Catherine Beary and late M. Leo Beary Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Catherine Beary and the late M. Leo Beary formerly of Lovilia 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, Aug. 21.
Eighty-eight Iowa counties are participated this year and have 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.
Nearly 60 years ago, Leo and Catherine Beary began their involvement with the Monroe County 4-H program when Leo became co-leader of the newly formed Weller Champions 4-H Club in 1951. A few years later, Catherine became a leader for her daughters home economics club, the Union Leaderettes.
Leo served on the Monroe County Fair Board in the early 1950s when land was purchased for the fair grounds and was a long time beef superintendent. Both Leo and Catherine were 4-H leaders for many years and served on the county 4-H Committee. They were named as honorary 4-H members and continued to support and promote 4-H well into their retirement.
All six of their children, Jim, Don, Marge, Mary Kay, Rita and Gene showed beef as members of the Weller Champions. Mary Kay and Rita were also members of the Union Leaderettes. All served on numerous committees, held offices, won award and benefited from the 4-H experience
Jim and Mary Kay became 4-H leaders, Jim for the Weller Champions and Mary Kay for the Clever Clovers in Lee County. Ten of their 19 grandchildren were or are in 4-H and two-great grandchildren are now 4-H members carrying on the 4-H tradition in the Beary family.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Autumn Denato Monroe County 4-H Youth Coordinator. 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 4-H 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. Information about previous inductees will be available at the 2011 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Information about previous inductees also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”