Dr. Steve and Dr. Shelly Wickhm were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21. Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 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, Julie McGonegle, State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler, as they were introduced on stage.
Steve and Shelly have been and continue to be active supporters of the Henry County 4-H Program. Shelly served as the Secretary of the Henry County Extension Council for eight years. Both Shelly and Steve were 4-H Leaders. Steve being a leader of the Wayne Soil Savers 4-H Club for 15 years and Shelly the leader of the Country Creators. Shelly assisted with the startup of the Henry County 4-H Bottle Calf program and chaired the program for many years, as well as provided expertise for the 4-H Pet Show. Steve’s passion for Beef production in Henry County and as a large promoter of the production side of the 4-H Beef show emphasizing the importance of quality and the beef industry. Steve has served as the Henry County Fair Veterinarian for over 30 years, and has hosted numerous Beef Weigh-ins at his facility while providing guidance and support to beginning beef producers. As former 4-H’ers both Steve and Shelly encouraged 4-H participation with many Henry County youth and then their own triplets Blake, Hannah and Sterling. Steve provided support as a head leader to new incoming leaders, provided many hands on learning opportunities and club tours for the members of the Wayne Soil Savers.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Erin Heaton, Henry County 4-H Youth Coordinator. 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 staff and volunteer 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 2022 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.”