2007 Jackson County - Wanda Cornelius

4-H has been an important part of Wanda Cornelius’ life.  As a child, she learned many new things as a 4-H member.  She learned the importance of the care of animals and how to bake homemade bread.  Wanda later married Jerry Cornelius and had one son and two girls.   They continued the family business, the Cornelius Seed Corn Company.  

Wanda became a leader for the Andrew Future Farmeretts.  As a leader, she learned almost as much as the members did.  Wanda served as a member of the 4-H Girls Committee, which later became the 4-H Youth Committee combining the boys and girls.  Wanda served on many committees and was involved in many activities to support 4-H in Jackson County.  She served as the superintendent coordinating the 4-H indoor exhibits and served on the building committee to build Boyer Hall on the Jackson County Fairgrounds.  The building of Boyer Hall was a place for exhibits on display instead of leaky tents.  

Wanda has served on the IA 4-H Foundation and ISU Extension Advisory Council.  She has been a 4-H judge in many other counties and helps with the Jackson County Open Show.  Currently Wanda is a leader of the Andrew Achievers 4-H Club and a member of the Jackson County Endowment Committee.  This past spring, Wanda set up a memorial scholarship for her late husband Jerry.  The scholarship goes to a Jackson County 4-H’er or 4-H alumni planning to attend ISU majoring in agriculture.  Wanda has been a firm believer that the family should come first.  She says “Children are little only once and we better enjoy them while we can.  Perhaps I was somewhat successful as my three children are demonstrating the same values.”