“Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss of Washington were recognized at the Washington County Fair on July 19 as the 2024 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recipient for Washington County. Annually, every county is to select one recipient for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Once members, then parents to 4-Hers, then club and project leaders, and now grandparents to 4-Hers. Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss don’t recognize a time in their life without 4-H.
They met the summer of 1970 in the sheep barn at the Washington County Fair. Jim then proposed to Sandi under the trees north of the sheep barn during the County Fair. 
Three generations of the Hotchkiss Family have been involved in 4-H leadership. Jim’s dad was a 4-H leader and superintendent of sheep department. The first brick purchased for the patio in front of the Washington County Extension Office is in honor of James Hotchkiss. Ruth, his wife, was one of the greatest 4-H cheerleaders to her children and grandchildren.
As a team, Jim and Sandi had great 4-H role models and have become ones themselves. The Washington County 4-H horse department, arena, barn and kids would not be what it is without the Hotchkiss family. They have been active filling many volunteer roles and are proud supporters of the 4-H program. They are great examples of hard work, family focused and generous giving.
The couple will be further recognized at the Iowa State Fair on August 18 for their dedication to Iowa 4-H.”