Tom and Bev Heim inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Tom and Bev Heim of Allamakee County were inducted into the 2022 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 21. Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 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 Julie McGonegle and State 4-H Program Leader Debbie Nistler as they were introduced on stage.

“Tom and Bev Heim’s contribution to 4-H is widely felt,” said Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County Youth Coordinator Marissa Foels. “This year’s recipients have been life-long active supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H program.”
Instilling the value of 4-H in their children, the Heims have continued the family tradition of giving back to the 4-H community. Tom and Bev have been an asset to the Allamakee County 4-H Program and the swine project. Their service to the 4-H Program emphasizes the mission of the 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Heims have served on various committees throughout their time with Allamakee County 4-H program. Tom and Bev are known to be humble, behind-the-scenes volunteers. When their children were in 4-H, they enjoyed helping them with their 4-H projects each year in preparation for the county fair. The Heims could be seen assisting with the county fair swine show and with youth’s swine projects. They have often joked throughout the years that the Allamakee County Fair was their family vacation.

Bev served as a club leader for the Bear Creek Kids 4-H club, along with the Bear Creek Clover Kids club, and Tom served as a member of the Allamakee County Extension Council. Over many years, he was also an active supporter of the swine project assisting youth with raising their own swine projects for the upcoming 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 Foels. 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, chaperons 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.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002. 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.”