Winneshiek County Volunteer Named 4-H Leader of the Year

AMES, Iowa — The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award is presented annually to an adult volunteer who has encouraged, challenged and inspired Iowa 4-H members to reach their fullest potential. This year's recipient is Sara Schmitt from Winneshiek County. Schmitt was honored at the Iowa State Fair on August 18, 2024. Sara Schmitt began volunteering in the Turkey Valley Clovers 4-H club when her oldest daughter joined in 2010. When the club leaders decided to retire from 4-H, Sara took the initiative and started the South County Innovators 4-H Club from the ground up. She has been the club leader the last 8 years and has grown the club from just a handful of members to 15 active members. She is eager to encourage youth to become involved, and she ensures they obtain recognition for their efforts. Many of her club members have become involved at the county, regional and state level. Sara truly lives to "make the best better" and encourages youth to be involved and thrive in the 4-H program. In her nomination, a past club member shared, "She constantly pours her time, talent, and treasure into the youth in our community. She puts others before herself, typically with no thank you or appreciation. Sara deserves to be recognized for her commitment to delivering positive opportunities to youth in our community." In addition to her commitment to the 4-H Program, Schmitt serves as the foundation director for the South Winneshiek Community School District. She leads the Junior Warriors CHEER Program, has been involved in Girl Scouts as a troop leader, the church as a member of the Rosary Society and is a volunteer with the South Winneshiek FFA. "We're proud to honor Sara for her work to support 4-H'ers," said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. "Her efforts exemplify the spirit of this award." The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award comes with a $1,000 grant, which the honoree can designate back to Iowa 4-H through their club, county or state foundations. The award was established by Meredith Corporation and the Edwin T. Meredith Foundation through the Iowa 4-H Foundation in honor of Loren Kruse's retirement as editor-in-chief of Successful Farming magazine. Kruse credits the outstanding guidance of his own 4-H club leader for his successes as an adult. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.