(Pictured are Chuck Morris, Director, 4-H Youth Development (right) and Barbara Determan, President, 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees (left), making the Hall of Fame presentation to Sally Wilkie.)
Sally Wilkie of Cherokee County was inducted into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, August 21.
Eighty-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 121 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 as they were introduced on stage. A reception followed the presentations.
Sally Wilkie is one of Cherokee County’s brightest shining 4-H Volunteers. Sally has been a club leader for 21 years, Leader of the Year in 1996 and 2003, and Youth & 4-H Committee member for 9 years. She is a farm wife, mother, grandmother, chief milker, cake decorator, seamstress, fill-in postmaster, and can do just about any other odd job that needs to be done. And if that isn’t busy enough, she is a 4-H leader to 30 young people and a HUGE 4-H program supporter, ready to help where help is needed. Sally spends a great amount of time and care with youngsters and their bottle calves, giving them advice, sharing her knowledge and encouraging them.
According to Brenda Medick, Cherokee County 4-H & Youth Coordinator, counties select inductees 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 or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension 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 the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s program,” said Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H.