Former Mahaska Resident Inducted Into 2013 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Ron Bever, formerly of Mahaska County, was inducted into the 2013 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. Eighty-three Iowa counties participated this year and selected 110 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were be presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage and honored at a reception following the ceremony.

“Ron Bever has been active with Mahaska County 4-H and the Southern Iowa Fair for over 30 years. He has helped to shape the lives of numerous young people in those years as the North Mahaska FFA Advisor. Ron retired this year and has moved to Oklahoma to be closer to family. He enjoys rodeos and helping with the horse show at the fair. He has volunteered to announce at various livestock shows during the Southern Iowa Fair and has had a great time getting to know all of the youth involved in both the 4-H and FFA programs. Ron has attended every livestock weigh-in each year to lend a hand and help run the 4-H and FFA participants’ animals through the scales. He was most recently a member of the Mahaska County 4-H Youth Committee. While on the committee, he assisted with various 4-H family events and activities and assisted with decision and policy-making. He has been a great asset to our county” said Amy Ver Meer-Brainard, Mahaska County Youth Coordinator.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Ver Meer-Brainard. 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 and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Chris Gleason, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A display of previous honorees was available for viewing at the 2013 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building.

Information about 2013 inductees 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.”