Renny Crawford honored with 4-H Hall of Fame induction

        Renny Crawford of Grinnell, center, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame. She is joined by the current members of the Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club, a club she co-founded in 2000 with Jill Robertson. Renny will be recognized on Sunday, Aug. 17 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fair.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       Renny Crawford of Grinnell has been recognized for her dedication to 4-H and the impact she has had on many young people’s lives through the years.
      Her dedication to 4-H youth programing has led Renny to be named to the Poweshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame.
      She will be inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame on Sunday, Aug. 17 at the 4-H Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There are two induction ceremonies to provide a quality experience for the inductees and their supporters. The first ceremony, for counties Adair through Jasper, begins at 1:30 p.m. The second ceremony, for counties Jefferson through Wright, begins at 3:30 p.m.
       Renny’s legacy in 4-H began long before she became a leader. Growing up on a farm in Harrison County, she was an active member of both the Persia Cloverettes and the Persia Satellites. She explored a wide variety of project areas, but especially excelled in communications and citizenship. Some of her most cherished 4-H memories included serving in multiple club officer roles, participating in the 1976 Citizenship Washington Focus trip and exhibiting at the Iowa State Fair. She was crowned Harrison County Fair Queen in 1977.
       The encouragement of her leaders and county youth coordinator’s left a lasting impression, one she has passed on to generations of 4-H youth.
        As a delegate to the State 4-H Conference in 1976, Renny fell in love with Iowa State University. She later earned a degree in Public Service Administration with a secondary major in Extension in 1982. While at ISU, she was involved in the Student Alumni Association, Iowa Dance Marathon and served as the Iowa Beef Princess in 1977 – continually putting her leadership and communication skills to work. It was at ISU that she met her husband, Dennis. After marrying, the couple relocated several times across Iowa and Nebraska. During their time in Nebraska, Renny served as a County Youth Coordinator (CYC) for Adams County, continuing her deep connection with 4-H.
       Eventually, the Crawford family settled in Grinnell, where Renny’s 4-H journey came full circle 1998. As her older children became involved in the program, she co-founded the Mighty Golden Clovers 4-H Club in 2000, alongside Jill Robertson. With other dedicated parents, Renny led the club for more than 20 years, shaping it into the vibrant community it is today. She also served as Poweshiek County Youth Coordinator, playing a key role in launching programs like Shooting Sports, Robotics and Junior Master Gardeners.
       Renny is the proud mother of five 4-H alumni – Amanda, Jessica, Lucas, Rebecca and Theresa – each of who explored diverse project areas and leadership roles, and carried their 4-H skills into their adult lives and careers.
       Her dedication to youth didn’t stop with her own children. As a leader, Renny was known for always going the extra mile – or 10. Whether it was hunting down the missing piece of a last-minute project, staying up late to rehearse a working exhibit, or shuttling entries between county and state fair, she never hesitated to do whatever was needed.
        Her enthusiasm, kindness and commitment to the core values of 4-H were infectious. She inspired youth to stretch their skills, discover new interests and – perhaps most famously – turn just about anything into a project. In fact, one 4-H’er once joked that Renny’s gravestone should read: “That could be a 4-H project.”
Through all her roles – as a leader, a parent, a mentor and a friend – Renny has remained steadfast in her belief in the 4-H pledge. For her, it’s never been just words on paper; it’s a way of life.
       “I wish I had a count of the number of youths I have met,” Renny said. “They always astound me, and it has been my blessing to know each one. Being able to watch each youth grow and discover their gifts, talents and interests has been so amazing and rewarding – not to mention the wonderful friendships I’ve made along the way. Hopefully, I was able to play a part in what they have grown to become.”
       “Poweshiek County has a rich tradition of 4-H and I am honored and humbled to be recognized in this way,” she added.