Mary Schwarz, of rural Davenport was one of eighty-three honorees inducted into the 2013 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. The honorees were selected by their counties for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H and were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage. In alphabetical order, Adair to Jackson Counties were recognized at 1:30, while Jefferson to Wright County were recognized at 3:30 A reception was held shortly after each of the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame presentations.
"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 Chris Gleason, of ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.
Mary Schwarz has been an important part of 4-H in Scott County since her days of showing dairy cattle as a member. Her children were longtime members and Mary served as a 4-H leader, 4-H Youth Committee member and volunteer at special events.
Her commitment to the program has also included serving as superintendent of the 4-H Exhibit Building. Current years find her as a judge for clothing and home improvement at the fair, as well as, a long-term election as treasurer of the Scott County Extension Council.
Mary's commitment has always been about offering quality experiences for the 4-H youth. As a judge, she gives praise for hard work and effort, gently making suggestions for improvement or future challenges when needed.
Her service on the Scott County Extension Council has involved making decisions with the best interests of the 4-Hers and the program in mind.
