short Course three years, National Club Congress five years. He also served as a county officer. In 1930, Warren County club members lost $194.81 on feeding 27 calves but won $431 in premiums. The outstanding calf of the year was a purebred Shorthorn exhibited by Clarence Moffitt. The calf was first in the junior class at the county fair, twelfth at the Iowa State Fair and first in junior class at the Chicago International. Written on the last page of his 1930 Home Record Book, Iowa Baby Beef Club, Clarence wrote “also fed 2 other calves whose record books were misplaced”. Some things never change! Clarence served as County Club Agent from April 1, 1942 – April 30, 1946. During 1943, wartime restrictions greatly curtailed 4-H club activities and there were no camps or club tours. In 1944, the 4-H club members purchased $3,253.92 worth of war bonds and stamps and aided in selling many more. Ten of the girls clubs participated in scrap drives and Red Cross work. Clarence was a member of the Warren County Farm Bureau, American and Iowa Shorthorn Association, the Iowa and Warren County Cattlemen’s Associations and a past president and vice president of the Warren County Fair Association. He served as secretary-manager of the Warren County Agricultural Association and was a cattle superintendent. He was voted Fairman of the Year in 1976 by the Iowa Association of Fairs. Clarence passed away June 20, 2002. Warren County 4-H’ers will miss his keen memory and wonderful stories of 4-H and the fair. |
2005 Warren County – Neva McCormickNeva McCormick has been active in Iowa 4-H for close to 30 years. She began as many volunteers do, a parent of 9 year old whose club needed help. Her oldest son, Chris, joined and then 2 years later her daughter, Kathy followed. Neva was always willing to host the club the meetings, help during field trips, and jump in when needed. Before long, she had the title of Club Leader and was in full swing with 4-H. Though she never grew up in 4-H, she certainly didn’t let that stop her. She was always encouraging her members to be active not only their club and community but on the county level as well. Neva became involved with the 4-H exhibit building judging day at Warren County by helping write comments for judges. She started this to really get a feel for how the judging process worked to help out her daughter and other 4-Hers. Since the early 1980’s she has been volunteering during that judging day every year as the superintendent for the horticulture area as she will this summer. Neva also explored the side of being a 4-H judge for a number of years. She really enjoyed giving the positive feedback to 4-Hers they so deserve when they are being judged and then helping them to explore new ways they could continue on with the project area. She has attended numerous judges’ trainings and always said that, she felt the judges trainings would be very beneficial for leaders to attend so they could understand where a judge was coming from. Neva really encouraged all members of her 4-H club to work on their Record Books throughout the year. She would help them write their goals and complete their paperwork. A number of 4-Hers from her club have won record book awards on the county all the way through the National level. Most people stop volunteering once their children have graduated out of 4-H but not Neva. Right after Kathy graduated and was leaving the youth side of 4-H, Warren County was in need of volunteers to coordinate the County Council. Neva stepped right up and did this role for a number of years. Within Warren County she has also served on the Youth Committee, helped with Senior 4-H, assisted with numerous events, workshops, awards nights, day camps and judging days. Neva and her husband Leland both have camped at the Iowa State Fair for over 30 years so it also made sense for her to volunteer for 4-H during it. Starting back in the 1980’s, she was the Superintendent in the State Fair Exhibits Building for at least 10 plus years for the Ag and Natural Resource area. She really loved helping the judges and displaying the exhibits. She still helps each year in the Exhibit Building with the closing down of exhibits in the Clothing Department where her daughter is the superintendent. Besides the volunteering and judging, Neva has always been an advocate of sponsoring awards for 4-Hers in Warren County by donating savings bonds and prizes as well as contributing to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Neva still is a strong advocate for kids needing to join 4-H. She sees the benefits that her children received from it as well as the wonderful things she gained by being a volunteer. Currently she has one grandchild active in 4-H with another one joining next year and 4 more to join in years to come. She is already assisting them with 4-H projects and teaching them all things they can explore in 4-H. |
2008 Warren County – John KeeneyJohn Keeney’s 8 year 4-H career started his connection with the 4-H program. He and his wife Janet also helped their daughters Melissa and Anna Marie with their livestock projects through their years in 4-H. John has served as a fairboard director and superintendent for over 30 years. As a superintendent he has overseen the Advanced Cattle Feeder projects, Dairy and Bucket Calf divisions at the Warren County Fair. He has organized and given presentations at county project meetings for Warren County Youth. John’s Bucket Calf project was one of the first in the state. As a new part of the program John started the Character Counts award for bucket calf participants that look at how the youth show the pillars of character through their project. John has been a member of the Extension Council and Warren County Youth Committee so he has seen both sides of the program. Like most people that volunteer with 4-H John started out to give back what he had gotten out of 4-H and now still feels like he gets more than he gives. He loves working with the youth in the county and watching them grow and develop. |
2009 Warren County – Donna SeregDonna Sereg has taught and been involved in 4-H activities for over twenty years. She is a true example of dedication to the community and its youth. Building character and being involved with young adults has been her goal and her vision. Mrs. Sereg was a 4-H leader for 15 years. During her leadership, she researched crafts and fun projects for her members. She enjoyed finding activities in which her members could use their imagination. One activity was an “I spy” jar which consisted of hiding items in a jar filled with birdseed. This was an especially fun activity, which even allowed members to win a blue ribbon and make it to the State Fair. “Healthy habits,” “Dress for Success,” and career building opportunities were her favorite projects, often saying, “I just want to build responsibility and give these kids a chance to succeed.” Along with inspired projects, Mrs. Sereg went the extra “mile” to help her members attend meetings. She often picked children up and returned them to their homes so they wouldn’t miss meetings. Regularly visiting craft stores to see the latest and greatest ideas, she reached into her own pockets to purchase many materials and supplies. This was her way to ensure “her kids” had every opportunity to be involved. For the past five years, Mrs. Sereg has been unable to teach. That, however, hasn’t stopped her involvement with Warren County’s 4-H youth. Every year she assists in the record-keeping at the Fair. She notes each member’s name, along with the ribbons earned. She so enjoys greeting the members and visiting with other 4-H group leaders throughout the day of judging. She makes herself available in any way she can. Not only is Mrs. Sereg an indefatigable volunteer for the 4-H community, as an active member of both St. Thomas Aquinas in Indianola, and of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carlisle, she has taught Religious Education for over thirty years. She secretly purchases gifts to be given to young children in both churches and wishes only to remain anonymous. (Her secret is out!) While donating these gifts, she also sends congratulatory card to seniors and a card to each child in their first Communion class. Mrs. Sereg demonstrates kindness, true generosity and an unveiling gift of caring to others. |
2010 Warren County – Charlotte MosherCharlotte Mosher was born and raised in Indianola, IA. Charlotte and her husband Jay Mosher have been married for 52 years, and have been blessed with five children: Jayne (Mark) Sherwood, Janna (Mark) Putz, Jeanet (Scott) Crowell, Joel (Beth) Mosher and Jon (Karen) Mosher and 16 grandchildren. All five of her children were active in 4-H programs. Charlotte encouraged her children to be active and participate in diverse 4-H activities. Over the years, there were County Council meetings, Washington DC trips, presentations livestock shows, speech contests, woodworking, automotive, clothing selections & dress reviews. All of these activities required a great amount of work, time and funding, her support was unwavering. |
2011 Warren County – Wanda HunterIf you have ever visited the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Iowa State Fair in the evenings then you have probably been greeted by Wanda Hunter of Warren County. She has been a wonderful volunteer who served as one of the evening building hosts for over 45 years. As well as volunteering during the evenings, you might have also meet Wanda during the three days prior to the fair usually knows as prep/judging days. She has been the Superintendent for the Food and Nutrition Department for the Iowa State Fair for over 25 years and assisted in that department prior to that for many, many years. Growing up in the 4-H program in Polk County, Wanda knows the benefits that 4-H offers to our youth. Her three children, Cindy Moorman, Carrie Mumm and Craig Hunter all were 4-Hers in Warren County and she was their club leader for the Carlisle Wildcats club for 18 years. When the Warren County 4-H Council needed an advisor, she again stepped up to the plate to make sure the 4-Hers were able to participate. She served in this volunteer position for 5 years. Wanda is currently watching her grandchildren benefit from being in the 4-H program. Just last month she stepped into help her granddaughters Carlisle Clover Kids meeting. She has taught her amazing pie making skills to her grandchildren and has been a beaming grandparent when it’s been chosen to advance on to the State Fair. For 35 years she helped at the Warren County Fair during the judging day and other times. She is always that smiling face at the 4-H bake sale. Wanda served on the Warren County Youth Committee for 10 years. She received the State 4-H Alumni Award at the State 4-H Conference in 1994. Beside being an active volunteer for 4-H, she gives talks to the school children on American Indian Artifacts (27 years), chairs the Carlisle 4th of July committee (6 years), Kids Hope Mentor (6 years), Youth Fellowship Leader (12 years) and is an active member of Carlisle Methodist Church. As you think of the 4-H motto, To Make The Best Better, Wanda is the volunteer behind 4-Hers making sure they have the opportunity to become the best that they can be. |
2012 Warren County – Kevin & Jane PutneyKevin Putney joined the White Oak Climbers 4-H Club when he was 10 years old. He was actively involved in 4-H through high school. After high school he helped with Senior 4-H where he met Jane. Jane Putney was also in 4-H growing up and graduated from Iowa State University. She later became the Warren County 4-H Agent in October of 1978. In 1987 Jane left Extension to raise two sons: Mark and Curt. Jane helped and supported Kevin with the entire farming operation. Eventually, their passion for 4-H compelled them to become 4-H leaders of the White Oak Climbers 4-H Club when their sons joined 4-H. They were the leaders of this club for nine years, until their son, Curt, graduated from high school. During their many years of 4-H involvement, Jane was a 4-H judge for several Central Iowa counties, including the Iowa State Fair. Kevin is the auctioneer at the 4-H Livestock Sale and has continued helping the White Oak Climbers 4-H Club when needed and, of course, any other 4-H member when asked. Both, Kevin and Jane Putney, have dedicated their lives to the Warren County 4-H program and the Warren County Fair. Kevin and Jane have made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people in Warren County. We are proud to nominate this couple for the 2012 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. |
2013 Warren County – Monty FreemanMonty Freeman of Warren County was a member of the Belmont Go-Getters 4-H Club from age 9 until he graduated from high school in 1976. During that time he showed Charolais cattle raised on his family farm, as well as sheep, at the county and state fair. He participated in the annual Junior Charolais Field Day, was a member of 4-H County Council/Sr. 4H, and was also a member of the American International Junior Charolais Association and held the office of president. At Northwest Missouri State University, Monty was in Ag Club and in the honorary agriculture fraternities DTA and ATA, graduating with a degree in education. Monty went on to teach Vocational Agriculture and was an FFA advisor at Oakland High School. He now teaches biology at Urbandale High School. Monty and his wife, Lori were assistant leaders of the White Oak Climbers 4-H club for a number of years,and became leaders until their youngest daughter graduated in 2008. Their daughters took many exhibits to the 4-H building and showed dairy cows, bucket calves, sheep and pigs. Monty and Lori have many fond memories from those years. Throughout the years Monty devoted much of his time to the youth of Warren County and Iowa. He volunteered at beef, sheep and hog weigh-ins, and with the 4-H Fair Auction, as well as the Buyer's Breakfast. He has worked at the Cattleman's Food Booth and the 4-H Food Stand, and chaperoned many club trips. He judges record books, is co-leader of Warren 4H County Council/Sr. 4H, and is on the 4-H Youth Committee. Fairgoers have seen him at the Mud Volleyball Tournament and Family Night, and he is one of the chaperones for the annual Junior Lock-in. Through his years at the Iowa State Fair he has helped judge FFA Sheep Showmanship, volunteered at the Pigeon Show, and every year on Warren County night you will find him working in the order window at the Beef Quarters. Monty finds it easy to give time and service to such a valuable organization which builds our youth in so many positive ways. He feels that 4-H is a significant asset in helping guide our young people to become solid citizens, and hopes the 4-H program continues to be available to youth for a long time to come. |
2014 Warren County – Jason & Kim DeLayJason and Kim DeLay live in Milo and have become very involved in the 4-H program. When asked why they volunteer Kim responded, “We volunteer for 4-H because it is a great program. 4-H teaches kids lifelong skills and responsibility. It has helped me become the person I am today.” Kim became a member of the Virginia Boosters 4-H Club when she was 10 years old and participated until she graduated. While in 4-H, she was a member of Senior 4-H. While in 4-H, Kim participated in food and nutrition, sewing, home improvement, educational presentations, and showed beef. Jason chose to be in FFA. However, he has become very active and knowledgeable in 4-H since their oldest son, Jake, joined 4-H in 2000. Jason became a Shooting Sports Instructor in 2010, but stepped up as the Shooting Sports Coordinator in 2012. Jason also has been a member of the Warren County Extension Council for 10 years and has served as Extension Council Chair for about half of that time. Kim became a 4-H volunteer, including joining the youth committee in 2000. She started helping with the senior 4-H group in 2007. Kim has since accepted the Youth Committee Chair position in 2012. Currently, Kim is the co-leader of Belmont Badgers, Youth Committee Chair, and a senior 4-H co-leader. Kim and Jason became 4-H leaders of the Belmont Badgers in 2004. Kim is a very positive team player and steps up to the needs of groups she works with. Kim is able to see the potential in others and is very organized. Jason is an activator, a maximizer, and strategic individual. Jason is also a great leader, communicator, and very connected to the community. Jason and Kim DeLay have given considerable time and energy to the Warren County 4-H program and it is truly appreciated. Jason and Kim are examples of exceptional 4-H volunteers and 4-H family. It is a privilege that Warren County 4-H recognizes Jason and Kim DeLay for all their hard work. |
2015 Warren County – Joy RouseJoy Rouse lives in Indianola, Iowa. Joy was the Warren County Extension Director for many years. She had the knowledge and history to answer questions, find information, and make sure tasks were being completed. One 4-H volunteer commented that, “For as long as I can remember, Warren County 4-H meant Joy Rouse.” She went on to say that she became a Clover Kids Leader of a brand new club after speaking to Joy at the Iowa State Fair. Joy was a very organized individual who always had the interest of the 4-H’er in mind while making decisions. She knew how to handle stressful situations in a calm way that resulted in great experiences. Joy had a way of explaining to 4-H’ers and parents creating understanding to avoid issues from arising. She would go out of her way to give a 4-H’er the positive comment they needed. Joy was known for having a smile on her face, even when times were a bit chaotic (not to mention hot!). When Joy left her position as Extension Director, she graciously helped volunteers when asked, as she had the expertise to give guidance and information to ensure what was being done was correct. A volunteer described Joy as, “a genuinely nice, good hearted person who believes in the 4-H program and has always believed in the good that it brings to our youth.” This volunteer went on to say that, “After many years of no longer being employed by Extension, she went out of her way to congratulate my daughter on winning a State Project Award. Her thoughtfulness is still felt by kids and adults that she helped mentor through the 4-H program. The love that she showed for the youth and the 4-H program always showed through.” Warren County 4-H would not be the program it is today without Joy Rouse. It is with great privilege that Warren County 4-H recognizes Joy Rouse for all of her hard work and dedication throughout the many years. |
2016 Warren County – Terry & Liz DavisTerry and Liz Davis have been active in the 4-H community for many years. Growing up, Liz was a member of the Belmont Peppers 4-H Club. Terry and Liz started the Belmont Badgers 4-H club in 1995. Liz remained a club leader until 2005. Both Terry and Liz were involved in the FFA program, as well. Their four daughters, Kristie, Sarah, Abby and Kate were all 9-year 4-H club members. Terry and Liz will be eagerly watching the next generation of 4-H’ers as one of their nine grandchildren will be enrolling in 4-H next year. Terry and Liz support 4-H and FFA programs because they believe it is important youth learn the value of farming, volunteering, citizenship, communication skills, record keeping, raising livestock and the responsibility inherent in all of the projects. Liz encouraged her four daughters to take exhibits to the 4-H building to learn life skills such as sewing, home furnishings and cooking. Terry always helped with the livestock projects. He encouraged and still encourages youth to be involved in the Advanced Cattle Feeders project and carcass classes as he believes in the start-to-finish project and in record keeping. Their girls were active in the Advanced Cattle Feeder project throughout 4-H. Terry and Liz are also generous supporters of 4-H and FFA youth in various fundraisers, community activities and with livestock projects at the fair auctions. Terry might ask you what amount you have in your project for a break-even price just to see how well you know your project and what price you need to fund this year’s project with seed money for next year’s project. They are active volunteers in surrounding churches and their Milo United Methodist Church, Milo Lions Club, 4th of July celebration, Milo Community Center and SE Warren Community Schools. Terry was actively involved in helping us pass the Warren County Extension referendum. They have a quiet way of “just helping to get things done.” If there is an event going on in the community, you can be assured Terry and Liz are there in support. Warren County 4-H is very fortunate to have such a giving – no strings-attached, couple to be mentors and role models to 4-H’ers across the county. |
2017 Warren County – Mary HenryMarie Henry’s passion for 4-H began as a young member of the Belmont Peppers 4-H club. That passion has not abated. Marie, her husband, Keith, and their four children; Lexie, Allison, Megan, and Jordan have all been and are currently involved in 4-H. It has kept both parents on the run for 19 years. Marie, the leader of the Shooting Stars 4-H club since 1996, has grown the club membership to the largest in Warren County. Marie encourages 4-H members to take at least one static exhibit to the fair, exhibit livestock and participate in communication events at the county and state levels. Marie truly believes in assisting in the development of youth and pushes them beyond their own boundaries by teaching them the values of leadership, civic duty, volunteering, and knowing the importance of exacting financial and project records. |
2018 Warren County – Gary DittmerGary Dittmer was involved in 4-H for most of his life. He was a Warren County 4-Her for 10 years as a member of the Whitebreast Warriors 4-H Club which later became known as the Whitebreast 4-H Club. Gary was involved in market pigs, market beef, welding, and woodworking. His senior year, he made a beautiful oak roll top desk that went on to the Iowa State Fair. Gary was involved in FFA and senior 4-H where he held many offices. He attended many FFA and State 4-H Conferences and was involved in 4-H exchanges with other 4-H members from Oregon and Pennsylvania. In 1998, when Gary’s oldest son, Anthony, was old enough to join 4-H, Gary became a leader for the Whitebreast 4-H Club. He continued to be a leader while his daughter, Alyssa, and his youngest son, Brandon, were in 4-H. He loved working with the youth of Warren County and watching them grow as individuals and as leaders. Gary’s favorite fundraiser for the club was the Whitebreast 4-H dime toss at the Lacona celebration. He was involved with the Warren County Pork Producers grilling at local businesses and advocating for the youth of Warren County. Gary was a 4-H leader for 20 years, a member of the Warren County Youth Committee, and a swine superintendent for many years. During the county fair, you could always find Gary grilling at the Pork Producers stand or hanging out at the hog barn helping the youth with their projects. During the hog show and auction, Gary was in the show ring helping round up pigs or wherever he was needed. He was a staple at the hog barn. Gary passed away in August 2017. He will be greatly missed at the fair and helping the youth of Warren County. |
2019 Warren County – Kathy McCoyKathy (McCormick) McCoy grew up in Warren County where she was a 9 year 4-H member. Her roles on the county and state levels have been crucial to Warren County and Iowa 4-H success. Kathy is married to Tim McCoy and has 4 children who are in or have been involved in 4-H. Starting off in 4-H at just 9-years old, Kathy would take up to 20 static exhibits to the fair every year while also showing livestock. Giving her first 4-H presentation at the county level was what sparked a passion for communications. During her high school days Kathy became active not only on her County and Area 4-H Councils, but on the state and national level as well. While on County Council in Warren County, she helped start Clover Buds. This program would later take off at the State 4-H level and is one of the reasons we have Clover Kids today. During Kathy’s senior year of high school, she was selected to represent the state of Iowa at the National 4-H Congress. While there, she was awarded the National 4-H Educational Scholarship based on achievement in leadership, citizenship and communications. Of the 1,700 applicants, only 68 were selected to receive scholarships. Kathy was on State 4-H Council for 2 years and was a state 4-H officer. When Kathy was on State Council she worked with a local news station to video all 4-H’ers at State 4-H Conference as they chanted, “Good Morning America” for the national TV show. Hearing 1,000 4-Hers chant “Good Morning America.” was a pretty fun way to end State 4-H Conference. In the later years of her 4-H career, Kathy also traveled to Norway for a month-long exchange program. In 1985, she applied to be on paid staff for the 4-H Communications Department at the Iowa State Fair. This staff position evolved from running working exhibits to later being the communications intern for all communication events. During this time, she became the 4-H Clothing Superintendent. 2018 Iowa State Fair marked her 28th year! Ironically, her daughter Hannah is serving as the communications intern this year. For the past 30 years, Kathy has served as a 4-H communications judge for countless county fairs and the Iowa State Fair. When her kids became old enough for 4-H she started the Clover Kids club in her area and then moved on to be a 4-H club leader. She has served as the Warren County Superintendent for the 4-H building, clothing events and communications programs for the past 10 years. The 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus trip is one of the 4-H experiences that she encourages all youth to attend. Kathy attended as a youth and has since chaperoned the trip twice. Kathy feels it is a trip of a lifetime that kids can not only learn from, but can bring back changes along with new ideas for their communities. Kathy graduated from Grand View College with a mass communications degree and worked for a non-profit for 10 years as their Communications Director. While there she completed her Master’s Degree from Drake University. No matter what service project, workshop or meeting Kathy is helping with, she always makes sure the kids come first and is always willing to go above and beyond for others. Kathy, thank you for all your years of hard work and dedication to 4-H’ers and the 4-H program. |
2020 Warren County – Susan SimmsSusan Matlage-Simms grew up on a farm just outside of St. Marys, Iowa. Her father died when she was very young so the small cow herd and show calves were the total care and responsibility of herself and her siblings. She showed cattle at the Warren County Fair, Iowa State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha and numerous weekend shows around the state. Her showing climax was exhibiting the Grand Champion Market Steer at the Warren County Fair in 1979 which was a home-grown calf. She also won cattle showmanship awards three years in a row at the Warren County Fair. When her own two children, Nathan and Megan, joined 4-H she became a leader for her childhood club, the Jackson Hilltoppers. Megan showed horses and Nathan showed market lambs. Even after her own kids graduated from 4-H she continued being the club leader which she continues to this day 15 years later. She also serves on the local 4-H Youth Committee and the 4-H Foundation. Outside of 4-H, Susan has headed up the Martensdale-St. Marys School’s activity concession stands for over 15 years. With her continued involvement in youth activities, Susan has maintained a unique relationship with the young people in western Warren County and they have benefited greatly from her guidance and tutelage. Susan lives just north of Martensdale on an acreage and works for Mercer in Des Moines as a senior consultant, guiding companies and schools across Iowa on health insurance plans for their employees. In her spare time, which she has very little of, she enjoys watching her son Nate race Figure 8 cars, going to family events, going to the movies and baking the best fruit pies around. |
2021 Warren County – Dick WittryDick Wittry was first introduced to 4-H at a young age while living on his family farm near Mt. Carmel, Iowa. Due to being one of ten kids and moving to town in 6th grade, Dick did not have the typical 4-H journey and did not become involved in 4-H again until his two daughters became members of the Indianola Thunder 4-H Club. The family enjoyed all the activities that 4-H had to offer, with the girls showing rabbits, cattle and static entries at the Warren County and Iowa State Fairs. You could frequently find Dick frantically encouraging his girls with their 4-H exhibits. As his daughters got older, Dick became the leader of the Indianola Thunder 4-H Club. He enjoyed seeing the growth and development of the club members when he started to explore the possibilities of robotic and STEM activities for the 4-H members. As interest continued to grow in these project areas, he formed the Warren County Robotics Club. The Warren County Robotics Club presented all kinds of possibilities and opportunities for youth when most thought 4-H was just for the farm kids. Dick held robotic workshops as a way of outreach to the community, drive interest in STEM activities in our youth and raise funds to support the program. Members of the Warren County 4-H Robotics Club competed for many years in the Bratney Challenge at the Iowa State Fair, as well as First Lego League and First Tech Challenge. As the program and club grew and developed, the Warren County 4-H Robotics Team competed and advanced to the First Tech Challenge World Championship in 2016. Dick was also involved in 4-H as a member of the 4-H Youth Committee and also a board member for the Warren County 4-H Foundation. Over the years, Dick Wittry has been a judge for static 4-H exhibits and frequently volunteered for Food Safety Quality Assurance testing and classes and record book judging. Furthermore, Dick assisted with various 4-H workshops; not only for 4-H members, but parent volunteers and adults, as community outreach. He currently serves as a 4-H Building Superintendent for Science, Engineering and Technology at the Warren County Fair. Dick encourages adults to reach out to your local county Extension Office for volunteer opportunities in your communities. You don’t have to be an expert, just have a passion for positive youth development. |
2022 Warren County – Kay SpearKay started her 4-H career back in 1967. As most farm kids found, 4-H aligned with their upbringing and a natural step to continue their growth. Kay was a member of two 4-H clubs, one boy’ and one girls’ because back then, in order to show livestock, a girl could not join a boys’ club without membership in a girls’ club. While a girls’ club focused on home economic projects, rotating disciplines each year, the boys’ club was focused on livestock projects allowing her to show market steers at Warren County Fair and Iowa State Fair. When the local 4-H club in her community needed a 4-H leader, Kay stepped up and took over as a leader for 18 years. This allowed her to be involved and active as their three children passed through their 4-H careers. Many family memories centered around 4-H activities and livestock shows at county and state fairs, along with Ak-sar-ben and IJBBA shows where Kay volunteered with livestock weigh-ins and check-ins. Kay has also been involved in 4-H as a member on the Warren County Youth Committee along with serving as a board member for the Warren County 4-H Foundation. Kay has served as secretary and current treasurer on the Youth Committee along with treasurer for the Foundation. Kay has volunteered for FSQA testing and teaching classes, judging record books, and working at fundraisers for 4-H Foundation. |