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Theresa Rose to be inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Henry County’s Theresa Rose honored for lifelong commitment to 4-H and community
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — For decades, Theresa Rose’s voice has echoed across Henry County — from the airwaves at KILJ Radio to the grandstands of the county fair. This summer, that voice will be honored in one of Iowa’s highest recognitions for community service. Rose will be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair in August.
The announcement came during the Henry County Fair on Wednesday, July 16, in a moment shared alongside the county fair queen contest — a fitting tribute for a woman who has worn many hats in support of youth development and local agriculture.
Also honored at the Henry County Fair were two 4-H’ers awarded a Brownfield Ag News belt buckle for years of dedication to 4-H and FFA.
Briar Bender is a member of the Wayne Soil Savers 4‑H Club and son of Tracy and Jason Bender, received a Brownfield Ag News belt buckle as he wrapped up his time in both 4‑H and FFA. Elyssa Graber, a long‑time member of the Jefferson Juniors 4‑H Club and daughter of Troy and Cassie Graber, was similarly honored with a buckle recognizing her years of service and leadership.
This annual belt buckle ceremony by Brownfield Ag News highlights young people who have dedicated years to leadership, livestock, community service, and personal growth in agricultural programs
“Thank you so much for all the congrats,” Rose shared in a public statement following the announcement. “I am so very honored to be inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame! I encourage everyone to support 4-H.”
Rose currently serves as the chair of the Henry County Iowa State Extension Council, a role she stepped into after decades of informal service to the same organization. Her term extends through 2026. Though she retired from her role as news director at KILJ Radio in 2023 after a 37-year career, her commitment to 4-H and the Henry County community has only deepened.
A lifelong Mt. Pleasant resident, Rose did not grow up in a 4-H Club but became one of its most devoted supporters. Through her journalism work, she reported on Extension programs, livestock shows, and community projects. Behind the scenes, she volunteered at nearly every level — serving as an emcee, judge, workshop coordinator, and co-coordinator for the Henry County Fair Queen contest. Her role in the fairgrounds was as familiar as her voice was to local listeners.
“I have totally enjoyed getting to know these 4-H’ers and their families down through the years,” she said. “I have had the privilege of watching 4-H’ers grow from shy 9-year-olds to confident teens and have seen them go on to be successful due in large part to what they gained from their 4-H experience.”
That experience, she added, is shaped not just by the youth involved, but by the adults who guide them.
“The club leaders, the Extension staff and the Fair Board play a huge role in the 4-H experience year-round,” Rose emphasized.
Rose joined the Henry County Extension Council in 2021 to fill a vacancy. Her familiarity with Extension and 4-H programming made her an ideal candidate. That appointment evolved into a leadership position as chair, where she continues to influence decisions that impact youth, agriculture, and lifelong learning in the region.
Beyond Extension, Rose is an active member of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library Board and the Mt. Pleasant School Foundation Board. She also participated in the Master Gardener program, expanding her appreciation for the educational reach of Extension.
Her community involvement, however, has always come with a journalistic eye — and a generous heart. As a trusted local reporter, Rose elevated the stories of youth achievement, giving recognition to those whose efforts sometimes go unnoticed.
“Your love for 4-H and the people in it shines through in every word and action,” wrote colleague Nathan Bloechl in a public tribute. “They couldn’t have chosen a better person to recognize — congratulations, my friend!”
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the 4-H program and its mission of positive youth development. Rose joins a distinguished group of Iowans whose volunteerism and leadership have left lasting legacies across the state.
Her induction will take place during the Iowa State Fair, where family, friends, and fellow 4-H supporters will gather to celebrate a woman who never wore the green clover badge as a child, but who came to embody its values: head, heart, hands, and health.
“She has been a cornerstone of the 4-H and Extension community for many years,” read a statement from ISU Extension. “Offering her time, talents, and unwavering dedication to supporting young people and their families … she has exemplified the spirit of 4-H in every way.”
As she prepares to take her place among Iowa’s most dedicated 4-H champions, Rose remains humble — and hopeful.
“I encourage everyone to support 4-H,” Rose said. “It is so much more than a ‘program.’ It is such a big part of the lives of so many wonderful kids and their families.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
