Posted on August 17, 2014 at 4:10 PM by Global Reach
Deb Stalter was always an advocate for positive youth development, so it wasn’t a surprise that despite never being a 4-H’er herself she became a 4-H volunteer extraordinaire. Assistant leader, club leader, cheerleader, hostess, chauffeur, mentor to new volunteers, 4-H Conference chaperone… no matter the role or assignment Deb was always building and empowering youth and adults.
As a teacher and mother, Deb knew how important it was for every youth to have a strong sense of belonging, to have opportunities to master new skills, to act independently, and to grow by giving of their time and talents. She officially became a volunteer with the Harrison Hummers 4-H Club in 1994 and continued in that role until her untimely death in 2011. The Stalter household always had an open door policy as students and 4-H members frequently gathered there for work or play. Deb always had encouraging words for each person that passed through her doors.
Deb did whatever it took to keep kids engaged. Deb supervised the annual haunting of the play area at the Stuart McDonalds, M.C.’d the spelling bee at the nursing home, helped organize fundraisers, and helped members as they completed projects and created exhibits. A great communicator herself, Deb encouraged members to participate in the communication division at the county fair. Deb was recognized as the Adair County Friend of 4-H in 2001.
An adventurer and an all-around good sport, Deb was always ready for a new challenge. Youth council members convinced her to participate in celebrity showmanship at the county fair, but she insisted on showing a lamb not a steer. Deb became a consistent chaperone for the Iowa 4-H Conference. She could get more luggage and fans in her mini-van than most thought humanly possible. Deb proved to have more energy than most high school students; staying up well into the night to make sure everything ran smoothly.
In addition to helping youth grow in the classroom and through 4-H, Deb touched many lives as the flag and drill team sponsor at West Central Valley Schools, as a director for the United Nations tour, as a host family for the LABO exchange program, and as a church volunteer.
All those that knew Deb will remember her for her energy, passion, and dedication to positive youth development.
Categories: Adair
