2009 Benton County - Sylvia Jane Brockschink Schulte

Sylvia Schulte was never a 4-H member but over the years, her five children, Florine (Swanson), Dale, Myrle, Alvin and Orlan Schulte participated in 4-H in Benton County, as well as 15 of her 17 grandchildren have been members in Benton, Johnson and Wright County and now six great-grandchildren are members in Marion and Wright County in Iowa.

Sylvia was a 4-H leader of the Florence Go-Getters for one year and the Florence Busy Queens
4-H Club for two years, which was made up of younger 4-H members when the Florence Go-Getters 4-H Club became too large for one club. She also served on the Benton County Girls
4-H Committee for three years from 1955 to 1958, two years as chair. She also served as an achievement show judge for over ten years. In addition, her husband, Bernard, was a 15-year
4-H club leader of the Florence Hawkeyes and installed as an honorary member of Benton County
4-H.

Sylvia's career began as a country school teacher and eventually as an elementary teacher in Walford. Following her nine years of teaching she committed herself to the role of farmer, mother and community servant. But she never forgot her value of education. Her children always said that she never stopped teaching. And thus it was through the 4-H program that she saw the value of assisting young people to continue to learn. She got her greatest satisfaction in helping young people, whether it was writing a speech to be a county 4-H officer, or filling out a record book or completing an exhibit for the county fair. Whenever a child asked for help she was there to help them achieve their goals.

The Schulte's were host to numerous international guests including a family from Canada, through a county 4-H exchange as well as an IFYE from Greece. They were also 4-H 1,000 donors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation, as well as continuous memorial contributors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Sylvia's volunteer work was focused around her community in Norway, Iowa and in Benton County. For her efforts she was named a Master Farm Homemaker in 1971. She was National Hereford Hog executive secretary & treasurer for nine years with the office located in a trailer on their farm. In addition, she was active in Benton County Farm Bureau, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Democratic political party.

Although Sylvia is no longer living, she would have been thrilled to receive this special recognition of her commitment and that of her family to the Iowa 4-H program.