Jayne Ferguson Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Jayne Ferguson Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Jayne Ferguson of Mahaska County was inducted into the 2017 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 20. Ninety-four Iowa counties participated this year and selected 121 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, Doug Den Adel, and State 4-H Program Leader, John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, as they were introduced on stage.

Jayne Ferguson has been involved with 4-H for over 30 years. She began as a horse superintendent and then became a 4-H club leader, a role she has held for the past 25 years. She has persevered through many challenges over the years and has done it all with a smile on her face. Jayne has extensive knowledge in the horse project area and continues to mentor youth from in and around Mahaska County.

“Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program”, said Amy Brainard, Mahaska County 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.

“The Iowa 4-H Youth Development program is a volunteer-driven organization. Volunteers generously give their time and talents to work and learn in partnership with Iowa 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 2017 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.”