James Everts recognized in Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Hall of Fame

Published on by jackie.askins
Jim Everts

Jim Everts receives Hall of Fame award with Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Program Director Dale Leidheiser and Wisconsin 4-H Youth Leader Council President Pauline Schlais

The University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand-new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame Saturday, November 15. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, according to Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development State Program Director Dale Leidheiser.

“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy, or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser says.

Wisconsin 4-H is proud to be represented by James Everts in the 4-H Hall of Fame. Jim began his Extension career as a 4-H Agent in Wood and then Rock County. He was hired as the first Livestock Youth Specialist, where he developed the first livestock literature, started the 4-H horse project, and organized the first statewide 4-H Horse Show in 1957. He then served as the Western District Director. He finished his career as the State 4-H Program Leader, where he provided administrative leadership to a grant through the National 4-H Council and W.K. Kellogg Foundation to strengthen volunteerism.

Jim has a history of community service and leadership outside Extension, including membership in the Middleton Kiwanis, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House and St. Vincent’s Food Pantry. He has been active in the Madison Chapter of National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association. He was a grower and shower of award winning dahlias and served as President of the Badger Dahlia Society.

Jim believes in giving back to the community and connecting with people on a personal level. His leadership style has helped many people grow and flourish.

Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame website to learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders.