Dwight and Bonnie Sanders, formerly of Benton 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 on Sunday, August 21. Ninety-eight counties selected 133 inductees for outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees, or their surviving family members, were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation President, Julie McGonegle, and State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler.

“Dwight and Bonnie (Schadle) met on a 4-H Chicago Award Trip in the 1970s and dedicated much of their lifetimes to Benton County 4-H and the Iowa 4-H program. When we received a nomination for the Iowa 4-H Hall of fame from Don King of Waverly, Iowa, I honestly didn’t know much about the Sanders. King’s nomination outlined Dwight and Bonnie’s contributions to the program and love for 4-H,” said Sheila Hlas, Benton County 4-H County Youth Coordinator.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as 4-H club leaders, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Extension Council Members, county youth council members, financial supporters, 4-H event chaperones, or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“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 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was displayed at the 2022 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 is also available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”