Mark and Barb Howe inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame ... Mark and Barb Howe of Waukon were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame August 22 during a ceremony held at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Pictured above during the induction ceremony are, left to right, Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Emily Saveraid, Barb and Mark Howe, and Iowa 4-H Volunteer Development Specialist Tillie Good. Submitted photo.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Counties nominate volunteers, community leaders and Extension staff members who have exemplified outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their county.
Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year. Inductees can also be recognized posthumously.
The Allamakee County 4-H Program nominated Mark and Barb Howe of Waukon as the 2021 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductees from Allamakee County. The Howes were recognized at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony Sunday, August 22. They have been active supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H program for over 30 years.
As a youth, Mark was a member of the West Ridge Riders 4-H Club where he served as vice president and president. He participated in sheep, swine, crop production and tractor project areas throughout his years in 4-H.
Barb’s 4-H involvement included being a 4-H club leader, 4-H parent, Youth Development Committee member and sheep superintendent. Instilling the value of 4-H in their children, they have continued the family tradition of giving back to the 4-H community. They enjoy helping their grandchildren with their 4-H exhibits and supporting them at their shows.
The Howes continue to share their enthusiasm by serving on the Allamakee County Fair Board. They also support the 4-H program by being active contributors to the Allamakee County 4-H Circle of Friends.
This year’s 4-H Hall of Fame inductees are continuing to touch many lives through their support to the Allamakee County 4-H Program. “Mark and Barb are a great asset to the Allamakee County 4-H Program, and their service to the 4-H Program emphasizes the mission of the 4-H Hall of Fame,” read their nomination information.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as 4-H celebrated 100 years of a program dedicated to teaching youth life skills. During those 100 years, it became evident that one of the essential elements of the 4-H program was the caring adults who were committed to the program.
Inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program. They work tirelessly to see that Iowa’s youth have a great learning experience in a safe and fun environment. These adults have modeled volunteerism, community service, integrity and leadership to Iowa’s youth. Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will, in turn, support the continuation of a 4-H program that builds Iowa’s leaders.
