2006 Story County - Ralph & Carolyn Manning

Ralph and Carolyn Manning have spent a life time looking out for the welfare of         4-H’ers and youth.  In Story County, they provided a vision and leadership for county 4-H Clubs and volunteer 4-H leaders resulting in the largest county 4-H Program in the State.  Ralph and Carolyn are loyal and sincere, very good at public relations, collaboration and mediation when working with county 4-H’ers, parents, committees and volunteers.  They are problem solvers and creatively respond to the real needs of youth.  Perhaps, their greatest “life skill” is their willingness to listen and, in the end, do what is best for the young people involved.

Ralph Manning’s career with Extension began Feb. 23, 1970 and he retired Oct. 3, 2000; with 30+ years of service to youth and the 4-H program in Iowa.  Ralph worked as a Youth Program Leader for Youth & 4-H in West Pottawattamie County & Story County and later as a Youth Field Specialist covering Hardin, Marshall and Story Counties. Ralph Manning believes in getting grassroots input on programs or issues related to 4-H.  He is articulate, a “thinker” and is always looking for the best solution. It is not uncommon for adults, former 4-H’ers who were aided by Ralph’s leadership to come up to him years after the fact and sincerely express their appreciation for his guidance.

Carolyn Manning’s career with Extension began July 1, 1966 and she retired on Aug. 3, 2001 after 35+years of service.  Carolyn is organized and has always relished the opportunity to help 4-H’ers grow into competent and productive adults. During Carolyn’s tenure as County Extension Director she served as part of the team that developed the 4-H Buddies program, a six week program that included a deaf simulation experience and sign language sessions to increase the understanding of 4-H leaders, members, parents, fairboard and fair superintendents when working with hearing impaired youth.  Currently, although retired, Carolyn serves as the Chair of the Story County
4-H Foundation which has a fund drive underway to increase the Story County Endowment to $100,000 by 2007.