Joe Miller of Lucas County was inducted posthumously into the 2009 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Ninety Iowa counties are participating this year and have selected inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members will be presented a plaque by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they are introduced on stage.
Joe Miller served as the County Extension Education Director in Lucas County for 15 years. During that time, Joe helped to improve the 4-H program by promoting exchange programs. He helped 4-H’ers in livestock by teaching them about livestock judging. Many 4-H’ers gained valuable skills through his mentorship which led to their becoming successful later in life in agriculture and business and giving back to their community.
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, Extension Council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or Iowa State University (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 4-H program," said Chuck Morris, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development Director.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H.