Shawano County woman inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

The University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates into the brand new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame on Nov. 15. Among the inductees is Marilyn Ebert, who has dedicated a lifetime of service spanning 55 years to 4-H. Her 4-H career began at the age of 10 as a charter member of the Town Line 4-H Club. After graduating from 4-H, she became a leader and has served as a project and organizational leader. Ebert has shared her talents with the Shawano County 4-H program, serving on the 4-H Livestock, Health, Youth-in-Action, 4-H Promotion, Endowment Fund, and Record Book committees. She provided leadership to the Shawano County 4-H Leaders, Inc. by serving as vice president and president. Ebert’s start as a food and nutrition leader led to serving as assistant cook for the 4-H Summer Camp for the past eight years, as well as the 4-H food stand manager. This is no small task, for the food stand is open every Sunday from mid-April through September, serving food at the flea market held at the fairgrounds. Marilyn also coaches the Shawano All-Stars Special Olympics Team and helps organize numerous events as well. “I enjoy working with young people and seeing them develop into fine young citizens. Working with youth helps keep me going,” Ebert said. 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. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin. 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.