SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Cheryl Zobel of Woodbury County was inducted into the 2019 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. Ninety-six Iowa counties participated this year and selected 135 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 President Curt Lang and State 4-H Program Leader Debbie Nistler, as they were introduced on stage.
Over the decades, Cheryl Zobel has played an integral part in the Iowa 4-H Program, from her early years as a 4-H’er in Crawford County, to her time as parental support for her daughter, a Woodbury County 4-H’er, to the last 27 years as a leader of the Good Luck Clovers 4-H Club. “Cheryl’s contribution to 4-H was widely felt,” said Lujean Faber, Enhanced Youth Development Educator with ISU Extension and Outreach – Woodbury County. “As a leader she has inspired her members with challenges, giving them a topic or idea and letting them make it their own. She has supported her club through all phases of their community projects, including a flip-flop drive for children in Africa, baking cookies for US troops, fulfilling items from the Humane Society’s wish list, and purchasing items and putting together personal care bags for the homeless at the Gospel Mission.” Cheryl was recognized by the Sioux City Journal in 2017 as an outstanding volunteer.
“Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program,” said Faber. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.
“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.
“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H stakeholder and partnership development manager.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2019 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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