Congrats to Mo. 4-H Hall of Fame inductee Mary Lou Kurtz

Almost 55 years after winning her first 4-H trophy, Mary Lou Kurtz of Cape Girardeau was inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Her longtime involvement began at a young age, and she credits it with having a positive role in her life.

Interest in 4-H is often sparked by watching family and friends enjoy what the organization has to offer, which is how it all began for Kurtz, who followed in her older brothers' footsteps.

"I wanted to do what they were doing, which is how a lot of kids get involved with 4-H. They see their brothers or sisters having a great time, earning awards, being recognized, and they want to do it, too," she told the Southeast Missourian.

Observing Kurtz's participation in 4-H makes it clear that her induction in its Hall of Fame is well-deserved. She has engrossed herself in the fun and exciting aspects of the organization, going back to her early days with the organization, as far back as 1962, when she won the grand champion distinction for her black Angus steer showing. But in addition to having fun, she has modeled the ideals of 4-H service. Throughout the years, she has used her experience as a teacher to provide instruction for 4-H, has performed with instruments for Christmas programs and nursing homes and has worked at summer camps for children. Kurtz also does grunt work no one sees, such as filling out a multitude of forms and sending them in.

"There's a lot of work that goes into this, and people don't necessarily see it, but it still needs to be done," said Kurtz.

Kurtz has been getting things done so long that she is herself a part of the fabric of the 4-H culture. Her family involvement goes beyond her siblings and herself; one might say they got it honest, starting with her parents.

"Between my dad at 26 years, mom at 20, and my six siblings, plus me, we had a total of 142 years in," she said. "I thought that was pretty amazing. But that's what 4-H is about, is family, and togetherness, learning, growing and sharing."

The 4-H motto is "To make the best better." From where we stand, Kurtz has been doing just that. We congratulate her, and we thank her.