Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:04 PM by Global Reach
Dean Van Ness first became involved in Des Moines County 4-H as a parent when his sons’ were members of the Sperry Sodbusters 4-H Club. In 1980, he was asked to become the organizational leader for the club and has served in that role ever since. In addition to his role as a 4-H leader, Dean has also served on the Des Moines County 4-H Youth Committee for 18 years, has been a member of the Des Moines County 4-H Sheep Committee since 1991. He was the recipient of the Des Moines County 4-H Meritorious Service Award in 1989. In 1995, he was awarded the Des Moines County Honorary 4-H Member Award.
In addition to his 4-H service, Dean has been a member of the Des Moines County Fair Board since 1991. As a member of the fair board, Dean is an active member of the buildings and grounds committee.
When he’s not involved with 4-H, Dean is an Industrial Technology Teacher. He’s been recognized in Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America (1973), as Henderson County (IL) Teacher of the Year (1973), as Illinois Teacher of the Year nominee (1974), and in Who’s Who Among American Teachers (2001).
Categories: Des Moines
