Dawn Rudolph of Scranton was honored at the Iowa State Fair with the presentation of the 4-H Hall of Fame Award. She is a former 4-H member and has served 4-H members in many ways as an adult.
Following is the nomination that was submitted to the state 4-H Council and used during her presentation:
“Dawn Rudolph has been a lifelong member of Greene County 4-H and the community. Her father (Donald “Chop” Gibson) was a Greene County 4-Her and he passed on his love for agriculture to his children. Dawn was a member of Kendrick Merry Maids 4-H Club and took many static and livestock projects. As a member of 4-H, she remembers that her club leader, Verla Gleason, made it a requirement to take at least one static project in each area: home improvement, sewing and foods.
“Dawn showed cattle and sheep at the county fair and horses at the Greene County Fair, Iowa State Fair and AKSARBEN. When Dawn showed, exhibitors had to qualify in speed events in order to show at State Fair and AKSARBEN and it was such an honor to make it to the next level.
“One of her favorite life lessons from her 4-H days was her market steer that she was very proud of. Once at the show, the steer stood last in class but the judge made a point to say that her calf would be the best one to eat. Dawn learned that it is not all about the ribbon but more of what you get out of the project.
“Dawn was known for buying pets at the County Fair and bringing them home. One year, she bought a duck and sent it home with a neighbor to hide in her barn. Instead of putting the duck in the barn, the neighbor went to the house and asked Dawn’s mother where to put the duck. Needless to say, Dawn had been busted.
“Dawn became the Greene County Horse Superintendent in 1997, when her boys, Aaron and Jeff Jr., started in the program.
“Dawn has been involved in growing the horse program by adding new horse classes, redoing the show arena, making new stall fronts for the horse stalls and was involved with the building of the new horse barn. To assist with the costs of the renovations, Dawn and other volunteers organized the Greene County Horse Fair where vendors and speakers came to show their support.
“Dawn has always had a passion for giving back and encouraging the next generation. Some of her favorite memories are taking the 4-H horse exhibitors to volunteer at Timbercreek Therapy and touring the Iowa State University Equine Department.
“Today, you can find Dawn raising Dexter Cattle; taking her grandkids, Karli and Karson, to shows or detailing cars in conjunction with her husband, Jeff’s mechanic business.
“Dawn also keeps busy as a founding member of the Scranton Community Center Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the Greene County Board of Supervisors and served as the Mayor of Scranton. Dawn has seen how much 4-H has grown and how many opportunities it has. ”
“One of her tips is to always try new things.” ~shared by The Scranton Journal
4-H and the Greene County Community will always hold a special place in Dawn’s heart.
