Don and Michelle Dee inducted into 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Don and Michelle Dee of Waukon in Allamakee County were inducted into the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines Sunday, August 23. Ninety-two Iowa counties participated this year and selected 126 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees, or their surviving family members, were presented a certificate by Iowa 4‑H Foundation President Bob Butcher and State 4-H Program Leader John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas as they were introduced on stage during the recognition ceremony.
“Don and Michelle’s contribution to 4-H is widely felt,” said Morgan Heim, Allamakee County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The Dees have been long-time supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H Program. Their 4-H involvement has spanned many years - from their years as 4-H Club parents, to volunteering in a variety of aspects.
Michelle served as a member of the Youth Development Committee, and is currently a horse superintendent. Don has served as a dairy superintendent, and a member of the Allamakee County Fair Board. The couple still shares their 4-H enthusiasm by sharing their dairy and horses through the county Share-a-Project program with youth in Allamakee County. They have touched many lives through their dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to the Allamakee County 4-H Program. Through countless acts of sharing their time and talents, they are considered a huge asset to the Allamakee County 4-H Program and the Allamakee County Fair.
“Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program,” said Heim. Many inductees served 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 4-H 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 Jay Staker, stakeholder and partnership development manager for ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
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 2015 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building.
Information about the 2015 inductees and previous inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county.