Peg Morlan-Gannon of rural Greene County was inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21.
Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation president Julie McGonegle and state 4-H program leader, and Debbie Nistler as they were introduced on stage.
Peg Morlan-Gannon’s nomination follows:
“Peg Morlan-Gannon began her 4-H career in the 1960s as a member of the Kendrick Merry Maids. During her time as a 4-Her she participated in sewing, photography, and showing cattle. Her proudest accomplishment as a 4-Her was receiving a blue ribbon at the state fair for her dress in dress review.
“Peg remained passionate about the opportunities that 4-H has to offer when the doctors told her that her son Richie would not develop as a child and live much of his life as a vegetable. This did not stop her from encouraging her son to be an active member in 4-H. Peg quotes, ‘I believe 4-H is just as important as sports and music in school. Many youth are not able to go out for sports. 4-H was an organization that allowed Richie to be involved despite his disability.’
“When her children Becky and Richie were old enough to join 4-H in 1983, she encouraged them to explore their passions in dress review, sheep, goats and educational presentations. The greatest 4-H accomplishment was when Richie showed his ewe without a halter and won Supreme Ewe that year. To do this, he had to overcome several health struggles, and this was a proud moment for the family.
“Peg has continued to stay actively involved in the Greene County 4-H program as a Greene County rabbit superintendent, Youth Development Committee member, Lamb Producer, and announced the sheep show for several years.
“Photography has been an ongoing passion in Peg’s life. In 1985 Peg began taking photos of fair events and project winners to give recognition to kids in the 4-H program. She continued to do this for 33 years. Her photos were featured in the “Fair Edition” section of three local newspapers every year. During her time as a 4-H volunteer she also owned a local portrait business for 38 years. She has helped teach youth about her craft for photography through judging at fairs across the state for almost 20 years.
“Today Peg is retired from John Deere. Once a member of the Columbia Sheep Association she now raises Dorper “Hair” Sheep, pheasants and quail. She stays busy spending much of her time capturing wildlife and farm photography. This creative outlet helps people in our community realize all of the little things and beautiful nature around us.
“Peg’s lifelong commitment to the Greene County 4-H program has not gone unnoticed. Her passion, dedication, and selflessness has helped shape this program into what it is today through her time as a 4-Her, dedicated parent, and devoted volunteer. Greene County 4-H is honored to have Peg Morlan-Gannon as the 2022 Greene County 4-H Hall of Fame recipient.”
