Posted on August 23, 2021 at 10:56 AM by Emily Saveraid
4-H has always been a special part of Kelly Jared’s life. From a young age she watched her dad, Norman Boss, serve as a long-time 4-H club leader and dedicated assistant at the county 4-H and FFA dairy show each year. He showed by example just how much 4-H relies on volunteers and the skills and outcomes 4 H provides.
Kelly appreciated the communication, leadership, goal setting, and project specific skills she learned as a 4-H member. Her parents, as well as many other adults and older 4-H’ers, helped her attain those skills. There were club activities, judging workshops, achievement shows and so many other activities that only happened because of caring adults. While Kelly is honored to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, she is also honoring the people who provided the road of experience. The skills and experiences have been valuable throughout her career and life. As a County Council member, Kelly helped plan and chaperone several activities for younger 4-H’ers, including junior and intermediate camps. She became a part of the volunteer team providing leadership, positive experiences, and new skill sets.
She and her husband Jim enjoyed watching and helping their children, Trent and Ashley, gain those skills as the family’s fourth generation 4-H’ers. 4-H is truly a family experience as multiple generations of family and community learn together. She is currently serving her twenty-first year on the Delaware County Extension Council and Delaware County Youth Committee in addition to representing Region 12 on the Iowa Extension Council Association Board.
Kelly continues to volunteer with conference judging and chaperoned the Delaware County Meats Team at the National 4-H Meats Competition, and evaluated record books. She also provided demonstrations to clubs on topics such as dining etiquette.
Kelly appreciates that every 4-H volunteer opportunity is not only incredibly rewarding as an opportunity to give back to the next generation of 4-H’ers, but oftentimes it also results in learning something new and connecting with other leaders. Kelly was honored to receive the 4-H Alumni Award in 2005. She retired from West Delaware Schools. She and her husband Jim reside in rural Manchester and enjoy spending time with their children and three grandchildren.
