MANCHESTER, Iowa — Steve Schwietert of Delaware 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, August 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 as they were introduced on stage.
The Delaware County 4-H program has been a part of Steve Schwietert’s life for many years, beginning as a 4-Her and continuing as a 4-H volunteer. Throughout his 4-H career he exhibited registered Ayrshire dairy at the Delaware County Fair and was also elected to the Delaware County 4-H Youth Council and was a member of the county Dairy Judging Team that represented Iowa at the national competition in 1981. Over the years Steve has been a 4-H leader, first for the Colesburg Livestock and later the Honey Creek Helpers, spent many years as a superintendent of the Delaware County Fair 4-H & FFA Dairy Show, and for the past 25 plus years has been serving on the Delaware County Youth Committee. He is the extremely proud father of three daughters Jill, Tara, and Ali who were also nine year 4-H members and have continued being part of the organization as adults. Steve and his wife Jill enjoy watching their grandkids begin their 4-H journey as 4-H is one of the few organizations that multiple generations of one family can be actively involved all at that same time.
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.
“Iowa 4-H volunteers and staff greatly impact our youth and this is one way we can recognize them for their remarkable service and commitment,” said Tillie Good, volunteer specialist, Iowa 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 current and previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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