Billie Jo Hoskins will be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 20. She was recognized at the Greene County Fair. Following is her nomination citation as provided by the Greene County Extension office.
“Billie Jo Hoskins may not have been a 4-H’er in her youth but the time, energy, and dedication she put forth to Greene County 4-H displayed her love, spirit, and commitment to the 4-H organization.
“Billie Jo has been a Greene County 4-H Volunteer for more than 25 years. She got involved in 4-H after running the Craft Show at the Greene County Fair for several years. Next, she became involved with the Youth Development Committee and the Greene County 4-H Foundation. She spent countless hours behind the scenes on these boards to provide the optimal experience for our 4-H’ers.
“While she spent time on both these boards, her two boys, Isaac, and Adam, were getting closer to 4th grade. When her oldest was old enough she began as a leader of the Hardin Happy Hustlers Club, for 11 years. She enjoyed working with the kids and watching them grow and improve their 4-H projects every year. As a leader, she always set time aside in the fall to judge record books. Billie Jo was able to build relationships with both the kids and families that will last a lifetime.
“Even though Billie Jo was a busy mom. Her and her husband were able to take time to take their boys to cattle shows. They spent every year exhibiting beef at the Iowa State Fair and the Iowa Beef Expo. Year-round the family always found time to travel to all the open shows possible. She was able to meet many new friends that became family over the years.
“Billie Jo enjoys her life as a grandma watching her three grandchildren begin their 4-H experiences. The boys are both active in Clover Kids and have been enjoying traveling to open exhibitions to show their cattle. Billie Jo has a passion for 4-H and it shows as her family continues the traditions that were started decades ago.
“Today, having the opportunity to watch her children and grandchildren, Bentley, Hayden, and Cora grow up in 4-H is a special moment she cherishes. She encourages her family and others to stay involved in 4-H because it teaches life skills. The responsibility they learn not just in showing animals but any project in the fair is so a learning opportunity for youth. It truly takes a family not just the child to learn and grow in 4-H. Billie Jo personifies the goal that 4-H envisions to develop life skills through hands-on learning experiences by helping countless youth.
“Billie Jo embodies what it is like to be a true 4-H’er. A humble and selfless person who encourages others to work hard, try something new, and be the best they can be!
“Billie Jo has been a Greene County 4-H Volunteer for more than 25 years serving on Youth Development Committee, Greene County 4-H Foundation, and as the Hardin Happy Hustlers Club Leader. She spent countless hours helping youth learn and grow through their experiences from record bookkeeping to the show ring and everything in between. Billie Jo personifies the goal that 4-H envisions to develop life skills through hands-on learning experiences by helping her family and all the families she has impacted in the past 25 years. She embodies what it is like to be a true 4-H’er, Greene County thanks you, Billie Jo.”
