DUBUQUE, Iowa — Joe Simon of Dubuque County will be inducted into the 2020 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a virtual ceremony on Sunday, August 23. Eighty-six Iowa counties are participating this year and have selected 117 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.
Two ceremonies will be streamed online to recognize this year’s honorees. Joe Simon will be recognized during the 1:30 p.m. event. Visit www.iowa4hfoundation.org the day of the ceremony to locate the online event.
Joe Simon and Virginia, his wife of 70 years, raised 10 children on their farm near Farley. The older kids showed both pigs and dairy when they first joined 4-H in the early 60’s before finally settling on dairy. Joe didn’t become a leader right away, but he was an active parent from the start. Some years there were six children in 4H at one time and there was never a lack of hoof trimming, clipping, or making multiple trips with the farm ton-truck to and from the Dubuque County fairgrounds.
During the 15 years Joe served as a 4-H leader, he was known for his quiet leadership, compassion and mentorship– particularly when it came to new members just starting out showing livestock. Joe continued to be a strong backer of youth in agriculture and 4-H, giving of his time, talent and financial support toward our next generation of farmers and leaders.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Sarah Ludwig. 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, program manager, 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 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 http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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