Frazee into 4-H Hall
Emerson native Will Frazee is Montgomery County’s newest inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Frazee was inducted during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday. Ninety-two Iowa counties are participating this year and have selected 119 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.
Frazee was presented a certificate as he was introduced on stage. He was also a part of a reception which followed the presentations.
Frazee is a long-time Montgomery County 4-H supporter. As a 4-H parent to son Curt and daughter Krista, club and project area leader, fair board member, committee member and chair of 4-H and youth committees for many years, Frazee has done it all.
He has also been active in state and national beef organizations and travelled the world promoting Iowa products. He is currently serving as a director of Iowa Farm Bureau. From the beginning, a young boy wanted to grow up to be a farmer, and he did with the help of family, friends, and 4-H.
Frazee said getting the induction into the Hall of Fame is very exciting.
“It’s quite an honor. They started the program not that long ago, so I feel honored to be inducted,” Frazee said.
He added that while none of the 4-H work he does is for the recognition, there’s a rewarding feeling.
“It’s not something I do for awards, but it does make me feel good that people appreciate what I have done,” commented Frazee.
“Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program,” said Chelsea Cousins, Program Director at ISU Extension and Outreach Montgomery County.
Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.
“Volunteers provide the head, heart, hands and health to our Iowa 4-H program. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those who have made a difference in the lives of our Iowa youth,” said John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, Program Leader, Iowa 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 will be on display at the 2016 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building.
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 iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition.”