Posted on August 24, 2015 at 3:44 PM by Global Reach
Paula Behrendt has dedicated over 50 years of her life to Shelby County, 10 of which were spent working as the office assistant at the ISU Extension office in Shelby County. Paula graduated from Irwin-Kirkman High School and the University of Northern Iowa. She spent 36 years as a teacher at the Harlan Community schools and was also an instructor at Iowa Western Community College at the Harlan Campus. Paula has always been a proponent of life-long learning.
Through her work at the ISU Extension office, Paula worked with young 4-H members, farmers, business people as well as Iowa State University staff. Paula was an expert source of information for many county residents as well as callers form across Southwest Iowa. There was never a question Paula couldn’t answer about the 4-H program. Paula worked diligently to assist every 4-H member. During her time at Extension, Paula played an instrumental role in bringing the 4-H online program to Shelby County; she was a mentor to other counties as Shelby County was a pilot county for the program.
Paula continually demonstrates her commitment to Shelby County. She served as Shelby County Fair Board secretary for 18 years and was a fair superintendent. She has also been a business owner, library board and library foundation board member, RAGBRAI committee member, and a past Carstens 1880 Farmstead board member, and she served on various state committees. Paula has also been involved in leadership roles at the First United Methodist Church.
Paula is a wonderful ambassador for Harlan through her professional networks and friendships across the state. She received the honor of Citizen of the Year in 2008 from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. No matter in what capacity Paula offers her time, she is always willing to work extra hours, learn as much as possible and be of 
service to the community. Her skills, knowledge and abilities make her well respected by everyone she works with professionally and socially.
Everyone who knows Paula knows her to be a fun, thoughtful and strong presence. She is responsive when she is called on for assistance of any kind. She is visible, although quiet, in her service throughout the community.
There is no doubt that Paula values her family. She and her husband, Clifford, are caring parents who love her daughter, Sherry. In knowing Paula, there is no doubt that her perspectives as a parent, employee, and educator have compelled her to work for good things in this community.
Paula is a person of strong character and professionalism. Shelby County is a better place to live because of her involvement. Shelby County is pleased to highly recommend her for the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. She is very deserving.
Categories: Shelby
