2010 Boone County - Family of Fran Thompson

 Fran Thompson worked for Boone County ISU Extension as an Office Assistant for 27 years (1960-1987).  Fran was a favorite person among 4-H families because of her easy smile, great sense of humor, and capable organizational skills that served as the backbone of the 4-H program.    Prior to her retirement, Fran said she would like to sponsor an award to recognize 4-H leaders for their dedication in helping young people learn and grow in the 4-H program. 
After Fran’s death in 1987 her family established the Fran Thompson Outstanding Leader Award.  Every year for the past 23 years, the Fran Thompson Family has given an Outstanding Leader Award to one leader that has given 4-H youth and the 4-H program in Boone County outstanding time, service and dedication.  The recipients receive a plaque and a monetary gift.   Originally, the family decided to give the award for 10 years, but once they realized the impact the award had on the Boone County 4-H program they decided to continue providing the recognition. 

In 2002, the Fran Thompson Family started giving a Boone County 4-H Alumni Scholarship, which goes to current college students who were Boone County
4-H members for at least four years and through the end of high school.

The Fran Thompson Family has also helped sponsor the Boone County Leader Appreciation gifts.  Each year every active 4-H leader in Boone County receives a small gift of appreciation.  Fran’s family has helped sponsor the gifts for the past three years.

Fran valued the positive impact adult volunteers have on 4-H youth.  Her family, including daughter and son-in-law Sharyn and Gary Nelson and grandsons  Brad, Brent and his wife Judy, Andy and his wife Cody all from Des Moines, Eric and his wife Heather from Urbandale and Jeff and Shannon Nelson, from Seattle, Washington have carried on these values by supporting the adult 4-H volunteers in Boone County.