2024 Monroe County Joann McDonald

Joann McDonald was a foundational pillar in Monroe County, especially in the 4-H program. She held many roles including 4-H leader and Extension Council member, even serving as president. She grew up with her three siblings on a farm in Melrose. In Joann’s younger years as a 4-H member, she spent numerous hours creating projects in sewing, crafting, and showing animals, leading her to become a strong leader at an early age. One of Joann’s favorite memories from her early 4-H career was showing in the Champion Showmanship, where she had to show all species of animals, including ones she did not know much about.

Joann was a woman ahead of her time as she traveled to Kirksville, Missouri, for school. She went out on her own with her dad’s vehicle, which she had never previously driven. Joann’s first trip to Kirksville was spent learning how to drive a manual car. In her early twenties, Joann was hired as the Monroe County 4-H county youth coordinator where she spent eleven years helping guide youth into young adults. During this time, her younger brother Joe was in 4-H, so she spent a lot of time keeping the boys in line and traveling with the group to teach them more about agriculture. Joann even braved taking senior 4-H members on a legendary overnight trip to the Kansas City Royal Livestock Show.

Joann’s family includes her husband, Tom, and their four children: Patrick, Andrea, Scott, and Kevin. Each was involved in Monroe County 4-H. Several grandchildren would also become 4-H members and volunteers. While raising her family, Joann was a working mother and held various jobs within the community, most notably, the pool manager for over ten years and disk jockey for the local radio station. Joann was not only a loving mother and grandmother; she also cared for all the children running around the pool throughout the summer months. Joann is the symbol of everything 4-H stands for and has lived out the pledge that hung on her grandparents' wall throughout her life.