Posted on August 21, 2018 at 9:42 AM by Global Reach
Adair County has its very own dynamic duo, Dick and Donna Wallace, like peanut butter and chocolate, making the other better for over 50 years. Donna Wallace has been the face of 4-H to a generation of Adair County youth. Donna poured her heart and soul into the 4-H program and the county fair. Dick, was her right hand man, taking on every honey-do task, with a smile. 
Donna would be quick to say she had great teachers in Phyllis Raper and Deb Hall. They instilled in her a passion for extension and the 4-H program and the importance of helping 4-Her’s and their families feel welcomed and included. Her focus, as county youth coordinator, was forming relationships with members and families. Her day started early and wasn’t finished until the work was done. She reminded, encouraged, challenged, invited, and championed Adair County youth, with the end goal that no child would be denied the opportunity to fully participate in the 4-H experience.
Dick has served as an assistant swine superintendent for years. He also helped with countless beef, sheep, swine and meat goat weigh-ins. Every year, the day before county fair, he and Donna could be found in the barn hanging stall cards. Dick also lends his leadership skills as a board member of Adair County Mutual Insurance and serves as a manager of the Bulldog Wind Turbine.
As parents and grandparents of active Adair County 4-H alumni and Clover Buds, they know the value of the life skills learned through 4-H – communication, leadership and citizenship. Lessons learned in project areas developed into career paths and hobbies.
Donna is an organizer with an eye for detail. Lists and binders helped county fair and awards day come off without a hitch. 4-Hers applying for state awards or scholarships relied on her keen proof reading skills. She recognized inborn talents and encouraged members to step outside their comfort zone. Insert Donna into the Jim Valvano quote “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” Donna believes in the youth of Adair County!
Dick and Donna model the gift of service to our community. They are always willing to step up and help out, the first to arrive and the last to leave, no job too big for our dynamic duo to tackle!
Every county 4-H program should be fortunate to have volunteers like Dick and Donna Wallace who always strive to provide support and leadership for the youth of their county.
