Posted on August 18, 2014 at 8:08 AM by Global Reach
Legend has it that Mike Hendrickson’s grandfather was one of the founders of the Louisa County 4-H Club known as JCAB. Perhaps that’s true, but the Louisa County 2014 inductee for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was never a member of that club – or any other 4-H club. And yet, while never a 4-Her himself, Mike Hendrickson understands the incredible value of 4-H and the difference it makes in the lives of the young people that do participate in the program.
As a youngster he attended livestock shows with family members and thought it sure looked fun! So when his own children got interested in 4-H he dove in head first as a parent volunteer, then a 4-H leader, then an Extension Council member – serving as chair the year 4-H fees were increased to 30 dollars. He was instrumental in leading the council to share in the responsibility for paying those fees so no child would be excluded from 4-H because of a lack of ability to pay.
As the years went by Mike volunteered when needed, doing whatever was necessary; pretty typical for a 4-H father. But then, his children grew up and left for college….and he continued to volunteer. And then he and his wife moved out of Louisa County…and he continued to volunteer IN LOUISA COUNTY! Even this year, Mike Hendrickson worked at sheep weigh-in and is volunteering at the fair with the sheep committee.
When 4-Her’s pledge their hands to greater service, they are pledging to become adults like Mike Hendrickson. It is for that reason that the Louisa County Extension Council & Staff are proud to nominate Mike Hendrickson as the 2014 Louisa County inductee into the 4-H Hall of Fame.
Categories: Louisa