Kansas 4-H honors Hays resident

Kansas

"Loyal," "positive," "honest". . . each is a word colleagues and fellow volunteers included in their nomination of Donna Bowman Maskus, named to receive a 2006 Kansas 4-H Alumni Award. The award, which honors leadership, citizenship and community service, was presented June 1 at the Emerald Circle Banquet, Kansas 4-H's annual scholarship and achievement event in Manhattan.

Maskus is a former Pawnee County 4-H'er who now lives, works (as deputy county clerk and deputy election officer) and volunteers in Ellis County.

Now a 4-H parent, Maskus credits her 4-H experiences with helping her become a more self-confident individual with skills--particularly in leadership and citizenship--that have enriched her life and also served as a foundation for helping others, said Susan Schlichting, the Kansas State University Research and Extension 4-H youth development agent in the county.

In her nomination letter, Schlichting suggested that Maskus just might "bleed green."

While it's true that Maskus' volunteer 4-H leadership--serving as a 4-H community volunteer leader, Extension Board member, fair superintendent and chair of the 4-H scholarship and development committee, for example--benefits youth development in the community, she also lends energy to local United Way and Heart Association campaigns, the Fort Hays State University Endowment Fund Drive, and the 911 community awareness sign project that also raises money for 4-H scholarships.

As a 4-H'er who learned by doing, Maskus earned 4-H grand championships at the Pawnee County Fair in food and nutrition, clothing and livestock fitting and showing, as well as a trip to National 4-H Congress in 1971. She also served her 4-H club, the Zook Zippers, with leadership responsibilities that ranged from song leader to president.

Although no longer a 4-H competitor, Maskus' entries in the Governor's Cookie Jar competition at the Kansas State Fair typically include at least one clover cookie. She earned the top prize in the cookie competition in 2002 and 2004 and has contributed her award-winning recipes to several cookbooks.

In writing a letter of support for Maskus' nomination for the alumni award, Ellis County Clerk/Election Officer Alberta Klaus wrote: "It has been my experience in working with Donna over the past 27 years that she puts 100 percent into her job. She is dedicated to her position and sets a good example of leadership within the county."

In presenting the award, Pat McNally, Kansas 4-H state leader, said: "It is a pleasure to honor Donna as a 2006 4-H Alumni Award recipient. She clearly demonstrates lessons learned during her 4-H years and has used these lessons to enrich her life, her family and the lives of others in a larger community that she has worked to serve."

Maskus and her husband, Stan, have two sons. The family resides in Hays

Date: 6/22/06

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