Posted on July 24, 2012 at 11:04 AM by Global Reach
The Palo Alto County 4-H program and fair would not be what it is today without the efforts of a very special lady. Devona Perkins of Emmetsburg, IA began her 4-H career when she was in the 5th grade as a member of the Sioux Braves 4-H Club. She excelled in many project areas, especially photography, communications, and food & nutrition. At her county fair she was dubbed the “Queen” of the Pride of Iowa event because she won every year. She was also chosen the Buena Vista County Fair Queen but without a sash and way to compete at the State Fair. Her county Extension forgot to register for a fair queen entry and so she couldn’t compete at the state level. She also attended many State Conferences and served on county council and the State 4-H Council.
Shortly after moving to Emmetsburg, IA with her husband Fred, Devona showed an interest in becoming involved with 4-H and the fair in Palo Alto County. On January 21, 2002 Devona was appointed as the business manager of the Palo Alto County Fair Board. Since then she has spent countless hours organizing the last twelve county fairs. The fair runs smoothly and exhibitors’ premium checks are in the mail due to her diligence and dedication to the position. One standout contribution to the fair board is Devona’s grant writing skills. As business manager, she secured six grants for fairgrounds improvements from the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation for a total of $197,234.50.
Devona has also been a much appreciated volunteer for the county 4-H program. She has been a co-leader for the Junior Clippers 4-H Club for the last twelve years. Throughout those years she has helped numerous 4-Hers with their 4-H exhibits and communication events. Her outgoing personality and words of encouragement have motivated many 4-Hers to achieve even more than they, themselves, thought they could. She chaperoned two Citizenship Washington Focus Trips in 2006 and 2008 and was a State Conference chaperone for six years and the Area Housing Coordina-tor for the past two years. She has worked many county lock-ins, judged at a number of county fairs in the area, and even picked up a road ditch or two.
In 2009 Devona was awarded the 4-H Alumni Award at the county awards banquet for her contributions to 4-H and now Palo Alto County is proud and honored to have her as their 2012 inductee to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
Categories: Palo Alto
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