Posted on August 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM by Global Reach
Darla Millhollin grew up as a city girl. While living in Des Moines, she met Paul who is (still) a life-time 4-H’er. Once Darla and Paul married and moved to rural Madison County, Darla quickly found her niche in 4-H. She took on many volunteer roles, including club leader, 4-H and Youth Committee member (two separate times), 4-H Food Stand staff, State Volunteer Retreat Committee member and chairperson, are just a few. Darla also helped with National 4-H Congress interviews for about six years; then she was part of a group who conducted State Council interviews this past winter. 
Growing up, Darla had heard of 4-H, but did not realize everything 4-H encompasses. Darla said, “I learned 4-H was so much more than showing animals.” She continued, “I immersed myself in 4-H because of everything 4-H offered. There are so many ways for kids to get involved.”
As a Crawford Hillsiders Club leader, Darla found watching kids grow was her most rewarding experience. “I watched shy kids come out of their shell,” commented Darla. She related observing club officer election nominations one year. A younger 4-H’er was elected to an office and demonstrated impressive leadership skills.
Darla and Paul raised six kids, all who were very involved in local and state 4-H. They typically raise beef cattle on the family farm, but the operation grew to include horses and hogs while the kids were 4-H members. “The cattle show was my favorite part of the fair,” Darla expressed. “You become a family with other 4-H families.”
Darla Millhollin’s 4-H experience began a little later than most 4-H’ers. This city girl got married and moved to a small community. Her 4-H experience began with supporting her kids in club activities; and then she became involved on many levels. Later, Darla and her family were recognized as Madison County 4-H Family of the Year. She was named 4-H Volunteer of the Year in 2018; and she will be honored (virtually) in August when inducted into Iowa’s 4-H Hall of Fame.
Thank you, Darla, for your engagement in Madison County 4-H. You have enriched the lives of many youth as well as other volunteers!
