DES MOINES, Iowa — Todd and Donna Boss of Delaware County 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 4‑H Foundation President, Holly Grandin, and Interim State 4-H Program Leader, Andrea Nelson, as they were introduced on stage.
The Boss’ have a longevity of being part of the Delaware County 4-H program for over 30 years and are both Delaware County alumni. Donna was a 24- year Prairie Clovers 4-H Club Leader, a Swine Project Leader, served on the ISU Extension Citizens Advisory Council, and the ISU Extension Delaware County Nominating Committee, and continues to serve on the Delaware County 4-H Youth Committee. Todd’s past leadership roles include being a 3-year Prairie Livestock 4-H Leader, a 4-H Herdsmen judge during fair week, Delaware County Extension Council, and Co-Swine Project Leader with wife Donna since 1991. They have now passed the clipboard and sorting panels on, as their last Delaware County 4-H/FFA Swine show was last year, but you’ll continue to see Todd & Donna volunteering, mentoring, and guiding the youth of Delaware County.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. 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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