Lou Roach inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Lou Roach has been a volunteer, advocate and cheerleader for the 4-H program for over 40 years…..

Lou was introduced to the 4-H program by her veterinary husband, a former state 4-H officer, Dr. Ken Roach when the oldest of their three children was old enough to join a club.  Little did she know at the time that 4-H would become a central activity in the life of their family.  Leah, Julie and John were involved in many of the programs offered and Lou became convinced of the value of the “learn by doing” philosophy.

Lou became a leader of her daughter’s club and later helped her son, John’s club. She became involved with the 4-H program on the county level soon after and was a charter member of the Woodbury County 4-H Sub- Committee, serving as secretary for twelve years. Lou served as Fair superintendent for many of the exhibit areas over the years. 

Under her guidance the 4-H Sub Committee developed a 4-H record keeping program.

A handbook was developed, forms revised and meetings held to help 4-H members, parents and leaders understand the importance of record keeping.  Her initiative helped many 4-H’ers achieve their goals through record keeping. This effort resulted in many earning trips to National 4-H Congress and thousands of dollars in educational scholarships for Woodbury County 4-Hers.  Through her efforts she has obtained funds from the Rotary Club for 4-H’ers to participate in the Citizenship trip to Washington D.C.  The Roach family was host for the 4-H Foreign Exchange program. Lou also served on the state level as a trustee of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. In 1993 Lou was recognized by the state as an Honorary 4-H Member. In 2002 Lou and her good friend and co-leader, Sheryl McGowan, were honored by their husbands who acted as underwriters for the book A 4-H Story Helping Hands Caring Hearts, a book written to commemorate the hundredth birthday of 4-H.

Lou is active in the community. She served as chairman of “PEACH” a community betterment program for the city of Sioux City. She has continued to serve in various ways, on the Board for the Carmelite Monastery, Capital Campaign for Blessed Sacrament Church, planning committee for the Bishop’s Dinner, and the Mercy Hospital Gala.

Lou is the epitome of the “forever student”… in addition to her degree in Home Economics from Iowa State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Briar Cliff University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Dakota, all the while volunteering for 4-H. She was employed at Western Iowa Tech Community College as an art instructor for many years. Most recently she and husband Ken earned a Masters degree in Theology from Ave Maria University and have helped launch the Catholic Radio station, KFHC, in Sioux City. She now continues as a teacher instructing home schooled children in religion and art and conducts a Bible study.

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 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.

Over 400 youth in grades fourth through twelfth are 4-H members in Woodbury County. Through 4-H, members learn leadership, citizenship, and public speaking skills as well as how to give in their community. 4-Hers pledge their HEAD to clearer thinking, their HEART to greater loyalty, their HANDS to larger service, and their HEALTH to better living for their club, their community, their country, and their world. For additional information about 4-H, contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Woodbury County at (712) 276-2157 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/woodbury.