/ ECS / Patricia A. Dishaw
“I believe 4-H involvement helps develop a caring attitude. With a caring attitude, you try to help in your community which means getting involved in school, church, clubs and neighborhood activities. Hopefully, in helping someone, they in turn will help others.”
Pat Dishaw has lived a model citizen in her community giving to countless organizations. As a 4-H youth in Iron County, she served as a 4-H teen leader providing direction to younger members and continues after 40 years as a 4-H leader today. Dishaw is in her ninth term as Mansfield Township treasurer, serving 34 years as a public servant. Additionally , she shows her commitment to community by serving as president of the Mansfield Historical Society for 37 years, president of the Happy Hallow Homemakers for 35 years and 60 years as the St. Rose Catholic Church organist. She also served 20 years as co-editor/publisher of the Mansfield News, president of the Iron County Medical Care Facility Auxiliary and a two year term as president and 20 year-member for of the Crystal Falls Musicale, raising money for music scholarships. She is current treasurer and past secretary of the Heritage Trail Board. For the past 20 years Dishaw has volunteered at least monthly for the Iron County Medicate Facility where she gives beauty treatments to residents, serves residents at parties, assists on off-site outings and assists in purchasing gifts for residents. She also volunteers at the Iron County Historical Museum for student educational programs relating to the history of the mining and logging industries in Mansfield Township. Dishaw was instrumental in the restoration of the Mansfield Pioneer Church, a local historical building, and also led the development of vacant land to create a community park for children and families. She has been recognized for her volunteerism as the Iron County Museum Volunteer of the Year, Crystal Falls Woman of the Year and Iron County Homemaker of the Year. She also received a volunteer award grant from MTA/Wal-Mart to purchase playground equipment for Mansfield Township parks.
4-H is an engaging and fun program where you can learn about animals, responsibility and so much more. There are a lot of activities and opportunities that I can do and have because of 4-H.
— Kylie Smith, Ionia County
Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.
he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!