Taglauers honored with induction into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Mark and Laura Taglauer of Jefferson County were inducted into the 2019 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony Sunday, Aug. 18, in the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2019 Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

'It is a humbling experience to receive the 4-H Hall of Fame Award,” said Laura Taglauer. 'Many volunteers have dedicated a lot of time and energy into the Jefferson County 4-H program. I appreciate working with adults who care about all the youth of our country.”

'It is an honor to be recognized,” added Mark Taglauer. 'I did not expect it.”

The couple has always been more than willing to volunteer and dedicate their time to make the community a better place. For the last 20-plus years, they have served in many numerous volunteer roles and spent countless hours helping youth involved in Jefferson County 4-H.

Laura, who is the assistant controller in the Dexter Laundry Inc. account department, played a role as a member of the Jefferson County 4-H Youth Committee and is now a Clover Kids leader for the Packwood Clover Kids.

Mark, who owns Taglauer Construction Inc. and farms, played an integral role in the completion of the new 4-H food booth near the grandstand at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. During the county fair, he can usually be found on the grill flipping burgers and turning hot dogs.

Mark's passion for 4-H started when he was a member of the Walnut Bombers 4-H Club.

'I showed chickens and sheep at the fair,” he said. 'One memory I have was a club trip we took to the Morman feed plant. They had a cow with a viewing window in her stomach. It was neat to see as a kid.”

Laura was not a 4-H'er when she was in school, but became involved when her nieces and nephew were 4-H members.

'I would come to the fair to watch them show pigs and cattle. My sister-in-law was always busy volunteering at the 4-H food booth or helping with something else on the fairgrounds, and I started volunteering by helping at the 4-H food booth on nights when they needed extra help,” she said.

Mark and Laura's own sons, Trent and Mitchell, joined 4-H, starting in Clover Kids with Leland and Shirley Stanley as their leaders. When they grew older, they joined the Ceniteers 4-H Club.

'I think the 4-H program is a great asset for youth,” said Laura. 'One activity youth take part in each year is presentations at their club meetings. The presentation topic can be anything that interests the child. By allowing youth to talk about their interests in a safe environment in front of their peers and adult leaders, 4-H instills leadership skills and self-confidence. Both of my sons have grown into speakers who can stand in front of an audience and share their insights and opinions with confidence.”

Today, Trent is 22 years old. He graduated from Iowa State University in May, with a degree in agricultural business and supply chain management. He lives in Boise, Idaho, where he is working in a management training position with JR Simplot Company in the food division.

Mitchell is 20 years old, and graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in May with a degree in agricultural business. He works at Liqui Grow in Mt. Pleasant and helps with the family farm.

'Kids involved in 4-H learn life skills that are not always found in every home,” said Mark. '4-H gives kids ownership of projects and helps them to learn to interact with kids from different backgrounds.”

'4-H is a program for all kids,” continued Laura. 'Jefferson County 4-H has programs for learning to show livestock, growing a garden, robotics, Lego club, shooting sports, photography, sewing, cooking and many other interests. If kids in the community want to start a club for any interest, 4-H is a safe place to come together.”

Laura said that in order for 4-H to continue to be successful in Jefferson County, more volunteers are needed.

'The adults in our community have many talents to help with the diverse interests of the youth,” she said. 'If you have an interest that you would like to share with young people, 4-H is a good place to share your talents.”

'Volunteering in 4-H is leading by example,” continued Mark. 'It is an opportunity to give back to the community what was given to you and possibly giving kids opportunities to do things that you may not have experienced as a kid.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with 4-H can call Jefferson County youth coordinator Ashtin Walker at 641-472-4166.

The Taglauers were nominated for the 4-H Hall of Fame by the Jefferson County Youth Committee.

'Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program,” explained Walker.

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.

'Iowa 4-H volunteers and staff greatly impact our youth and this is one way we can recognize them for their remarkable service and commitment,” said Tillie Good, volunteer specialist, 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.

Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select 'Recognition.”