Posted on August 22, 2022 at 11:39 AM by Cade Cameron
David and Michele Raim are strong believers that 4-H is a great way for youth to grow into leaders, communicators, and servants in the community.
David grew up in a Johnson County 4-H family. His dad, Kenneth, was a club leader. When he joined 4-H he showed cattle, poultry, dog, photography, horticulture, and woodworking. He also excelled in educational presentations. When he was in high school, David enjoyed serving on the Johnson County Youth Council. He grew up on the family farm and continues to farm today.
Michele grew up as a Camp Fire girl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was a counselor at Camp Hitaga for several summers and served on the Camp Fire equivalent of the high school youth council. She spent 19 years working at a group home with people with disabilities. Since leaving that position, she has worked in the health office at area schools.
The couple met at Iowa State University. David majored in agriculture studies with a minor in music. Michele majored in therapeutic recreation. Shortly after getting married, David and Michele attended an event that then led them to being appointed as Youth Council advisors by Janet Martin. 2021-22 marked their 28th year as advisors for the Johnson County Youth Council. They have met many wonderful and talented high school students, the “best of the best”. They enjoy seeing the growth in youth. Often, youth become leaders who are filled with ideas and ready to lead the group. Youth Council plans and volunteers at multiple events such as New Member Night, Awards Night, fair events, Ronald McDonald House, and more. They have encouraged Youth Council to try several new ideas, including a Celebrity Bucket Bottle Show, Ag Olympics, Trunk or Treat, scavenger hunts, and a 4K for 4H.
In 2017, David and Michele became poultry project leaders. They have brought new ideas to keep the poultry project fresh including a Poultry Pageant, Rooster Crowing Contest, and People's Choice at the fair. Poultry has grown from 124 birds in 2017 to 340 birds at the 2021 fair.
David and Michele were pleased daughters Lydia and Hannah enjoyed being in 4-H. They were actively involved in multiple project areas. Both are still involved in 4-H! Hannah assists with the poultry project area and Lydia is a 4-H judge.
David and Michele have had several second-generation youths on the council. David and Michele said, “It has been a joy and an honor to serve the youth of Johnson County.”
