Posted on August 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM by Emily Saveraid
Irene Leonard started her 4-H journey at age ten, with eleven years as a member and thirty-three years as a leader in Pocahontas and Humboldt counties.
She excelled in sewing, cooking, and record-keeping in her early years as a member. Irene was awarded various accolades at the county and state levels. In 1948, she won a trip to the National Dairy Cattle Congress, and in 1953, she was selected for the National 4-H Club Congress.
1962 was the year she formed two clubs: "Central Stars" in Pocahontas County and "Merry Maidens" in Humboldt County. These clubs engaged in singing Christmas carols to nursing home residents as well as escorting youth with disabilities to the circus in Des Moines. While being a club leader, Irene secured a grant in 1982 to plant trees at a local park, leaving an environmental impact on her community as well.
Former students have credited Irene for imparting valuable life skills to themselves. In 1975, she received the State 4-H Alumni Award. In 1997, Irene received a Meritorious Service to 4-H and the State Volunteer to Service Certificate, highlighting her expectational dedication and impact on the organization. In retirement, Irene continues to support 4-H through her contributions to the 4-H Foundation.
