Posted on August 21, 2018 at 3:17 PM by Global Reach
Helen and Roland Lauer of rural Mt. Pleasant, have been active supporters of the Henry County 4-H program throughout their lifetime. In 1962 their journey began with Helen actively helping the Lucky Lassies 4-H Club. She continued assisting the club for the next eight years and especially enjoyed opening up her kitchen for her daughter and friend to practice their bread making demonstration for the fair competition. 
Roland’s passion for agriculture led him to become leader of the Champion Clippers 4-H Club in 1964. He enjoyed all the camaraderie and opportunity to encourage young men in their endeavors into animal husbandry and agriculture. He continued in this role for the next eight years and felt privileged to watch many of these young men continue in agriculture in the local area.
He supported all the county fair preparations during weigh-ins for the animals and necessary data recording. He was always encouraging each entrant to be their best. Fair time was special!! It’s also a 4-H member’s opportunity to present themselves to the public. He always stressed the importance of a great attitude, humble spirit, and kind heart when working with their livestock project.
As the years continued and their grandchildren became eligible, they encouraged them to be part of 4-H. Helen and Roland always felt there was so much to learn from the participation in a group of like- mined individuals, as well as, the pride one could earn from a summer of hard work raising a pig and preparing it for showing at the county fair.
Helen shared recipes and her kitchen with her granddaughter, as well as her sewing skills. Roland shared his wealth of experience raising livestock with his grandson and granddaughter. He was especially proud when his grandson won the grand champion pig with the genetics developed by his son over the years. He also cheerfully provided shop area for his son and grandson to restore an antique tractor, which went to the state fair during his grandson’s senior year. Roland was a great supporter of fundraising, providing crop ground for the Mount-N-eers Club to raise sweet corn (which allowed the club members to enjoy a ski trip to Snowstar).
Helen and Roland’s commitment to service was passed to their grandchildren as each of them served on the County 4-H Council throughout their high school years.
In 2007 Helen and Roland established the 4-H Leadership Scholarship to assist Henry County 4-H members pursuing college degrees in agriculture or related fields. Again, Helen and Roland continue to encourage and support the 4-H program as the next generation reaches for their dreams!
