Since 2002, each county in Iowa has had the opportunity to nominate an individual or couple who has shown outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H program to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Greene County’s honoree for 2016 is the late Monica McGregor. McGregor will be represented by her family at the induction ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 1:30 pm in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Iowa State Fair.
Greene County has been fortunate to have many great leaders in its 4-H program over the years. Monica McGregor stands out as one whose passion for 4-H and the kids involved was unmatched. McGregor was passionate about her faith, her family, and her community.
A lifelong resident of Greene County, her first experience with 4-H was in Dawson Township, raising and caring for jersey cattle and attending many 4-H camps, beginning a lifelong love of the organization. After graduating from Dana High School, she attended Mount Mercy College, Drake University, and Iowa State University and continued her 4-H career by being elected state historian. After high school, Monica became a 4-H leader to the Bristol Busy Bees in Bristol Township, where she was heavily involved with Farm Bureau.
After earning her teaching and coaching degree she accepted her first position at Gray in 1947. In 1953, she married Dennis McGregor and all seven of their children were 4-H members.
Monica enjoyed building things from the ground up. She liked to start something, make it great and then pass it along to the next generation to continue. One of her proudest achievements was starting the Youth Life Skills 4-H Club. This club was a citizenship group offered to kids that wouldn’t have been involved in any other way. The group’s focus was less on traditional 4-H and more on communication and life skills. Monica and the Youth Life Skills 4-H Club started a fundraiser calls Kids for Cans, where 4-H members gathered pop cans to buy water tanks for Kenya. She was also the county coordinator for the “R.A.V.E.” event, which is now called “Share The Fun”.
Monica was awarded numerous achievement awards throughout her 60 years of serving Greene County 4-H members. In 1969, she was awarded the 4-H Alumni Recognition Award. In 1990, Monica won the Meritorious Service to 4-H Award. In 1992, she was awarded the Community Safety Award and received recognition for becoming a member of the Iowa 4-H Foundation 4-H 400 Club. In 1996, Monica received the Above & Beyond the Call Award from the Greene County Chamber for her many years of service and her dedication to 4-H members and the 4-H program.
“Monica always strived to bring kids to another level. She loved music and her community, and lived a life of faith. Monica passed away in 2014, but her legacy continues. Her contributions to the life of her community will continue to be felt for generations to come,” a Greene County Extension spokesperson said.
