News : Dwight and Bonnie Sanders Inducted Posthumously into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

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.

Bonnie served two, 2-year terms (1975-1976 and 1977-1978) on the Benton County 4-H Committee and was the committee's 4-H Chicago Trip Award recipient in 1976.

For a number of years, Bonnie was a Benton County 4-H Garden Tour Leader, visiting 4-H'ers to offer advice, answer questions, and evaluate their gardens for the "Green Thumb Award".

In 1977, Dwight and Bonnie served as adult counselors for the Benton and Iowa County 4-H Intermediate Camp at the Iowa 4-H Camping Center. Their leadership and rapport with youth counselors and campers contributed significantly to their experiences.

Dwight and Bonnie both served as Benton County Fair 4-H science, mechanics, and arts superintendents. Bonnie served a 3-year term from 1979-1981. While Dwight completed a 3-year term from 1982-1984.

Bonnie was a frequent and respected achievement show judge. Dwight served as a Benton County Fair 4-H and FFA herdsmanship judge. They also donated to the Iowa 4-H Foundation, through the fundraiser "purchase" an acre of land at the Iowa 4-H Camping Center.

Dwight was a leader for the North Eden Blue Races. Bonnie was a 4-H communications judge. Dwight was a Benton County 4-H Foundation Board Member at the time of his death.

Lastly, Dwight and Bonnie supported their son Jason's 4-H participation, which culminated in his selection as an Iowa 4-H Poultry Award Winner.

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 "Recognizing Service" then "Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame" on the left side of the page.

Others who have been recognized include:

2002 Glennis Nissen

2003 Albert Hepker

2004 Royal Tuttle

2007 Yvonne Brecht

2008 Dick Meyer

2009 Sylvia Jane Brockschink Schulte

2010 Glenn Werning

2012 Judi Hertle

2013 Tim and Jean Schmidt

2014 Greg Svoboda

2015 Rick Claeys

2016 Duane Fischer

2017 Michelle Thoma

2018 Denise Schwab

2019 John Holst

2020 Duane Johnson

2021 Brian McNulty