Alumni Spotlight: Tom Nicholson

“I am honored and excited to become the new president of the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees,” said our January Alum of the Month, Tom Nicholson. Nicholson was a member of the Center Trail Blazers 4-H Club in Calhoun County where he served on Calhoun County Council and State 4-H Youth Council. He also attended many State 4-H Conferences and National 4-H Conference.

“Through 4-H, I developed a passion for raising and showing livestock and gained other valuable skills in leadership, communication and teamwork that I’ve been able to apply in my personal life and throughout my professional career,” said Nicholson. “My 4-H experience has provided me an opportunity to meet and share a common interest with many leaders in agriculture and other industries.”

Nicholson has served on the Iowa 4-H Foundation board for five years. In October 2015, he was chosen by his peers to be the newest Iowa 4-H Foundation Board President. Nicholson believes that the Iowa 4-H Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for youth development and supporting 4-H programs throughout the state. “The Board of Trustees is a highly motivated and talented group of individuals who share the values and core principles of 4-H and are committed to ensuring its sustainability for generations to come,” said Nicholson.

Today, Nicholson owns his own company, Passport Food Safety LLC in Indianola, Iowa. He is also a Warren County 4-H parent and believes that he has had the good fortune to observe his son and daughter enjoying many of the same opportunities that 4-H provided him.

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Alumni Spotlight: Lindsay Mickelson

When one thinks of 4-H, they might not jump to music. However, 4-H allows youth to develop skills that help in areas of creativity and performance. Lindsay Mickelson was a Dayton Tiger 4-H’er from Webster County. Involved in several project areas, she loved to show pigs at county and State Fair, cattle for a couple years, photography, baking and Share the Fun. “I have so many great memories from 4-H. From playing cards in the cattle barns with friends to earning trophies for raising a fine-looking pig,” says Mickelson. “Fair time was always my favorite time of year because it combined my two favorite things: hanging out with friends and tending to the animals. I can remember the first year when I started 4-H, we had our calves so tame we would lay on them in the barn, just because they would let us. Half the time the calves couldn’t care less, as long as they had food and water, they were happy.” Mickelson identifies 4-H as a steppingstone growing up, teaching her how t...

Alumni Spotlight: Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs

From State Fair Queen to baby food producer, our December Alum of the Month has used the skills gained from her 4-H experience to propel herself to success. Julie (Wolterman) Burroughs was a member of the Garfield All-Stars 4-H Club for nine years in Ida County. Some of her projects included; showing cattle, quilting, knitting, woodworking, child development and much more. She also participated in Clothing Selection, Fashion Revue and 4-H Council. Julie’s favorite 4-H memory was when she was crowned the 1993 Iowa State Fair Queen. “The competition was such a valuable experience and my year as Queen, representing Iowa, was phenomenal,” said Burroughs. “The opportunity was such an honor and defined my 4-H experience.” Burroughs went on to coordinate the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition of 14 years. Another fond 4-H memory Burroughs has is showing livestock. “I loved the energy and sense of community on livestock show day. The entire Club worked together to get the...

A Special Week - Just for Volunteers!

As the 2010 National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, comes to a close, it is nice to look back to see how counties have recognized those that put their time and effort into helping Iowa’s youth. These volunteers give to 4-H all year long, and it is great to have a week dedicated to their hard work. Here are a few counties that have made the extra effort to show their volunteer appreciation: With a “driving” theme, Muscatine County handed out cards at a recent leader’s training. “Thank you for Driving Muscatine County 4-H Youth to a Successful Future!” was written on the front, with 4-H member’s individual impact statements on the inside. The county also included a $5 gas card to fit the theme. Some quotes found in the card were: “My 4-H leader helps me to work towards my goals, learn how to write presentations/other communication, and to learn how to contribute to my community.” “Our leaders make meetings fun and educational.” “[Leaders] have shown me to grow as an individual an...

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