News : Rick Claeys honored at Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

The late Ricky Claeys became the latest Benton County member of the Iowa Hall of Fame this month.

Rick Claeys of Benton County was inducted into the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 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 the Iowa 4-H Foundation President, Bob Butcher, and State 4-H Program Leader, John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, as they were introduced on stage.

Accepting the honor in his memory was Rick’s wife, Carole and his daughter, Morgan. Rick Claeys was a true asset to the Benton County 4-H Program before his death in a car accident last December. He gave not only his time, hard work and valuable input to the 4-H program, he truly loved working with the youth and being a part of an organization that gave youth great opportunities. Rick will be forever remembered as a tremendous 4- H/FFA supporter and a great member of the Benton County 4-H Committee.

The honor of being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is a small way of recognizing his amazing contributions to the Benton County 4-H Program and the great impact he made on those he met. Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Michelle Thomsen, Benton County Youth Coordinator.

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’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 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 summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2015 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.