Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Pat Jensen, of Everly, was accepted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during the Iowa State Fair last month.
Pat Jensen, of Clay County, was inducted into the 2024 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair, on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Ninety-three Iowa counties participated this year and selected 125 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by Iowa 4-H Foundation President Jeff Murphy and State 4-H Program Leader Mitchell Hoyer as they were introduced on stage.
"There are many ways for a person to be involved in 4-H and impact youth. They may have been a member as a youth, can help judge competitions, or be a club leader, a project area leader and an active volunteer in a wide array of project areas," said Jenna Steffen, Clay County Extension Youth Coordinator, in a news release. "Pat Jensen has been all of these over the years."
Jensen started as a 4-H member, exhibiting clothing and food projects and showing shorthorn cattle. Next came judging, first in Clay County for clothing, and then in other area counties. As her kids joined 4-H, Jensen became the Waterford Town and Country 4-H Club leader. After her kids finished their 4-H careers, she joined the Clay County and state 4-H horse committees, helping organize and work both the Iowa State Fair and Clay County Fair horse shows.
While her time on the Clay County horse committee has ended, Jensen is still an active volunteer during the fair, having primarily announced the shows in recent years. Additionally, she announces the 4-H meat goat show.
"Pat's 4-H involvement spans a lifetime and is driven by a true appreciation of the growth and success she sees in 4-H members as they present their projects at the fair year after year," Steffen said.
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 club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, county Extension council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or Extension staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H members through the years.
"We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program," said Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Emily Saveraid.
