2012 Story County- Claire Hall

Claire Hall’s love for children and interest in horses was the beginning of her involvement in the Story County 4-H program.  She grew up in the Chicago area, graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL and later received her Master’s degree from Iowa State University.  She married and soon after moving to Nevada, she was influenced by a neighbor to learn about 4-H and encouraged to become a 4-H leader.

 

Claire’s daughter, Amanda – the oldest of four children, pleaded for a horse until her parents gave her a palomino Shetland pony on her 7^th birthday.  What followed has become a strong, dedicated 4-H mother, county and state 4-H leader, and advocate for  4-H.  Claire has been a Story County 4-H Leader for 34 years. She has judged 4-H fair exhibits at both the county and state level in many areas such as Child Development, Home Improvement, Photography, and Visual Arts.  For over 20 years, Claire has served as a Story County Horse Superintendent, Richland Royals club leader, and member of the State 4-H Horse Advisory Committee. She has participated in the Denver National 4-H Contest and judged projects at the Iowa Horse Jamboree.  As a result of Claire’s leadership, the Story County 4-H Horse Livestock teams have rated exceptionally well at the national contests.  Claire has been responsible for annual Story County horse camps and clinics where horses and 4-Hers come to learn about caring for their horse, safety, practice riding and showing skills, gain new friends, and have a lot of fun.  With her encouragement and support several 4-H alumni have become leaders and volunteers within the horse program and throughout other 4-H project areas. 

 

Her four children, have all been very active in the 4-H program.  Her husband, Larry, has also been very supportive in the Story County 4-H program, as he served on the Story County Fair Board for more than 10 years.  Amanda is following in Claire’s footsteps serving as a county horse project volunteer and currently a member of the Story County Fair Board.  In addition to helping 4-H members at the Story County fairgrounds, the Hall family  built a horse arena at their farm to give members the opportunity to develop their skills and learning in the horse project. 

 

After working in early childhood education for both Pre-school and Elementary age children for over 30 years, Claire retired to spend more time with her grandchildren, going camping, and participating in 4-H events.  Working with youth and the 4-H programs have always been a priority for Claire.  She is an active member in her community, church, P.E.O., Phi Delta Kappa, and many other volunteer groups.  She has been a strong advocate for kids and has always been most interested in the learning process – not just the performance.  Her goal has been to bring out the best in all youth.