2008 Plymouth County - Donna Holck

Donna grew up in O’Brien County in Paullina.  At that time there were not any clubs in town and her parents were not able to take her out to any clubs in the country.  After Donna married Don and had three children of her own, she knew what an impact 4-H would have on her three childrens’ lives so began this new chapter for the Holck family. Their kids Debbie, Dawn, and Mark were involved in a variety of project areas.  Debbie focused on Food & Nutrition, Clothing, Home Improvement, and Dog.  Mark took Woodworking, Food & Nutrition, Clothing, Home Improvement, Horticulture, and Photography.  He was chosen to go to the State Fair in Fashion Revue and was a member of the Clover Singers.  Dawn was active in Food & Nutrition, Clothing, Home Improvement, Dog, and Photography.  She was on the County Council and a member of the Clover Singers. 

To stay active in 4-H with her kids Donna would find herself being a club leader for 12 years.  Five years as an assistant leader and seven years as an organizational leader.  One of her fondest memories of being a leader was having one of her members selected to be on the State 4-H Council.  She enjoyed seeing the members grow as they built confidence in themselves. 

Another one of Donna’s fondest memories was being selected by the 4-H & Youth Committee as the Honorary 4-H Member of the year and then later being selected by the Plymouth County Fairboard as their Hall of Fame recipient.  Donna also was employed by Plymouth County Extension Office as the Office Assistant. Little did she know that she would spend the next 28 years as the office assistant and then ten more as the part time assistant.  Still today Donna works part time helping with all aspects of 4-H and Extension.  Through her nearly 40 years of experience she has helped 4-H’ers and leader with questions and making sure they have the correct forms and information.  She also works at the fair office during the Plymouth County Fair making sure that each show has the correct ribbons, trophies and answering the many questions from 4-H families and fairgoers. 

Donna also enjoys getting to spend time at other county fairs watching her granddaughters that have all participated in 4-H.  She recalls one of them making to the State Fair in Share the Fun for her vocal solo.

Through the years of being involved with the Plymouth County 4-H Program Donna commented that she has loved every minute working with the 4-H program and feels so honored to have been chosen for the State 4-H Hall of Fame.