4-H Hall of Fame to induct Gilchrist

DES MOINES ? Kenneth Gilchrist of Douds will be inducted into the 2013 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair.

Selected for his outstanding service and dedication to 4-H, Gilchrist will be presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as he is introduced on stage.

A long-time supporter of the 4-H program, Gilchrist started a boys? 4-H Club, the Douds Livewires, in 1972. Ten boys joined the club the first year, and the club is still active today.

?Besides the learning experience for the boys and girls, we also had fun,? Gilchrist said.

Gilchrist has served on the Van Buren County Fair Board and was president of the board for three years. He was cattle superintendent and was elected to the Van Buren Extension County Council from 1977 to 1980, serving as president. In 2003, Gilchrist was among a group of people who started the Iowa Meat Goat Association. He served on its board for six years.

Iowa is fortunate to have many people who have worked to ?make the best better,? Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development said.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002. Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees have 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-Hers through the years.

?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 Morris.

? The Van Buren County Register provided The Ledger with this story.