2009 Marion County - Geneva Harrison

Geneva Harrison is the true definition of what it meanes to be a 4-H volunteer. She definitely brightens people's lives and makes the area around her shine. Geneva has significantly contributed to Marion County and demonstrates integrity, dependability, has a sense of community and a strong work ethic.

Geneva's dedication to the 4-H youth program of Marion County has been exemplary. For the past twenty four years she has served as a club leader to the White Breast Beavers 4-H Club. Additionally, the last four years she has been the leader of the Clover Kids Club "Little Beavers," and in 2009 she took over the Knoxville Clover Kids Club. Geneva has had many special needs kids that seem to gravitate to her club and she welcomed them with a big heart and open arms. The White Breast Beavers Club has done numerous community service projects in Marion County to improve the area where they live.

Geneva volunteers in other additional ways. She served on the 4-H Basketball Tournament Committee since 1996 when the committee first formed. Every year she is in charge of the food concession stand for that event, which has had over 500 participants and guests in the past. The county fair concession stand is also completely organized by Geneva. She does all of the buying, pricing, organizing of clubs working the booth, and everything in between.

The Marion County 4-H Foundation has been in existence since 1994 and Geneva has been an active member serving on numerous sub-committees and is currently serving as secretary. She also served several terms on the 4-H Youth Committee that guides the 4-H program of Marion County.

At the state level she has attended the Iowa 4-H Volunteer Retreat since 1997 and been on the planning committee since 2002.  Additionally, at the Governor's 25th Annual Volunteer Award Ceremony, present by Governor Chet Culver, the planning committee was recognized for their Outstanding Service to the state 4-H volunteers. Geneva has also presented educational workshops at the state volunteer retreat.

She has also been very active at the regional level by participating in several North Central Regional Meetings. Geneva started by attending the regional meeting, then she was on the planning committee and eventually began presenting workshops.

Overall, Geneva is the definition of volunteering. She has had a major impact on the 4-H program in the community, area, state and regional levels.