Posted on August 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM by Anna Egan
Sondra Cabell’s commitment to 4-H has spanned a lifetime, rooted in a family tradition of leadership, service, and learning. Inspired by her grandfather, who served as a 4-H leader, and her mother, a state award winner in her youth, Sondra eagerly joined 4-H at age nine and remained actively involved throughout her school years. She excelled in building projects, served as a Benton County 4-H youth council member, and earned two state awards of her own, establishing an early foundation for a lifetime devoted to youth development and outdoor education.
As an adult, Sondra continued giving back to the organization she loved by serving as a fair judge in Kentucky and Indiana, sharing her knowledge and encouraging young exhibitors.
After returning to Iowa with her family, Sondra passed her passion for 4-H on to her children, encouraging them to participate in numerous projects in Buchanan County. Her dedication extended far beyond her own family serving as a leader for the Bryon Vikings, Washington Eagles, Earth, Too and Earth, Too Clover Kids clubs. Combining her love for 4-H with her passion for the outdoors, Sondra co-led horse packing wilderness trips, creating unforgettable educational experiences for youth.
Sondra collaborated with Extension on a wide variety of educational programs, including Step Camps designed to prepare youth for the former State 4-H Center wilderness trips, Farm Safety Days, local food preservation programs, and a school garden project. Through these efforts, she helped connect youth and families with hands-on learning experiences that fostered life skills, self-confidence, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
