Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

DES MOINES — Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss of Washington County were 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 the Iowa 4‑H Foundation President, Jeff Murphy, and State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

“Jim and Sandi’s contribution to 4-H has been widely felt in our county,” said Washington County 4-H & Youth Coordinator Amy Green.

Jim and Sandi Hotchkiss don’t recognize a time in their life without 4-H. They were actually engaged during the county fair in the exact sheep barn they met two years earlier. It was the start to a beautiful 4-H love story that continues today with chapters of raising four children in the program, serving as club leaders, coaching youth in livestock judging, horse department and nonlivestock project areas and now cheering on eight enrolled 4-H grandchildren. The Washington County 4-H horse department, arena, barn and kids would not be what it is without the Hotchkiss family.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Green. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

“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 on display 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 also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”