LE MARS, Iowa — Brett and Hallie McNaughton were inducted into the 2018 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 19. Ninety-nine Iowa counties participated this year and selected 131 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.
Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4H Foundation President, Holly Grandin, and Interim State 4-H Program Leader, Andrea Nelson, as they were introduced on stage.
Brett and Hallie’s contribution to 4-H has been widely felt, said Ann Schoenrock, County Program and Youth Coordinator. Brett and Hallie have always made 4-H a top priority in their lives! As a child Brett participated in Plymouth County 4-H for 9 years. They raised two boys, Ross and John in the Plymouth County 4-H program, keeping active by exhibiting sheep, beef, and swine. Brett and Hallie were always willing to volunteer and help their kids’ club out with any activities. In 1992 Brett was elected to fill his father’s position after he unexpectedly passed away. Brett was no stranger to the Fairboard, as his parents had both been actively involved with the fair his entire life. He was excited to keep the tradition going and did so by serving the board for 25 years and just recently stepped down. Brett also served a term on the Plymouth County Extension Council. While he was busy with Fairboard tasks, Hallie can always be found helping out in the Fair Office and digging in the flower beds at the fairgrounds. She started by helping her mother-in-law Janet keep the beds looking top notch and then after Janet’s passing, Hallie has kept the tradition going and keeps the flowers always looking great! These two have been cheerleaders for many 4-H’ers, always willing to lend a hand or advice! Brett and Hallie say one of the most enjoyable parts of serving on the Fairboard was attending Fairboard Conventions in Des Moines. Brett states he could not think of working with a better group of individuals as those he served with on the Fairboard with and his Fairboard experience has been one of the best experiences in his life.
“Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program”, said Schoenrock. “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.
“One of the pillars of the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program is youth-adult partnerships. Our
honorees generously give their time and talents to foster these positive partnerships with our 4-H
youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H volunteer development specialist.
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 2018 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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